Chimney Repair Cost Guide

Average Chimney Repair Cost: £150 to £500

Minor fixes like patching and flashing replacement potentially cost £150 to £500, while major work like flue relining can range from £800 to £2,500 or more, and a full chimney rebuild could exceed £10,000.

Chimney Repair Cost Guide
22 Aug, 2025 / Chimney Repair Specialist / Written by ServiceTasker Team / 68 Views / Last Updated 03 Sep, 2025





Many homes in the UK, especially older ones, have chimneys as a different feature. People often use them for venting smoke or gases. However, chimneys are susceptible to weathering, cracks, leaning, blockages, and general wear over time. Generally, it happens due to their continuous exposure to the elements. If left unattended, chimney problems can develop into major safety or structural issues. You may deal with collapse, carbon monoxide leaks, or damp penetration.



Homeowners frequently worry about chimney repair costs. Well, the good news is that prices can differ significantly according to your needs. The factors may include the type of chimney repair work, damage type and procedure. If you know the average cost, you may hire chimney repair experts at the best prices. No matter if the problem is about capping or complete rebuilding, this guide will cover all possible aspects of the chimney repair cost in the UK.




Why Chimney Repair Is Important



A good or well-maintained Chimney is better and gives comfort to your home. It gives many benefits. Although loose bricks, cracked mortar, or missing chimney pots may not seem like much, these issues can quickly result in:



  • Structural instability: If a chimney is tilting or collapsing, it could collapse, causing damage to your roof and endangering anyone below.

  • Water damage: Wet areas within your property can result from rainwater seeping through damaged flashing or brickwork.

  • Blocked ventilation: Smoke, soot, and harmful gases like carbon monoxide can enter your home through a blocked flue.

  • Decreased efficiency: The operation of your heating system may be impacted by a poorly maintained chimney.



In addition to keeping your house safe, timely repairs and routine inspections can help. They can also save you money over time by averting more involved structural work.




Average Cost of Chimney Repairs in the UK



Depending on the kind and extent of the work needed, chimney repairs in the UK can cost different amounts. A general cost overview is provided below:















































Type of Chimney Repair Average Cost Range
Minor repointing £150 – £400
Full repointing £500 – £1,500
Chimney relining £900 – £2,500
Chimney capping/pot replacement £150 – £500
Chimney flashing repair £200 – £600
Partial chimney rebuild £700 – £1,500
Full chimney rebuild £2,000 – £4,500+
Chimney removal (stack only) £800 – £1,500
Chimney removal (stack & breast) £3,000 – £6,000+
Chimney inspection / CCTV survey £100 – £300


You should remember that these are estimates. The precise cost will vary depending on location, accessibility, labour rates, and the type of repair required.




Types of Chimney Repairs and Their Costs


Chimney Repointing



Weather exposure causes the mortar that holds chimney bricks together to deteriorate over time. To reinforce the structure, repointing involves removing old, damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar.


Cost:



  • Minor repointing (small areas): £150 – £400

  • Full chimney repointing: £500 – £1,500


Factors influencing cost:



  • Height and accessibility (scaffolding may be required).

  • Size of chimney stack.

  • Extent of deterioration.



Every 20 to 30 years, chimney repointing is frequently required to avoid later, expensive rebuilds.


Chimney Relining



Gases and smoke are safely vented outdoors thanks to a chimney liner. Relining is necessary if your liner is blocked, corroded, or cracked.


Cost: Depending on the type of liner (flexible, ceramic, or stainless steel), the price range is £900 to £2,500.


Common signs you need relining:



  • Excessive smoke inside your home.

  • Soot stains on the walls or the fireplace.

  • Reduced heating efficiency.



It is the process that is a little bit expensive. But you can try this because of safety and building code compliance.


Chimney Capping and Pot Replacement



Rain, birds, and debris are kept out of the flue by using chimney caps or pots. These may break or come loose with time.


Cost: £150 – £500 depending on materials and access.



Additionally, installing a cap lowers maintenance requirements, increases efficiency, and lessens downdrafts.


Chimney Flashing Repairs



The seal between the roof and chimney is called flashing. Leaks and moisture are frequently caused by damaged flashing. A professional roof repair can resolve this issue.


Cost: £200 – £600.



Flashing repair is typically the cause of water stains on your ceilings close to the chimney breast.


Chimney Rebuilds



It might be necessary to hire builders to rebuild your chimney if it is seriously damaged or tilting.



  • Partial rebuild (above roofline only): £700 – £1,500.

  • Full rebuild: £2,000 – £4,500+.



The height of the chimney, the need for scaffolding, and the complexity of the brickwork all raise costs. Flashing repairs, pot replacements, and new liner installation may also be part of a rebuild.


Chimney Removal



Sometimes homeowners decide to remove a chimney completely, particularly if it is unnecessary or too expensive to fix. This task is often handled by demolition contractors.



  • Stack removal (above roofline only): £800 – £1,500.

  • Full removal (stack + chimney breast): £3,000 – £6,000+.



The cost of removing the chimney breast is significantly higher than that of removing the stack alone because it requires structural work and reinforcement.




Factors Affecting Chimney Repair Costs



  • Damage Level: While a complete rebuild may cost thousands of pounds, minor repointing will only cost a few hundred pounds.

  • Height & Accessibility: Scaffolding is needed for taller chimneys or those in difficult-to-reach places, which raises the cost of the job by £300 to £800.

  • Location: Compared to the north, labour costs are higher in London and the South East.

  • Material Selection: Premium mortar, premium caps, and stainless steel liners raise expenses.

  • Urgency: Emergency repairs performed outside of regular business hours may cost 20–40% more.

  • Extra Work: Plastering the interior, fixing the roof, or adding structural supports could raise the overall cost.




How to Save Money on Chimney Repairs



  • Frequent upkeep: Costly repairs are avoided with yearly chimney sweeping and inspections.

  • Get several quotes: To guarantee fair pricing, compare at least three chimney specialists.

  • Combine repairs: If scaffolding is needed, think about repairing the roof and gutters at the same time.

  • DIY small tasks: Sometimes, if it is safe, simple jobs like putting on a cap or bird guard can be completed without expert assistance.

  • Select local contractors: Because they might be less expensive to travel to.




Chimney Repair vs. Chimney Removal: Which Is Better?



Repairing might not be the most economical course of action for certain homeowners. In the long run, removing a chimney that is no longer in use could save money.



  • Repairing: If the chimney still works, is a component of your heating system, or increases the value of your home, it should be repaired.

  • Removing: If the chimney is only ornamental, in bad shape, and too expensive to repair, it makes sense to remove it.



You can get assistance from a structural engineer in determining whether removal or repair is preferable.




Conclusion



In the UK, minor repointing on a chimney can cost a few hundred pounds, while a complete rebuild or removal can cost several thousand. Even though these costs might seem high, they are necessary investments in the structural integrity, efficiency, and safety of your house.



You can make wise choices and manage your budget by being aware of the various kinds of chimney repairs, their typical costs, and the variables that affect them. The best methods for lowering expenses over time are routine maintenance and inspections.



Hiring a qualified professional is essential to ensuring that the work is done safely and by UK building regulations, regardless of whether you decide to repair, rebuild, or remove your chimney.




Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.

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