How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Fireplace Flue?
If you have a fireplace in your home, it’s a good idea to keep it in top condition. This includes taking care of the exterior and interior of the chimney. Improper maintenance and ignoring the masonry will eventually lead to problems such as water infiltration and blockage of the flue. The result is expensive and potentially dangerous repairs.
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The amount of money you’ll spend on a fireplace repair depends on how much work needs to be done. For example, replacing a single tile or repointing a brick should be relatively inexpensive. However, if a number of bricks need to be replaced, this can quickly eat into your budget.
Repointing a chimney is a more complex task. This involves removing the mortar from the existing bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. Depending on the size of the job, this can cost between $700 and $2,200.
Another option for a fireplace is to install a stainless steel chimney liner. These offer better durability and come with a lifetime warranty. They can also be more expensive, at around $100 to $200 per foot. A flue liner is a thick lining that covers the inner walls of the chimney to protect your home from heat and other dangerous conditions.
Cracked tiles in the fireplace are a sign of serious trouble. Even a small crack can have a negative effect on the chimney, as it allows for embers to escape. Additionally, moisture can enter the chimney through cracks. As a result, these spaces widen and can cause mold and other serious damage to your home.
Whether or not you need a new flue liner is a decision that should be made by you and your chimney contractor. If you choose to replace your chimney with a new one, it can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000. It’s not uncommon for the lining of a chimney to get worn down over time. Fortunately, there are flexible liners on the market that can allow the buildup to flake away.
If you suspect that your chimney needs a repair, you should first check out its shaling. Most chimneys are constructed of tile. These tiles are often misaligned, accelerating the deterioration of the chimney. To make sure that the joints are level, your chimney contractor will check them.
Rusty dampers are another telltale sign of a chimney that needs attention. When they are rusted, it can create security issues and can lead to damage to nearby wood. You should use gloves and a flashlight when cleaning rust.
In some cases, the cost of a single tile repair may be as little as $200. This cost can vary depending on the materials and labor used for the job. Similarly, the price of repointing a chimney varies. Tuckpointing is a different method of repairing a chimney, and is more costly.
For a full relining, the cost can reach as high as $7000. Depending on the size of the job, a contractor will charge between $2,600 and $4,500.