Chimney repair pricing spans a 50x range. 2026 rates: tuckpointing (remortaring joints) $8-$25 per sq ft of face, crown replacement $400-$1,200, new chimney cap $250-$750, flashing replacement $500-$2,500, new stainless steel liner $2,500-$6,500, and full chimney rebuild above roofline $4,000-$15,000+.
CSIA inspection levels — what each tells you
Level 1 inspection ($100-$250): visual inspection of readily accessible parts. Required annually for all wood-burning chimneys. Level 2 ($250-$600): includes video camera scan of flue interior, required when selling the home, after weather events, or when switching fuel types. Level 3 ($800-$2,000): includes removing masonry or connection for inspection of concealed areas, only when Level 1-2 finds serious issues. Hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep for inspections; do not use chimney-cleaning-company-as-inspector (obvious conflict of interest).
The four things that fail first
Cap failure lets water, birds, and debris into the flue — $250-$750 replacement is the cheapest routine maintenance. Crown cracking (the concrete slab at the top) causes water infiltration into the masonry below — $400-$1,200 replacement and sealing is critical. Flashing failure at the roof-to-chimney transition is the #1 cause of ceiling water stains around fireplaces — $500-$2,500 to replace with proper step flashing and counter-flashing. Liner cracking (tile liners crack from creosote buildup and thermal cycling) — $2,500-$6,500 for stainless steel relining.
When to rebuild vs repair
Rebuild the chimney if: mortar joints have failed across more than 30% of the masonry, bricks are spalling (face breaking off) in multiple areas, the chimney is leaning or bulging, or water infiltration has caused interior damage. Tuckpointing (removing and replacing failed mortar joints only) works when 70%+ of the masonry is sound. Full rebuild above roofline costs $4,000-$15,000 and lasts 50-80 years with proper maintenance.