No one is a fan of a scurrying mouse interrupting their late-night Netflix and chill session. Unfortunately, if you have a chimney, it’s possible. Luckily, having a chimney cap installed decreases your risk of running into a furry critter. You can expect to spend between $225 to $750, or a national average of $488, for chimney cap installation.
A chimney cap sits at the top of the chimney to prevent water and moisture from entering the chimney flue. It blocks rodent access, prevents fires, and increases the energy efficiency of your home by preventing downdrafts. It is especially important to install a chimney cap if you have a brick-and-mortar chimney as moisture causes them to deteriorate faster.
In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator By Type
- Cost Estimator By Material
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost By Location
- Chimney Crown vs. Chase Cover
- FAQ
Average Costs of Chimney Cap Installation in 2024
| National Average Cost | $488 |
| Typical Price Range | $225 – $750 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $185 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $1,125 |
Most chimney cap installation projects fall between the $225 to $488 range, but many factors can add additional costs. A small, prefabricated galvanized steel chimney cap installation can cost as little as $185, while a custom copper chimney cap installation could set you back as much as $1,125.
Chimney Cap Installation Cost Estimator By Type
Project cost depends on the type of chimney cap used in your installation. Prefabricated chimney caps are available for most installations in an array of materials, shapes, and sizes. These components cost between $180 to $935, depending on the material. If your chimney is an irregular size or has multiple flues, your project may require a custom-built option.
Custom chimney caps offer decorative visual appeal, functionality, and accommodation. On average, you can expect to spend around 30% more for a custom chimney cap, with most installations falling between $200 to $1,125.
Let’s look at the average cost depending on the chimney cap type:
| Type | Average Cost*includes labor |
| Prefabricated | $180 – $935 |
| Custom | $200 – $1,125 |
Chimney Cap Installation Cost Estimator By Material
One of the key factors affecting your project cost is the type of material used for your installation. Different materials offer different curb appeal and durability and fall within different price ranges.
Galvanized steel chimney caps are the least expensive option, costing between $180 to $500, while DIY enthusiasts can install their own starting at around $75 for materials.
Take a look at some common chimney cap materials and their average costs:
Let’s break down the most common materials:
- Aluminum
- Galvanized Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Copper
Aluminum
Aluminum chimney caps are lightweight and come in a variety of styles, colors, and shiny finishes. They have a lifespan of around five years and work for most chimney installations. However, it is important to note that aluminum is a soft metal prone to dents. You can expect to spend between $225 to $485 for aluminum chimney cap installation.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel chimney gaps are a low-end option, costing between $180 to $600 for installation. They are available in simple, utilitarian styles and designed to be functional, not fashionable. These chimney caps last around five years and are prone to wind damage.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel chimney caps offer more stylistic options and are more durable than aluminum or galvanized steel caps. They cost between $230 to $885 and are shiny and rust-proof, making them a superb choice for coastal regions. Stainless steel chimney caps last approximately 10 years.
Copper
Premium copper chimney caps offer a high-end aesthetic and cost between $485 to $1,125. Most manufacturers offer lifetime warranties for the recyclable metal chimney caps. Unlike stainless steel, constant salt exposure leads to corrosion, making copper chimney caps a poor choice for coastal areas.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
A chimney cap is part of your complete chimney system, and there are many cost factors affecting your total cost, including chimney size, shape, labor rates, additional chimney services, and more.
Chimney Size
Chimney cap installation cost varies depending on the size of your chimney. Prefabricated designs are available in a range of sizes, including a cap as small as 8 by 8 inches up to a larger chimney cap accommodating multiple flues. Larger chimney caps cost more than smaller chimney caps no matter if it is a custom-built or prefabricated option.
Shape
As kids, we often drew square chimneys sticking out of stick-figure houses, and it surprises more than a few adults to discover chimneys are not predominantly square. In fact, there are several common shapes, each affecting cost.
Less expensive round chimney caps cost, on average, $438, while more expensive rectangular shapes cost around $538. If your dimensions are uncommon, or you have multiple chimney flues, a custom shape may be your only option. You can expect to add 30% for a custom-built chimney cap.
Labor Cost to Install a Chimney Cap
Labor makes up a sizable portion of your total project cost, around 50% for chimney cap installation. Chimney experts typically charge per project, with chimney cap installation costs ranging from $200 to $400.
Labor rates depend on your location, the experience of the chimney professional, the complexity of your project, and ease of access to your chimney.
Related Services
A new chimney cap increases the lifespan of your chimney. Consider these related services to further increase its longevity.
Chimney Cap Repairs
The average price of chimney cap replacement is $488, while the average cost of chimney cap repairs is $300. For most homeowners, replacement is the best option, as the increased lifespan offsets the slight bump in cost. However, for more expensive chimney caps, such as a custom copper option, repairs could be a less expensive option.
Chimney Liner Installation
Many homeowners replace their chimney liners before installing a new chimney cap. A chimney liner protects your home and masonry from catching fire. It comprises a tube running the length of your chimney to increase energy efficiency. You can expect to spend between $1,265 to $5,000 for liner installation.
Your total cost depends on the type of chimney liner you install. Stainless steel fireplace inserts are the most popular option and cost around $75 per foot. DIY aluminum chimney liner kits are available for existing chimneys running on gas but are not recommended for most systems. Ceramic sealant liners are the most expensive, costing $5,000 or more, but they last up to 50 years.
Chimney Maintenance
Professionals recommend having your chimney inspected and cleaned once per year, or more if you suspect structural damage from bad weather. A chimney inspection costs an average of $435, though this number could go as low as $90 for a basic inspection.
Your inspector will check all structures inside and out, including flashing seams for potential leaks. It is important to have any repairs completed as soon as possible, and you can expect to spend between $200 to $1,050 for chimney repairs.
Having your chimney professionally cleaned by a chimney sweep once per year removes harmful creosote buildup and prevents chimney fires. Chimney cleaning costs between $110 to $290, with complex cleaning costing as much as $850.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Professional chimney cap installation is fairly inexpensive, offering peace of mind and eliminating injury risk. However, the handy homeowner can do-it-yourself install their new chimney cap with a few simple tools they probably have on hand.
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Chimney Cap | $80 – $925 |
| Cordless Drill | $120 |
| Screwdriver | $15 |
| Pliers | $12 |
| Caulking Gun | $6 |
| Construction Adhesive | $8 |
| Masonry Screws | $7 |
| Ladder | $125 |
| Total DIY Cost | $373 – $1,218 |
If you are comfortable on a ladder, replacing your chimney cap should be a simple task. However, professional installation does not cost much more than DIY installation, especially if you don’t have the tools available.
Cost of Chimney Cap Installation By Location
Chimney cap installation costs vary depending on location, cost of living, and the materials and complexity of your roof and chimney. There is no way to know exactly what your chimney cap installation will cost without receiving free quotes from professional contractors in your area.
Chimney Crown vs. Chase Cover
The flue is the major component separating a chimney cap from a chimney crown and chase cover. The crown and chase cover the top of your chimney, allowing the flue pipe to pass through to vent your home, while the cap covers the flue pipe.
Your chimney cap sits at the very top of your chimney to prevent water, debris, and wildlife from entering your flue, and installation costs around $488.
Similarly, your chimney crown covers the top opening of your chimney. Commonly made from metal, stone, or concrete, a crown costs between $185 to $2,000 to install and keeps water, debris, and rodents out of your chimney like a chimney cap.
Chimney chase covers often come with prefabricated chimneys and fireplace systems. They are almost identical to a chimney crown and perform the same functions as the cap and crown. A chase cover is commonly made from metal and fits over the top opening of your chimney. You can expect to spend around $500 for a new chase cover.
FAQ
A chimney cap has a lifespan of around five to 10 years. However, more durable materials, like copper, can last decades and many come with lifetime warranties.
A chimney cap is not a functional mechanism needed to operate your fireplace. However, it is a good idea to have one installed. Without a chimney cap, your flue is at risk of becoming blocked by debris, leading to dangerous backdrafts and carbon monoxide exposure. You also increase your risk of unwanted wildlife and moisture entering your home.
Chimney caps are prone to damage from hail and high winds. Look for these telltale signs it is time to replace your chimney cap:
● You notice buildup on the screens.
● Your chimney cap screen has holes.
● Your chimney cap is loose.
● Your chimney cap is pulling away from the sides of your chimney with signs of warping.
● Your chimney cap shows signs of rust.
● Debris or water has entered your flue.
● You have had a chimney fire.
Find a Chimney Expert Near You
Chimney caps may not be required by building codes or necessary to operate your chimney, but they offer a long list of benefits, making installation a wise decision for any chimney-owning homeowner. You can expect to spend between $225 to $750, or a national average of $488, for chimney cap installation. If you are interested in learning more about the installation process, RoofGnome can connect you with a chimney expert in your area to learn about your options.
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