How much does it cost to repair a chimney?
Chimney repair ranges from repointing to a full stack rebuild, plus scaffolding. Get an indicative figure below.
Common chimney repairs
- 1Repointing
Weathered mortar joints in the stack are raked out and re-pointed — the most common repair, and it keeps water out.
- 2Flashing
The lead flashing where the stack meets the roof is a frequent leak point; re-dressing or renewing it stops water tracking in.
- 3Rebuild
A leaning, spalled or cracked stack may need taking down and rebuilding — the big-ticket repair, needing scaffold and often building control.
The chimney is exposed to the worst of the weather, so it's a common survey flag on older houses. Repointing and flashing are cheap preventive fixes; leave them and you're into rebuilds and the damp they let in — so sort the stack while the scaffold's up for the roof.
Chimney repair costs (indicative)
| Job | Description | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Repoint the stack | Rake out & re-point | £400 – £1,200 |
| Re-flash (lead) | Roof-to-stack seal | £400 – £900 |
| New pot / cowl | Cap or replace | £150 – £500 |
| Rebuild the stack | Take down & rebuild | £1,500 – £3,500+ |
Access/scaffolding is a real part of the cost. A leaning or cracked stack is a survey red flag — get it checked.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to repair a chimney?+
Repointing a chimney stack costs £400–£1,200; renewing lead flashing £400–£900; a new pot or cowl £150–£500. A full stack rebuild costs £1,500–£3,500+ including scaffolding.
Is a leaning chimney dangerous?+
A leaning or badly cracked chimney stack can be a safety risk and is a common survey flag. Have it inspected promptly — the fix ranges from repointing to a rebuild depending on the cause.
Related tools & guides
Want to know how these figures are calculated? See our cost methodology.
Cost figures shown are indicative estimates, not quotations. You are responsible for verifying all costs (obtain contractor quotes) and any figures submitted to a lender. ScopeWise is a documentation tool, not financial, tax, structural or planning advice. HMO compliance prompts are guidance only — confirm requirements with your local council, as standards and licensing vary by authority.