Having a fireplace adds charm and value to your Indianapolis home, and fireplaces are a highly sought after feature in modern homes. However, they do take work. As a homeowner or prospective buyer, it’s understandable to be concerned about how much it would cost to refurbish an old fireplace or chimney. In today’s post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost of chimney repair. 

The Average Cost

Every chimney refurbish is unique, and depends on the specific condition yours is in. Because of that, there’s quite a large range for the potential cost of refurbishing a fireplace/chimney. According to Home Advisor, it costs an average of $1,000 to $3,000 to rebuild a chimney.Larger chimneys with more bricks can cost $5,000 or more.

Rebuilding a chimney stack costs $150 per linear foot. Sometimes a chimney only needs a partial rebuild, but other times it will require a complete overhaul, which will cost $1000 to $1600.

Replacing a chimney is much more expensive, starting at $10,000. Bigger chimneys or situations in which there’s been damage to the chimney can cost significantly more than that.

Do I Need to?

If you  care properly for your chimney, you shouldn’t have to replace it in your lifetime, but you may need to replace parts of it. Your liner, for example, if it’s clay tile or cast-in-place, should last about 50 years. A stainless steel liner, on the other hand, will only last 15-20 years. Mortar lasts 25-30 years and a crown is good for 50-75 years.

While each part of the chimney has its own lifespan, there are different factors that may cause your chimney to require repair earlier than you anticipated. It’s helpful to understand how long certain components should last, but you must examine your particular chimney to determine if it needs to be replaced or repaired. 

When Do I Need to do it?

Although the need to replace your chimney is rare, repairs to your chimney are pretty common. Wear and tear from harsh weather, animals, and lack of proper maintenance can all lead to chimney and fireplace damage. Should your chimney sustain damage, it’s critical to address it as soon as possible so you can avoid further problems and even more costly refurbishment. Here are some of the situations that will require the attention of a professional, should they arise.

Damaged Chimney Crown

Replacing your crown when necessary is critical to the health of the rest of your chimney. Damage to the chimney crown can cause water damage to your chimney, which can be costly. 

Signs your crown needs replacement include cracks, rusted damper or firebox, water damage on the walls in your home near the fireplace, spalling bricks, and damaged mortar joints.

Crumbling Mortar

Crumbling mortar is usually the result of water damage, and it’s critical to address it as soon as you notice it. Mortar holds the bricks together, so when it’s damaged it threatens the integrity of the structure. Use a chimney broom to sweep the inside of the chimney. If mortar falls from the chimney while you sweep, there’s a good chance you need a repair.

Cracked Flue Tiles

Not all chimneys are created equal. Some aren’t well-constructed. Misaligned flue tiles can accelerate a chimney’s deterioration. Constant exposure to the elements leads to cracked flue tiles, which can cause damage to your home. If you have cracked flue tiles, you will need to have them repaired.

Spalling Bricks

If you find you’ve got bricks popping off your chimney and falling into your yard, you will need to have those bricks replaced to preserve the chimney’s structure.

Consult a Professional

It’s unlikely that you’ll need to replace a chimney in your lifetime; however, repairs to your chimney are inevitable. As a homeowner you are unlikely to have the very specific knowledge required to determine if your chimney or fireplace requires repairs. To accurately assess the cost of a repair or repairs, contact a professional. 

With years of experience, Brick + Ember Outfitters of Indianapolis are happy to answer what questions you have about your chimney. Our affordable chimney sweep and inspection is the best way to maintain the quality of your chimney and to identify any needs for repair. We’ll catch any signs of damage early and give you a transparent quote for the cost of any refurbishment. With Brick + Ember Outfitters, expect professionalism and expertise. Schedule your appointment today  by giving us a call at 317-500-1250

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