Chimney Repair And Rebuild: The Guide for 2018
Chimney Repairs-Let’s face it – fireplaces are aesthetically pleasing and providing an economical way to heat your home throughout the winter.
The Cost Of Chimney Repair In Texas + The Most Common Damages
Also, it is safe to say that a fireplace can last a lifetime if cared for properly.
However, the side that most homeowners want to pass on when it comes to fireplaces is the chimney repair services. Now, there are a lot of issues that may occur with the normal wear and tear of a fireplace.
Some of the most common examples of oddities with a fireplace include water being present in the fireplace, smoke not filtering out properly, leaks and crown repairs. In order to help you see the most common issues in detail – and their fixes – we are listing a cost guide on chimney repairs and rebuilds.
Know more about how to protect your chimney from water penetration by reading our complete guide.
Below, we will review some of the most common chimney fixes with their costs, including:
- Chimney sweeping
- Cracks
- Water Leaks
- Crown repair
- Other common fireplace repairs
- Other common chimney repairs
- Common wood stove repairs
Chimney/Fireplace Crack Repairs ($300 to $1,200)
If you own a chimney with a fireplace, you probably know that it is prone to seasons and temperature changes. This leads to cracks that are forming and allowing smoke, carbon monoxide and sometimes even stray embers to get between your walls or out of the chimney shoulders and on your roof.
Therefore, the most common crack formings are at corners. However, cracks in the middle or the back of a fireplace are not uncommon too. If you can spot them early though, you can save a lot of time and money. In the worst case scenario, on the other hand, cracks can lead to structural damage, increased risk of fire and costs that are up to $1,200.
Here is our article about how to waterproof your chimney shoulder.
Chimney Water Leaks ($275 to $9,200)
Water easily gets in through the cracks and causes damage in the form of mold and wood rot. These cracks allow rainwater to seep inside and therefore form water leaks. When the water combines with creosote (which is something we mentioned above) the chimney dampers can get rusted and fail. In cases like these, the water destroys the existing mortar and damages the wood near the fireplace – or your ceilings and floors.
Therefore, chimney water leaks are best repaired on time – and by a professional. Even if you have a head for heights, paying a pro to fix your water leaks won’t cost more than $275 on average.
Read more at the bottom of this page.
Chimney Crown Repairs ($400 to $950)
The crown of your chimney is more than just the tip that keeps rain from coming down the flue. Essentially, it is one of the most important elements of the brick and mortar structure – helping to keep pests out of your home and keeping the things in while preventing sparks from flying out of your chimney and landing on your roof.
Basically, your chimney crown is there to ensure that water drains off of it properly (just like an umbrella). Also, it is there to keep sparks and embers from going out of the chimney and landing on your roof therefore causing a fire.
The cracks that usually form in the crown are very costly if left unrepaired. For example, water entering into the cracks and causing significant damage to the mortar, bricks and even the wooden frame of your house. Therefore, it is important to have your chimney crown inspected and repaired at the beginning and end of each new season. Knowing the fireplace and chimney repair cost will give you the idea to avoid overpriced contractors.
Chimney Rebuilding ($5,000 to $15,000)
When a chimney is in poor condition or deteriorated beyond a repair, a complete chimney rebuilding is what you need. Sometimes, a chimney that is completely rebuilt can be a cheaper solution than trying to fix its various areas, cracks or water leaks.
On average, the cost of maintaining chimney or rebuilds in Texas goes from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the level of damage. Proper chimney maintenance in cases like these is also crucial. The most typical factors of chimney repair include crumbling mortar, water infiltration, frequent use, exposure to the elements and a lack of preventative maintenance.
Read more at the bottom of this page.
Other Common Fireplace And Chimney Repairs ($400 to $2,000)
There are many common fireplace and chimney repairs. For example, fireplaces are prone to the following:
- Mortar repairs – A typical example for brick and stone fireplaces
- Weather damage – Outdoor fireplaces and kitchens are the ones mostly suffering from this. You might need chimney weather protection to avoid this.
- Failure of door gasket – Fireplaces are functional as they are decorative, but their doors tend to break down
- Repair of corrosion – Most fireplaces use metal for the firebox and other parts which can be subject to excess moisture, leading to corrosion
- Firebox repairs – Since the firebox is where the fire burns, it is subject to a lot of hot temperatures causing wear and tear
- Ventilation problems and drafting – If you are getting a lot of smoke into your living space, there is a problem with drafting that needs to be addressed
The chimney and fireplace repairs, on the other hand, include the following:
- Creosote build-ups – Sweeping the chimney is the ideal solution to this
- Cracks – Damage to the mortar from weather exposure, earthquakes etc.
- Smoke and toxic fumes – Sometimes coming from nests built inside your chimney (if you don’t have a spark arrestor)
- Repair from water damage – Leaky chimneys allow water to drop into your fireplace which can weaken the masonry because it extracts the needed limestone and salt from the bricks. This can also add up to wood damage to the frame leading to structural damage to the home (if left unfixed).
- Chimney mortar repairs – There are many issues related to mortar repair between the bricks – also known as tuckpointing
- Chimney rebuilding – A chimney may be functional but not long-lasting which is why you need the help of a professional mason
- Problems from damage – Strong storms can send a lot of wind, rain, snow and debris at your chimney
The truth is, most of the homeowners nowadays don’t realize they are in need of a professional chimney repair or rebuilding of their structure. In order to help you with this and help you see the problems with your chimney, we are listing the five signs you need to call a pro.
7 Telltale Signs That You Need Chimney Repair/Rebuild In Texas
Even though there are many common chimney repair issues out there, some of them are minor and quite affordable. However, you still need to call a professional for the following:
- Inspections: Inspections at the beginning and the end of each season are crucial for all chimneys and fireplaces - both for fixing the present issues and preventing the future ones from coming.
- Sweeping and cleaning: An inevitable part of taking care of your chimney - and a job that is very labor intensive and messy.
- Large cracks: We all know that small and minor cracks are easy to patch and seal. However, when it comes to large cracks - it’s time to call a professional and prevent damage from happening.
- Leaning chimney: This is another serious indicator that you need to call a chimney repair professional in Texas - and a dangerous situation that may need to further damage.
- Doubts: Not everyone is a DIY chimney expert or has the right tools to sweep, patch a crack or know the exact condition of their fireplace. Therefore, all of your doubts should lead to calling a pro.
Call Our Chimney Experts And Save While Spending!
When the cost of repairs adds up, it can cause a headache for any homeowner. Our Masonry Services has everything you need for a safe and functional chimney. In other words, our chimney repair prices are affordable and can go up and down based on your diagnosis.
So, if you...
- Are not sure if your chimney is okay
- Spotted some cracks that may lead to a problem
- See signs that may lead to chimney repair
- Need someone to install an addition to your chimney/fireplace
You landed on the right page!
At Alexander and Xavier Masonry, we take pride in helping homeowners to take care for their chimneys and fireplaces. With decades of experience under our belt and tons of positive reviews, we are your one-stop destination to safe and affordable chimney repair in Texas.
The only way to go is to contact us today and get your chimney inspected, repaired or rebuilt. As a sign of gratitude, we will award you with a 10% OFF coupon on any of your chimney repair needs!( Restrictions Apply)
or Call our office directly by dialing 972-217-0296
