There’s something about a fireplace that adds ambiance to any room. Chimneys and fireplaces are popular heating elements, though some homeowners prefer a smaller and more economical wood stove. A chimney and fireplace installation lowers your annual energy costs but also comes with routine maintenance. You can expect to spend between $3,250 to $9,500, or a national average of $6,375, for chimney installation.
Chimneys are a requirement for most fireplaces and wood stoves. They help your fireplace draw, bringing in fresh air for fuel and pushing harmful smoke out of your home. All chimneys and fireplaces require routine annual maintenance and cleaning by an expert chimney sweep.
In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator By Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Cost By Location
- FAQ
Average Costs of Chimney Installation
| National Average Cost | $6,375 |
| Typical Price Range | $3,250 – $9,500 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $2,000 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $12,000 |
Most chimney installations fall between $3,250 to $9,500, but many factors can add additional costs. A prefabricated chimney installation can cost as little as $2,000, while a large chimney and fireplace installation with a decorative finish and copper fixtures could set you back as much as $12,000.
Chimney Installation Cost Estimator By Size
Masonry chimneys are the most popular type of chimney in the U.S., and the most common size is 30 feet. The size of your chimney affects your total project cost, and most companies charge per linear foot. You can expect to spend between $90 to $300 per linear foot on the masonry and construction of your chimney.
A roofing contractor determines the height of your chimney based on the size of your home. Normally, local building codes require chimneys to extend at least 3 feet above your roof.
Take a look at some common chimney sizes and their average costs:
| Chimney Size in Feet | Average Cost *includes labor |
| 13 | $1,170 – $3,900 |
| 24 | $2,160 – $7,200 |
| 30 | $2,700 – $9,000 |
| 35 | $3,150 – $10,500 |
| 38 | $3,420 – $11,400 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
While the popularity of fireplaces comes and goes in waves, there’s no denying their energy-efficient benefits. While you’re looking into installation costs, consider additional factors like fireplace type, labor costs, and your location to help you make your decision.
Chimney Installation Cost Estimator By Component
It is easy to imagine cutting a hole in your roof and stacking some brick to make a chimney, but that’s not all that goes into the system. In fact, there are many working components, all with different price points, affecting your total cost.
Have a look at the major chimney components and their average prices:
Let’s break down the most common components:
- Chimney Cap
- Roof Cricket
- Chimney Crown
- Chimney Damper
- Exhaust Fan
- Flashing
- Chimney Liner
- Chimney Pot
Chimney Cap
Your chimney cap sits at the very top of your chimney to prevent water and moisture from entering your flue. The inexpensive component blocks rodent access, prevents fires, and increases energy efficiency by preventing downdrafts. A chimney cap costs between $215 to $815, including installation.
It is especially important to install a chimney cap with a brick-and-mortar chimney. These chimneys deteriorate at a faster rate when consistently moist inside.
Roof Cricket
Roof penetrations are the weakest points of your roof, and your chimney is the largest penetration. Your chimney’s cricket diverts water around your chimney down your roof to prevent leaks and water damage at the seams.
A roof cricket costs between $150 to $500 to install and comprises a pointed structure composed of wood and metal flashing installed behind your chimney to divert water.
Chimney Crown
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.
The flue is the major component separating a chimney cap from a chimney crown. The crown covers the top of your chimney, allowing the flue pipe to pass through to vent your home, and the cap covers the flue pipe.
Chimney Damper
Unless your fireplace is ventless, it has a damper mechanism. Your damper opens to release smoke out of your chimney and closes when not in use to keep cold air out of your home. A chimney damper costs between $100 to $435, including installation.
Exhaust Fan
Many homes suffer from back puffing, which occurs when the system does not have enough flue pressure to push smoke out of the chimney. The smoke flows back down the chimney into your home, releasing harmful carbon monoxide fumes and reducing your indoor air quality.
A chimney exhaust fan works the same way as the fan above your kitchen stove. It connects to your home’s electrical system, allowing you to control the draft. An exhaust fan costs between $1,865 to $4,275 to install. The impressive component corrects draft problems, improves air quality, reduces smoke and creosote buildup, and increases energy efficiency.
Flashing
Chimney flashing creates a waterproof seal between your roof and chimney. Flashing costs between $500 to $1,250 to install and comprises sheet metal and sealants. Flashing points are the weakest areas of your roof, so it is important to have them checked annually during your roof inspection.
Chimney Liner
Chimney liner installation protects your home and masonry. It comprises a tube running the length of your chimney to increase energy efficiency. A chimney liner costs between $700 to $7,000 and is required by most building codes.
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 last up to 50 years.
Chimney Pot
A chimney pot is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It is a visible extension on the top of your chimney that increases draft to more efficiently fuel your flame. Each flue receives its own chimney pot, and they cost between $675 to $3,050 to install, depending on the material and design.
Chimney Installation Cost Estimator By Fireplace Type
A chimney installation is not complete without accompanying fireplace installation. A new fireplace sits at the base of your new chimney and is essentially a hearth containing fire. Fireplace installation costs vary depending on material and location.
Exterior wall installation is the most common and costs between $90 to $150 per linear foot. Additional installation locations include:
- Freestanding
- Corner installation
- Interior wall
- Peninsula
- Outdoor
Below are the most common types of fireplaces and their average costs:
Let’s break down the most popular fireplace types:
- Masonry
- Wood
- Gas
- Electric
- Prefabricated
Masonry
Brick or stone masonry fireplaces are the most popular type in the U.S. A common 30-foot installation costs between $3,250 to $5,300. Composed of stone or brick and mortar, these fireplaces and chimneys are typically built with a home and are part of the home’s structural design.
Wood
The wood fireplace category includes wood-burning fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. They cost between $1,500 to $2,500, including installation. A wood-burning fireplace is essentially a firebox framed into your wall with a chimney extending out of your roof.
Wood stoves and pellet stoves are smaller and more economical than traditional fireplaces. However, if your installation does not include a chimney installation, you can expect to spend an additional $1,000 or more to have a vent pipe installed.
Gas
Gas fireplaces produce the most heat, but they are the most expensive to install. They cost between $2,300 to $8,500 and come in two main types: ventless and ducted.
Ventless Gas Fireplace
Ventless gas fireplaces cost around $5,500. Pipes bring natural gas or propane into your fireplace, and flames come out through artificial logs to give the illusion of a wood-burning fireplace. Ventless systems burn more efficiently than ducted gas fireplaces, producing fewer fumes, and do not require a chimney.
Ducted Gas Fireplace
Ducted gas fireplaces, also known as vented gas, use a chimney or duct system to remove combustion fumes from your home. These systems operate on propane or natural gas, like ventless systems, and provide flame through artificial logs. They cost between $3,900 to $10,000 and give off a more traditional fireplace aesthetic than their ventless counterparts.
Electric
Electric fireplaces come in freestanding units and dual-sided designs. They cost between $735 to $6,000, depending on the style. Most installations require a 120-volt outlet installation and do not require a chimney because there is no smoke to vent.
Prefabricated
Prefabricated fireplaces do not require any masonry work and cost between $2,000 to $3,250 to install. They are often made from metal, and the fireboxes are fitted and secured into your wall. Wood-burning and gas prefab fireplaces are available, depending on your needs.
Chimney Installation Cost Estimator By Number of Flues
A chimney flue is a venting system for your fireplace. Each component needs its own vent. If your home’s heating system is powered by gas, your chimney will need an additional flue. Each flue adds between $1,200 to $2,250 to the total project cost.
Labor Cost to Install a Chimney
Labor makes up much of your total project cost. Contractors typically charge per hour, with chimney installation and fireplace costs ranging between $70 to $90, depending on the project. Masonry chimney installations typically fall on the higher end of the price range because of the skilled labor required.
Labor rates depend on your location, the experience of the builder, the complexity of your design, and the additional work needed to complete your project.
Related Services
Chimneys require routine maintenance to maintain energy efficiency and safe operations. Consider these related services.
Chimney Removal and Replacement
If your old chimney or fireplace is beyond repair, your contractor will need to remove all chimney components before replacing your system. Demolition and disposal services typically cost between $1,000 to $4,250, while the rebuild portion will set you back between $4,000 to $8,000.
Chimney Cleaning
Roofers recommend having your chimney professionally cleaned by a chimney sweep once per year to remove harmful buildup and prevent chimney fires. Chimney cleaning costs between $110 to $290, with complex cleaning costing as much as $850.
Chimney Inspection and Repairs
Professionals recommend having your chimney inspected 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.
Cost of Chimney Installation By Location
Chimney installation costs vary widely depending on location, cost of living, and the complexity of your roof, chimney, and fireplace. There is no way to know exactly what your installation will cost without receiving free quotes from professional contractors in your area.
FAQ
With proper maintenance and a routine annual cleaning, you can expect your chimney to last 50 to 100 years.
No. Chimney and fireplace installation is a home improvement project best left to the professionals. It is a complex process that can lead to water damage, fire hazards, and voided home warranties if improperly installed.
Outdoor fireplaces are great for outdoor cooking. They cost between $1,500 to $15,000, depending on the size and complexity of your build. DIY and prefabricated kits are available for the handy homeowner and cost between $2,000 to $7,000.
Find a Chimney Installation Pro Near You
A chimney and fireplace offer a lot of benefits, including energy-efficient warmth and lower heating bills. You can expect to spend between $3,250 to $9,500, or a national average of $6,375, for chimney installation. If you are ready to have a local professional add a romantic and practical fireplace and chimney to your home, RoofGnome connects you to the best chimney installation pros in your area to learn about your options.
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