How much does it cost to repair a chimney crown?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Homeowners do not usually think about the pieces that make up their chimneys. However, these pieces all do important work to keep it in good shape. A crown, for example, acts as a roof over it to keep rainwater, debris, and even small animals from getting into your house. It also keeps sparks and hot ashes from landing on your roof or any other flammable place. Most notably, it keeps your chimney from deteriorating over time. Unfortunately, not all of them were made up to code, and even those that are will not last forever.

The average price of chimney crown repair ranges from $750 to $1,000, with most people spending about $900 on the sealing and filling of multiple cracks and joints. At the low end of the price range, you could spend as little as $350 for simple crack repairs or other minor maintenance, while at the high end, you could spend as much as $3,000 to replace it when it is crumbling and cannot be repaired.

Repair a Chimney Crown Cost

Cost to Repair Chimney Crown by Material

The average price to repair a crown based on the material used is $350 to $3,000. The material affects the price of repair because of the price of materials and the nature or complexity of the work involved. Along with whatever damage is present, this determines how much you spend on repair. In the table and subsections below, we will look at the most common materials, their repair costs, and what common issues may be present based on the material type.

Brick Chimney Crown

The average price to repair a brick crown ranges from $350 to $3,000, depending on the severity of the damage and the type of repair needed. Small cracks and pieces can be filled or replaced for a lower price. If there is algae or moss buildup, it can be cleaned off without spending a lot. Bricks may also just crumble due to age, in which case it may need to be rebuilt, incurring a premium cost.

Concrete Chimney Crown Repair

If you have a concrete crown, you can expect to spend between $350 and $3,000 to repair any damages. This depends on the type and severity of the damage because that impacts how difficult it is to repair and how much labor and materials are needed. Small repairs may be inexpensive, but a full replacement could be costly. It can usually be patched to an extent, but some damage may necessitate a replacement.

Metal Chimney Crown

In the rare event that you have a metal crown, you will spend between $400 and $1,500 on repairs, depending on exactly what needs to be done. They can become dented or deteriorated from the elements or impact damage, or they may just fail before they should due to faulty installation or poor quality. If the repairs are basic and easily fixed, you can save by choosing repair. However, if the damage is too severe, the entire piece has deteriorated, or pieces are missing, a replacement will be necessary. The good news is that even though the repair costs start higher, even the highest price is still cheaper than replacing concrete or brick.

Stainless Steel Chimney Crown

Stainless steel is another less common option and will cost about $400 to $1,800 to repair, depending on the issues at hand. Stainless steel is more durable, so it tends to need fewer repairs over time, but that doesn’t mean it will remain intact forever. If the cap and crown have started leaking or are otherwise damaged, a repair or replacement could be in order. Small leaks and damage can be repaired, but any major cracks, dents, or other damage may warrant a full replacement. If pieces are missing, a replacement will also be required. Stainless steel offers a quicker and less labor-intensive solution than concrete or brick.

Chimney Crown Repair Cost by Problem

The price range for repairing crowns is $100 to $6,000, depending on the problem present. When it comes to this kind of repair, there are some very common problems that homeowners face. Each has its own necessary repair or replacement costs and process to consider, so you will need to consult with an expert to determine the best course of action. In the table and subsections below, we will look at each common problem, its costs, and the causes and solutions associated with each.

Chimney Debris

The average price to remove debris ranges from $100 to $500, depending on the amount of debris and the size of the chimney being cleaned. Cleaning services have different rates to consider based on your location, your roof steepness, and other factors. It will be a good idea to talk to an expert about what kind of routine cleaning and maintenance should be done so that you can keep it clean and in good shape to prevent issues in the future.

Moss on Chimney

If you have moss, it costs between $100 and $6,000, depending on the amount of buildup, whether repairs need to be done once cleaning is complete, and how severe the damage is to repair the area that was holding the moss. It might not seem like a problem, but moss buildup can impact the structural integrity of the brick, stone or concrete to which it’s attached.

Chimney Crown Crack Repair

The average price to repair cracks is $350 to $2,300, depending on the extent of the damage and the severity of the cracks in question. The more cracks that need to be filled or repaired, the more expensive the job will be. If the cost of crack repair exceeds the $3,000 mark, your technician may recommend replacement, which could be a better value for the money. However, that depends on your specific unit and the issues at hand.

Crumbling Chimney

If your crown is crumbling and needs to be replaced, you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 to replace it entirely. There are some instances where the cracks or damage may be too severe to repair. Then, it will be best for the structural integrity of the home to replace the entire piece. This is a job that should always be done by a professional. The costs vary depending on the material used, the amount of work required, and the complexity of the job.

Chimney Crown Repair Cost by Solution

The price of crown repair ranges from $60 to $3,000, depending on the solution needed. Several possible solutions are available when it comes to repair, depending on the type of damage that has occurred. The solution you choose impacts the price that you pay. In the table and subsections below, we will look at the most common solutions, their costs, and how each process is carried out to help you get a better idea of what to expect with your project.

Brushable Chimney Crown Repair

Suppose you use the brushable repair product that you can find at local home improvement stores, you can expect to spend between $60 and $150 on the job, depending on how much of the material you need and who does the work. Although it is best to leave repair to the professionals, this product is designed to be applied as a DIY installation. It can be done with proper preparation and understanding of how to use the material effectively to get the best results. It may be best to leave it to the professionals.

Chimney Cleaning

The average cleaning costs $100 to $300 if that is all that needs to be done. In some cases, routine cleaning restores the life of your chimney and the crown and removes debris and dirt buildup that has collected over time. The cleaning process involves using a special brush that fits inside to remove any excess soot. This is generally done from the inside of your home, but some sweeps work from the top. They may clean the crown and cap to remove any soot buildup or other debris and vacuum up any soot left behind after they are done. Cleaning may also be performed before or after other repairs or maintenance and will be done at an additional price unless specifically included in your quote. Be sure to ask about this so that you know what to expect.

Seal Chimney

The average price of sealing ranges from $150 to $500, but this service is rarely performed on its own. Instead, sealing is usually done as part of the bigger repair process once all cracks or issues have been addressed and resolved. In the case of preventive maintenance, you can spend less on this project, but it will still typically include at least an inspection to ensure no other work needs to be done while they are up there. Sealing involves using a waterproof sealant applied to the crown and the rest of the chimney to provide an additional layer of protection. This helps protect cracks and repairs that have been made when applied afterward.

Resurface Chimney Crown

It costs between $750 and $1,000 to resurface a concrete crown. Resurfacing fills in the cracks and repairs larger damaged areas than individual crack repair may offer. It works by preparing the surface to smooth any cracks or damage, and then the damaged areas are filled, and a fresh surface is applied to the entire piece. This can be an alternative to a full replacement if it is not crumbling and is still structurally sound. Again, however, you’ll have to consult with your expert to determine the best course of action for your specific project.

Chimney Crown Replacement

It costs $1,000 to $3,000, on average, to replace the crown if it is too damaged to repair. Several factors play into this cost, including the material and whether other parts, such as the cap, also need to be replaced. Replacing a concrete or brick piece is far more expensive because of the work involved compared to stainless steel or other metal ones. However, the latter is much rarer, as most ones are made from precast or poured concrete. Replacement removing the old materials completely and preparing the surface. Then, a new prefabricated piece will be installed in its place, or a new one can be constructed on-site if prefab models don’t fit the bill. Your repair professional can help you decide on the best replacement solution for you.

If your crown doesn't slope properly or provide enough overhang, then it won't give proper protection from rain and other elements. If it was not made from waterproof materials, it can crumble and crack, leading to further repair needs. However, a properly built one can protect your chimney for up to 75 years. If you choose to replace it now with the proper materials, then you likely won't have to deal with further issues for several decades.

Labor Cost to Repair Chimney Crown

The average labor price to repair a crown ranges from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on who is doing the work and how much is needed. This makes up about 75% to 80% of the total project costs, with materials being a minimal expense at just 20% to 25% of the total project. A chimney sweep that also offers repair service usually charges around $75 per hour, or they may charge a flat rate. Installers, on the other hand, will typically charge $150 for the first hour of work and then $50 per hour after that. You may not find both options based on where you live, but you should shop around to compare what’s out there.

Some sweeps also perform repairs. If you find a local service that does, call and ask about the specific project that you need to have done. In some cases, you may not be able to use a sweep and will have to contact an installer or an installation company. This could be a bit more costly. However, they can always perform the necessary repairs and will be able to do a replacement when needed. Some people specialize in repair, and their prices and services fall within these ranges. The repair process involves a full inspection to determine the issues that are present, followed by a repair plan that resolves all of the issues with the least amount of time and money while still getting the best results. Once a project is agreed upon, the work begins, and the repairs will typically be completed in less time than you expect.

The price of the repairs depends on where the damage is, how severe it is, and what kind of repairs need to occur. For example, the price to fill a few cracks will be much lower than the labor price to build an entirely new crown from brick on your almost-too-steep roof. The location and difficulty of access are also factors in the price, so keep that in mind. If your roof is flatter or more accessible, or the chimney is lower to the ground on a flat or low-sloped roof, it will typically cost less. The material involved could also impact the cost. A bricklayer will charge more to rebuild a crown than an installer would probably charge to install a stainless steel model because it’s an easier job.

Chimney Maintenance

The best way to save money on future repairs is to keep your crown in good shape. For the most part, it will be fine on its own, especially if it was installed correctly. It is best to be on the lookout for potential issues just in case your roof sustains damage. The average price for a chimney inspection is $450. Yearly professional inspections help you make sure that everything stays in good shape. A regular cleaning service helps you keep debris away. You can catch problems in the early stages by keeping an eye out for the signs of moisture damage. For added protection, a waterproof sealant can keep it in top shape.

Signs That You Need to Repair Your Chimney Crown

Since your crown is the tallest part of your home, it's hard to tell when it needs to be repaired. Many homeowners do not realize that they need a repair until they get an inspection from a professional service. That being said, there are several signs you can look for that indicate the need for a repair. If you notice air or water coming through the fireplace, you may have cracks. You can also look for other signs that moisture has gotten into the chimney. Those signs include unpleasant odors coming from the fireplace during air conditioning season, moisture-damaged interior walls, and damaged or moist mortar joints. If it is made out of bricks or another porous material, then you should replace it as soon as possible. They should be made from waterproof materials. When they are not, water gets absorbed into the crown instead of flowing away from it as intended.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Elastomeric Roof Coating

A pro would either charge a flat rate for the labor or an hourly fee of $75 to $200 to apply this coating, depending on which professional you hire for the job. Elastomeric coating is an acrylic sealing substance that protects a surface from weather elements. It also reflects the sun's rays, keeping the treated surface cool. Some people coat their entire roof with an elastomeric coating to save money on their energy bills. However, you can also choose to coat just the crown to protect it from heat and moisture.

Chimney Cap Replacement

If you also need to have your cap replaced, this will cost about $300 to $600. The price varies depending on the material, size, and style of the cap that you replace and the price of labor to install it. A cap is subject to the same damage and wear and tear as the crown and will break down over time. As this part goes over the crown, many professionals recommend replacement at the same time as to save on labor. This ensures that the components age at the same rate so that maintenance and repairs are more likely to be needed at the same time.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits. Some states and counties may require permits for major fixes and changes. Look into your area's permit laws before hiring a contractor.
• DIY. Though it's generally a good idea to hire a professional, your repair can be a DIY project if you simply need to fill a few cracks.
• Quality. Crown quality varies greatly. Factors that impact the quality include material, how the it was built, weather and climate, maintenance, and the amount you spend on your initial investment.
• Chimney crowns vs caps. They are two different things, but some people use both terms interchangeably. The biggest difference between the two is that a cap only covers the opening, while a crown has an overhang that sends water away from your chimney. When you hire a contractor, make sure that the two of you are on the same page about what needs to be repaired.