How much does it cost to repair chimney spalling?

Chimney spalling happens when moisture and water enter the material your chimney is made of, whether it is a stone, brick, or concrete, resulting in peeling and flaking. Water makes concrete and bricks soft therefore damaging it.

If left unrepaired, chimney spalling can cause serious danger to homeowners due to the moisture from the cracks as it can start a mold infestation. The structure will grow more unstable with time and may eventually fall in and possibly injure the dwellers in the area.



When you notice your chimney spalling, it is important to immediately call a professional for repairs.

Most common causes of chimney spalling

Deterioration due to old age

Chimneys can last a long time with the proper materials and maintenance, but like most things, it is normal for it to weaken due to years of use.

Damage due to water and moisture

Water and moisture is not a good combination for the chimney as it is often made with materials such as concrete and bricks that go weak and soft if often exposed to each other. Water is one of the main reasons why mortar erodes.

Cheap water sealant

Using a non-breathable waterproof sealant is important to make sure that to prevent water damage. Because it is expensive, some opt to use a breathable sealant instead which traps moisture between the bricks and coating.

Cheap bricks and mortar

Scrimping on important materials such as bricks and mortar is one of the worst decisions when installing and repairing your chimney. Cheap construction materials usually have shorter lifespans and are generally weaker and cannot withstand the test of time.

Extreme Weather and Climates

Lightning, extreme rains and storms, snow, and other severe circumstances can be detrimental to your chimney. Due to its placement, exposure to these perils and debris is unavoidable and can be a reason for water to enter and damage your chimney.

Different methods to fixing a spalling chimney

Tuckpointing

If you see holes and cracks in your structure, it may be time to do some tuckpointing. Tuckpointing is the most cost-effective way to repair your structure. It fixes your chimney with the process of removing old mortar and replacing it by tucking fresh mortar to fill in the hollow mortar joints. The procedure matches the original color of the mortar in order to maintain the pleasing visual aspect of your bricks.

Estimate Cost: Depending on the location, dimensions, materials used, and work to be done, tuckpointing costs around $190 and $450 for an 8x8 wall.

Waterproofing

Because chimneys are commonly made of bricks, mortar, and stone, water is its number one enemy. Waterproofing your chimney is truly a necessity due to its constant exposure to rain and debris. This process recommends the use of waterproof sealers that are a blend of silane or siloxane for maximum effectivity and protection even in areas of extreme rain.

Estimate Cost: Depending on the location, dimensions, materials used, and work to be done, waterproofing and sealing usually costs from $150 to $400.

Chimney Rebuilding

For chimneys that have been extremely damaged or deteriorated over time, there is no other job to do but to rebuild it entirely.

There are different methods of chimney rebuilding. It can be a partial rebuilding where there is only a smaller part of the structure that is needed to be rebuilt, a roofline up rebuilding where a new chimney is built starting from the roof flashing, and a complete rebuilding when the whole structure is damaged.

Estimate Cost: Depending on the location, dimensions, materials used, and work to be done, an average-sized chimney rebuilding would cost around $1,000 to $3,000 while bigger ones will start at $5,000.

Component Repair, Resurfacing, or Replacement

Over the years, some of the bricks in your chimney will need to be removed and replaced. This will prevent water damage and eventual spalling.

Estimate Cost: Depending on the location, dimensions, materials used, and work to be done, brock replacement costs starts at $175 to $1,500.

How to avoid spalling in the future

You might be wondering if there is a way to prevent bigger expenses due to chimney spalling in the future. Here are some extra tips.

1. Have your chimneys inspected regularly.

As always, prevention is better than cure. It is highly recommended to have your chimneys checked at least once a year. A regular inspection usually costs around $100 to $250. This is a small price to pay for the assurance of the safety of your homes from potential risks such as fires, leaks, and even carbon monoxide poisoning. A professional usually does the inspection by looking at the structure and searching for cracks, damages, or buildup.

If there is a problem found, it would be ideal to fix it as soon as possible to prevent further damage and higher repair costs.

2. Have your chimneys swept regulary

To avoid potential hazards, The National Fire Protection Association suggests for homeowners to have their chimneys swept at least once a year or twice if you use it more regularly. Professionals will use brushes and other tools to remove heavy soot or creosote buildup and clear obstructions that may damage your chimney and even cause a fire. Chimney sweeping costs around $250 on average but may be cheaper or more expensive depending on the size and reachability of your chimney.