Chimney restoration is stressful, and the cost of it is likely looming like a dark cloud over your head. It is hard not to get sucked into the deep web trying to figure out what it is going to cost to have this job done – and done right. Because the only thing worse than chimney restoration is having to do it twice.
There’s a lot that goes into providing an accurate estimate for a chimney restoration. That’s why giving you an estimate based solely on national averages is likely to be incorrect, leaving you frustrated – and, frankly, it makes us look dishonest too.
The only true way of knowing how much it will cost or an accurate estimate is by contacting a licensed professional.
So instead, we’d like to inform you of what can affect the price of chimney restoration and what you can expect during this process. Once you’ve got the info you need and know what you want (and once we have the lowdown on your system), we can then offer an estimate. We want to set realistic expectations and help you make an informed decision on your masonry repairs.
What Affects Chimney Restoration Costs?
Have you ever noticed how chimneys all serve the exact same purpose, yet they all look extremely different? The following factors will determine how much a chimney restoration may cost.
- Location: The cost of living in a certain location affects the cost of services. It differs by state, city, and sometimes even zip code. That’s why it is important to always receive multiple estimates to ensure you’re getting the best value and service.
- Extent of Damage: Obviously, the more damage your chimney has, the longer it will take a chimney technician to repair the damage, leading to more expensive labor and material costs.
- Brick Type: What kind of brick do you need? Cost of supplies always vary based on the specific materials you need to match to the existing chimney.
- Chimney Size/Height: The bigger and taller the chimney, the more materials that are needed to complete the job and gain safe access – which then ups the final costs.
- Chimney Type: Is your chimney built of brick, stucco, or metal? A chimney built of brick or stucco is likely to take longer to restore than a prefabricated, metal one.
Taking all of that into consideration, you can see why it’s hard to give an estimate on what a chimney restoration will cost without inspecting the condition of your chimney first. The only true way of knowing how much it will cost or an accurate estimate is by contacting a licensed professional.
How Do You Restore a Chimney?
Chimney restoration is simply the process of making repairs or additions to the damaged parts of your chimney to restore its structural integrity, functionality, or aesthetic appeal. Depending on the specific needs of the chimney, you can expect one or more of the following repairs to be suggested during chimney restoration.
- Repointing: This process involves removing the deteriorated or damaged mortar joints and replacing it with fresh mortar. Factors that affect the price of repointing include the linear feet of mortar joints that need to be repaired and the mortar type.
- Brick Replacement: Bricks absorb water naturally, and if you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing, the repeated cycle of water freezing and thawing causes bricks to spall. The only way to stop that from happening is to replace those bricks altogether. The biggest piece that affects the price of brick replacement is the number of bricks you will need to replace and the cost of matching it to the existing brick.
- Crown Repair or Replacement: At the very top of the chimney sits the chimney crown. This is prone to cracks and deterioration. The good news is that we can put down a fresh layer of concrete to prevent water from seeping into the chimney. It is important to fix any damage to the crown to reduce your chances of having to rebuild the rest of your chimney in the future.
- Flue Liner Repair or Replacement: The flue liner protects the interior chimney walls from the combustible byproducts from your home heating appliance. Over time, flue liners can deteriorate. But they can also become damaged from chimney fires, moisture, soot, or creosote. It’s important to replace your liner if it is damaged, so it doesn’t cause further damage to your chimney or home.
- Waterproofing: Since bricks absorb moisture, it is important to protect your chimney by having a professional apply a waterproofing sealant.
- Structural Reinforcement: Repairs may be needed to help stabilize and strengthen a chimney that has significant structural issues.
How Long Can I Expect My Chimney to Last After Being Restored?
A well-maintained chimney can last decades if you are keeping up with regular maintenance, as well as yearly inspections and sweepings.
So how do you know who to trust with chimney restorations, inspections, and cleanings? Ozark Stove and Chimney is proud to offer our customers lifetime warranty on all of our masonry repairs. We’re confident you’ll be satisfied with the quality of work we provide.
Give us a call today at 417-201-6585 or schedule an appointment online.