Average cost to install a chimney

The chimney is insulated and has a flue, lining, damper, and roof flashing. These are a great option for those looking to cut down on the electricity bills and have access to an ample amount of wood. However, if the fireplace is a zero-clearance or ventless fireplace with no flue to begin with, it is highly likely it cannot be converted.

If it already has a flue, the gas line will have to be capped, gas inserts removed, and the flue changed out by a professional.

This is no DIY job because of the danger of smoke inhalation if it's not done right. The installation cost can cost a lot more if you have no existing gas line to the house, but a local gas company might be willing to cover that cost to get your business. The overall maintenance of a gas fireplace is relatively low. There is no soot or ash to scrape out, therefore requiring no cleaning. Also, gas is a much better choice of fireplace if you live in an earthquake-prone location.

Some sample prices for a direct-vent or vent-free gas fireplace without labor costs are:. The difference in price between a gas-fueled and propane-fueled fireplace is in the fuel cost. Less propane is needed to provide the same amount of heat as gas. Both are considered to burn clean, but natural gas burns cleaner. Gas logs are available for vented or vent-free gas fireplaces. Vent-free gas logs are cheaper and produce the most heat but release more carbon monoxide.

An oxygen depletion sensor comes with unvented gas logs and will shut the fire off before levels of carbon monoxide get high. Choose based on fuel type, the addition of lava rock cinders, and a remote-control option. Otherwise, you can just plug it in. Electric fireplaces are safe and more practical than traditional open-hearth fireplaces. They require no clearance between combustible materials like paneling, walls, or wood and themselves, because they maintain a cool exterior.

Also, electric fireplaces don't require a chimney or hearth and can add a high aesthetic value to a room. They are better at heating rooms, as their heat does not escape up a chimney.

However, prefabricated fireplaces are much cheaper to install and cleaner to run. Of that total cost, the cost to install a fireplace and to buy the firebox the fire burns inside are two different price points to consider. Do you want a large mantel, simple mantel shelf, ornate frieze, or inlay brickwork?

Is the area irregular or difficult to add fittings and moldings to? There is also the cost of materials used to assemble the mantel or surrounding molding, like plaster. Indoor and outdoor models are built the same way, but outdoor models are more flexible on fireplace codes.

Additional charges may come with masonry work used to build a surround structure of the firebox, such as a hearth. An outdoor fireplace is an excellent alternative to a firepit. A post-installation inspection is necessary to confirm that everything is up to modern building codes.

Building inspectors won't approve a chimney sealant, such as Heatshield "Cerfractory", as a substitute for a liner. Warranty benefits vary according to the installer and the manufacturer. The best companies offer a limited lifetime transferable warranty that even covers fire damage.

Most chimney liner warranties require the liner is installed by a professional and inspected annually. A video inspection reveals the extent of the damage and helps determine if repairs are possible or if relining is required. Repairing a liner is a temporary solution, and most professionals recommend installing a new flue liner instead. Building codes prohibit DIY chimney liner installation in many states due to health, safety, and structural hazards. Incorrect installation or using the wrong size liner can cause a fire and dangerous exposure to carbon monoxide.

Hiring a professional with the right equipment and training ensures safety and quality assurance. Cast-in-place mixes, clay tile, and pour-in insulation should always be done by a professional. For experienced homeowners, kits are available to purchase. Kits come with everything needed to install, including the liner, tee, tee cap, top plate, fasteners, and chimney cap.

Most kits sell insulation separately. There are many factors to match the right fuel type and appliance. Installing the wrong type can decrease efficiency and even cause a fire. In states with required chimney liner inspections, the professional installer calculates the necessary size.

To size a chimney liner yourself:. A properly sized chimney liner should maintain or improve the venting performance.

Undersized liners don't allow the appliance to vent correctly, reduces draft which causes smoke to pour out, cause gas and oil appliances to fail, and may fail fire safety inspections. Steps to install a chimney liner :.

A chimney liner is a clay, ceramic, cement, or metal conduit installed inside a chimney to channel the gas, smoke, and combustion products outside of the home. A chimney liner also protects the masonry walls from heat and corrosion, prevents creosote buildup, and adds safety. Most local and state fire codes require a chimney liner for both fireplace ventilation and wood-burning stoves.

Gas or electric inserts typically don't need a liner because they don't produce enough heat to damage masonry. Brick chimneys used as an exhaust vent for a furnace or water heater may not need a chimney liner. However, they can still benefit from a liner since it provides better insulation and reduces utility bills from heat lost through cracked brick chimney walls. Chimney liner installation takes 4 to 8 hours on average, depending on the chimney length and condition, roof accessibility, and the number of appliance connections.

Installing a chimney liner can take several days for multiple flues or if additional repairs are required. Most chimney liners last 15 to 20 years , depending on the quality, material, cleaning frequency, condensation levels, and fuel source.

Aluminum and stainless steel chimney liners last 15 to 25 years. A new section with the advantages and disadvantages of a chimney is now present in the cost guide. After that, the additional considerations and costs section contains further complementary information. Finally, new FAQs, some visualizations and images have been added, and all prices were updated. Updated the introduction with new project costs and average cost range.

Added a section on different types of chimneys, including masonry, prefab, and wood stove. Added a section on chimney cap vs crown. Added an installation section. Updated the labor cost section. Added a section on chimney liners and how to know when they need to be replaced. Added a section on maintenance. Updated enhancements and improvements with chimney cleaning, inspections, and a type of sealant. Updated additional costs and considerations with information on permits, electric fireplaces, and animals in the chimney.

Added an FAQ section with 4 questions and answers. Updated the final costs with an average range. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove in your home or plan to install one of these, you must have a functioning chimney. Chimneys help fireplaces and stoves draw, bringing them fresh air to help combustion while pulling the smoke up and out of your home.

They come in many different types and styles and should be customized to the fireplace or stove installed. The most commonly installed type of chimney in the U. Labor makes up a big part of the cost of a chimney. This is especially true for a masonry chimney, where the materials are fairly inexpensive. However, the labor to put them together can be very time-consuming. For an engineered fireplace, the labor is the lower part of the equation, with the materials being the more expensive piece. Costs can be higher for more decorative exteriors.

For example, a fieldstone chimney installed on the side of the home will have a lot more decorative work done than a masonry chimney installed in the center of a house with only the above-roof portion visible. Likewise, the pitch of the roof and height of the chimney above the roofline 1 impact the cost. Roofs with a high pitch are more difficult to work on and require additional flashing 2 around the edges. Chimney vents are sometimes included with a chimney.

The vents are used as a way to run the exhaust from an appliance to the outdoors. Vents are usually required if you have an oil or gas appliance connected to the chimney. Vents are rarely installed on wood-burning fireplaces due to high heat exposure but can be found for other fireplaces.

Chimney chase covers perform in the same manner as chimney caps. The main difference between chimney chase covers and chimney caps is that the former comes installed on prefabricated chimneys. They are not usually found in masonry chimneys and instead go on top of wood and metal versions. Beneath the chimney is two pieces of metal, called the flashing. The flashing is meant to protect against moisture and ensures an airtight connection between the chimney and roof.

Chimney liners are very important for protecting the integrity of the flue. According to the CSIA , a chimney liner works as a heat conduit and can be constructed from ceramic, metal, or clay. Most modern building codes recommend a chimney liner installed to prevent fires and eliminate dangerous byproducts. The flue 3 is installed as part of any standard chimney installation.

The flue refers to the interior passageway that allows heat and chemical byproducts to exit the home. Although older homes have unlined flues, most modern buildings include a lined flue.

Compare prices from chimney installers near you Compare Quotes. Many companies charge based on linear feet. The company evaluates how much materials are needed and gives you a quote based on the overall chimney size. The size of the home determines the chimney height. Most building codes require that the chimney measure at least three feet above where it exits the roof.

The pricing does not include any extras such as decorative caps and exterior finishes. The following are the most common chimney sizes that need to be built or newly installed. Chimney costs increase by the number of flues shared by appliances. For example, if you have a fireplace and use oil or gas to heat your home, you likely have two flues.

Each flue needs a liner. You will have to purchase a non-standard chimney cap for the structure. In most cases, three flues are the maximum number found in a chimney. The following is the average price you can expect to pay based on the number of flues. Find the best chimney installers near you Find Pros. Ideally, the type of chimney you have will be directly related to the kind of fireplace or stove.

For example, a masonry fireplace needs a masonry chimney, while a prefab fireplace needs a prefab chimney from the same manufacturer. Many fireplaces and chimneys are not interchangeable.

Always ensure that what you are installing matches the rest of the materials. You are most likely to find a metal chimney on an older home or commercial building. They are much less common on newer residential homes because they are not as safe or attractive. They may be single-wall or double-wall in construction and are most commonly round, although they can be square. If you have a factory-built fireplace, you need to have a factory-built chimney to match. Older chimneys may not have previously had a liner installed.

However, for safety reasons, the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends all chimneys now install a flue liner to optimize performance and safety. Warranty coverage of the chimney typically depends on what type of material was used.

As an example, aluminum chimney liners usually have a very short timeframe of just two years. Stainless-steel chimney liners have a warranty period of ten years or more, as long as regular inspections and cleanings are performed.

Before Installation. To prepare for a chimney liner installation appointment, you should also clear out any potential items that block access to any appliances connected to the chimney.

Installers need to move freely around the appliances to install the liner and any fittings. Although chimney liners are not usually installed in the colder months, remove any leaves, ice, or snow from the roof if they are present. FAQs How much does it cost to reline a chimney? How long does it take to install a chimney liner? How long will a stainless-steel chimney liner last?

What is a chimney liner? Do you really need a chimney liner? How is a chimney liner installed? How much does it cost to build a new chimney? How much does it cost to install a chimney liner?

How much does it cost to install a chimney liner in my city? Updated: Nov 22, What's new? Get free estimates on FIXR from trusted chimney, duct and vent cleaning contractors in your area. Get estimates Invalid Zip code Find yours.

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