🔥 Fireplace & Chimney

📖 Overview

[Fireplace Installation](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=fireplace-installation-high-value-leads) covers new-construction and retrofit installations of wood-burning, gas, and electric fireplaces. A factory-built zero-clearance wood-burning unit (Majestic, Heat & Glo, Superior brands) runs $2,000–$5,500 installed. A gas fireplace insert into an existing masonry opening costs $3,000–$7,500 including a new stainless liner. An outdoor gas fireplace or built-in fire pit adds another $1,500–$6,000. Every gas installation requires a dedicated gas line and permit; wood-burning installs in new construction require a full masonry or UL-listed factory-built chase that integrates with the [Roofing](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=roofing) penetration and flashing.

[Fireplace Conversion Services](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=fireplace-conversion-services) handles the transformation of an existing firebox from one fuel type to another — most commonly wood-to-gas or gas-to-electric. A wood-to-gas conversion using a vented gas log set costs $700–$2,500 in materials plus $200–$600 for gas line extension; switching to a vent-free log set is cheaper but restricted or prohibited in some jurisdictions. Converting a gas fireplace to electric eliminates the flue requirement entirely and runs $800–$3,000 depending on the electric insert selected. NFI-certified technicians should perform any gas-side work; local [Electrical](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=electrical) contractors handle dedicated circuit requirements for electric units.

[Fireplace Repairs & Maintenance](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=fireplace-repairs-maintenance) addresses firebox cracks, damaged fire brick, failing refractory panels, broken gas valve components, pilot light issues, and draft problems. Refractory panel replacement on a factory-built unit runs $200–$600 per panel. Mortar joint repointing inside the firebox costs $300–$900 for a standard opening. Gas valve or igniter replacement averages $150–$450 in parts and labor. Smoke draft issues — a fireplace that backdraws into the room — often trace to a too-short flue, a cold flue, or negative house pressure that a $75–$200 diagnostic visit can identify before a $500–$2,000 structural fix.

[Fireplace Cleaning & InspectionsAnnual fireplace inspection](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=fireplace-cleaning-inspectionsannual-fireplace-ins) is the annual inspection and cleaning that NFPA 211 recommends before each heating season. Fireplace Cleaning & InspectionsAnnual fireplace inspection at the Level 1 tier — a visual examination of all accessible areas — runs $75–$200 and satisfies the minimum annual requirement for a wood-burning fireplace used fewer than two cords per season. A Level 2 inspection, required after any appliance change, property sale, or suspected damage, adds video scanning of the firebox and smoke chamber and runs $200–$600. CSIA-certified sweeps are the credential to look for; this service pairs naturally with a full [Home Inspector](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=home-inspector) engagement during real estate transactions.

[Custom Builds & Upgrades](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=custom-builds-upgrades) includes masonry fireplace construction from scratch, outdoor kitchen fireplaces, double-sided see-through fireplaces, and full surround redesigns. A custom full-masonry indoor fireplace built to Rumford proportions (the most efficient traditional design) costs $8,000–$25,000 depending on stone or brick selection and market. Double-sided gas fireplaces running between a living room and primary suite run $6,000–$15,000 installed. Outdoor fireplace builds that integrate with [Masonry](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=masonry), [Landscaping](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=landscaping), and [Concrete](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=concrete) contractors range from $3,000 to $20,000+.

[Accessories & Add-Ons](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=accessories-add-ons) covers the hardware and components that improve safety, efficiency, or aesthetics without structural modification. Glass door enclosures ($250–$1,200 installed) reduce heated air loss when the fireplace is not in use. Blower kits and heat exchangers ($150–$500) push more radiant heat into the room. Fireplace surrounds, mantels, and hearth extensions in marble, granite, or tile run $500–$5,000 for supply and installation. Gas log sets, remote ignition systems, and thermostat controls are common add-ons that an NFI-certified dealer can spec and install in a single visit.

[Emergency Services](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=emergency-services-premium-leads) responds to chimney fires, carbon monoxide incidents, animal intrusions blocking a flue mid-winter, and fire damage assessment. A chimney fire — identified by a loud roaring sound, visible flames from the top, or a popping noise in the flue — is a 911 call first, a CSIA sweep second. Post-fire Level 2 or Level 3 inspection is required before the system can legally be used again; Level 3 involves partial demolition to access concealed areas and runs $1,000–$5,000. After fire or smoke damage, coordinate with [Water & Mold Remediation](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=water-mold-remediation) if suppression water entered the structure.

[Chimney Inspections](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=chimney-inspections) are the stand-alone structural evaluation of the chimney from crown to foundation — separate from the fireplace cleaning inspection above. Level 1 visual runs $100–$250. Level 2 with video scanning of the flue interior using a RIDGID or SkipIt camera system costs $200–$600 and is the standard for real estate transfers. Level 3 — required when hidden damage is suspected — may involve removing sections of the chimney chase or attic framing and runs $500–$3,500. Inspections reveal cracked flue tiles, spalled brickwork, failed mortar crowns, and deteriorated flashing before they become water or fire hazards.

[Chimney Cleaning / Sweeping](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=chimney-cleaning-sweeping) removes creosote — the tar-like byproduct of incomplete wood combustion — from the flue walls. First-degree creosote (light, flaky) cleans easily with rotary brushes. Second-degree glazed creosote requires chemical treatments (Poultice Creosote Remover or ACS products) plus mechanical removal. Third-degree honeycomb creosote is a relining or demolition situation. NFPA 211 recommends annual cleaning for any wood-burning system burning more than one cord per year. Standard sweep of an average single-flue chimney runs $150–$300; heavy creosote or a two-story plus liner adds $100–$400.

[Chimney Repairs](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=chimney-repairs) addresses cracked or spalled brick, failed mortar joints, damaged crowns, and deteriorated flue tiles without a full rebuild. Tuckpointing (mortar joint repointing) costs $5–$25 per square foot on the exterior face; a full exterior repoint of an average two-story chimney runs $500–$2,500. Spalled brick replacement runs $15–$30 per brick installed. Crown repair or resurfacing with CrownCoat or a custom-poured concrete crown costs $200–$800. Hairline flue tile cracks can sometimes be sealed with HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant System at $700–$2,500 as an alternative to full relining.

[Chimney Relining](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=chimney-relining) installs a new flue liner when the original clay tile liner is cracked, missing, or undersized for the connected appliance. Stainless steel flexible liner (316L alloy for gas, 304 for oil) costs $1,500–$4,500 for a typical single-story application. Rigid stainless sections cost less in materials but require a straight flue path. Cast-in-place liner systems (Furanflex, Thermocrete) pour a seamless ceramic liner around a bladder form and cost $3,000–$7,000 — preferred for irregular or oval flues. Relining is also required when converting from oil to gas because gas produces condensate that deteriorates clay tile over time.

[Chimney Waterproofing](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=chimney-waterproofing) applies penetrating water repellents to the exposed masonry to prevent freeze-thaw spalling — the single largest cause of premature chimney deterioration in cold climates. Siloxane-based water repellents (ChimneySaver, Siloxirane) are vapor-permeable, meaning they let the masonry breathe while blocking liquid water. Application to an average chimney costs $250–$600 and should be reapplied every 5–10 years. Do not confuse waterproofing with paint or sealer, which trap moisture. Pairing waterproofing with a new crown and a stainless cap maximizes the investment and should be considered alongside [Roofing](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=roofing) maintenance cycles.

[Chimney Cap & Damper Services](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=chimney-cap-damper-services) installs, replaces, or repairs the two most cost-effective components on a chimney. A standard stainless steel chimney cap ($60–$300 supply) keeps rain, debris, and animals out of the flue; installation runs $100–$350. Top-mount dampers (Lyemance, Lock-Top) replace failing throat dampers and seal the flue completely when the fireplace is not in use, reducing energy loss by an estimated 30% in drafty older homes. Top-mount damper supply and install runs $200–$500. Animal exclusion — removing a nesting bird or raccoon — runs $150–$400 and often pairs with a new cap.

[Chimney Flashing](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=chimney-flashing) seals the joint between the chimney and the roof deck — the most common point of roof-related water infiltration in residential homes. Standard step flashing and counter flashing in 26-gauge galvanized or aluminum costs $300–$900 installed on a straightforward gable-roof penetration. Copper flashing runs $800–$2,000 for the same scope but lasts 50+ years. Crickets (saddle flashings) are required by IRC R903.2 when the chimney is wider than 30 inches and water can pond uphill of the chimney; a cricket adds $200–$600. Flashing work almost always involves coordination with the [Roofing](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=roofing) contractor.

[Chimney Rebuilds](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=chimney-rebuilds) handles partial or complete reconstruction of a chimney that has deteriorated beyond repair — typically due to earthquake damage, freeze-thaw failure over decades, or a chimney fire that cracked the masonry structure. A partial rebuild from the roofline up on a standard two-flue chimney runs $3,500–$9,000 in brick and mortar. A full tear-down-and-rebuild from the firebox up can reach $15,000–$30,000. Chimney rebuilds require [Masonry](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=masonry) expertise, a building permit in most jurisdictions, and temporary weatherproofing of the opening during construction.

[Fireplace Services](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=fireplace-services) is the general-scope tier covering diagnostics, tune-ups, and service calls that do not fit neatly into installation, repair, or cleaning categories — pilot light relighting, thermocouple testing, gas pressure checks, remote receiver replacement, and seasonal startup inspections for gas and propane units. A standard service call runs $100–$250 plus parts. For propane-fueled fireplaces, coordinate tank delivery and pressure settings with a [Propane Company](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=propane-company). Annual service agreements from NFI-certified dealers — common in colder markets — bundle an inspection, cleaning, and minor adjustments for $150–$350 per year.

[Safety Upgrades](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=fireplace-chimney&subcat=safety-upgrades) addresses code-compliance gaps and hazard mitigation: carbon monoxide detector installation near gas appliances (required by IRC R315), spark arrestor screens, child-safe hearth padding, gas shut-off valve upgrades, seismic strapping of the chimney in Zone 3 and 4 earthquake regions, and asbestos rope gasket replacement in older wood-burning inserts manufactured before 1980. CO detector installation runs $50–$200 per unit. Asbestos-containing gaskets in pre-1980 inserts require removal by a licensed [Asbestos](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=asbestos) abatement contractor before the insert is serviced. Seismic chimney strapping in California and the Pacific Northwest runs $400–$1,200.

Matching the right sub-service to your actual need is the most important first step — a homeowner who calls for a "chimney sweep" when they need a Level 2 inspection and relining quote will lose weeks of time. For true emergencies — chimney fire, CO alarm activation, or a gas odor at the firebox — evacuate the structure, call 911, and then call a CSIA-certified emergency sweep. Off-season scheduling (April through September) typically offers 10–20% lower pricing and faster appointment windows than the fall rush.

✅ What it covers

• New fireplace installation: zero-clearance factory-built or full masonry, gas line and permit required
• Fuel-type conversions: wood-to-gas log set, gas-to-electric insert, vent-free vs. vented options
• Annual NFPA 211 Level 1, 2, or 3 chimney and fireplace inspection with video flue scanning
• Creosote removal by CSIA-certified sweeps: first-, second-, and third-degree treatments
• Flue relining with 316L stainless steel flexible liner or cast-in-place ceramic system
• Chimney masonry repairs: tuckpointing, crown resurfacing, spalled brick replacement
• Waterproofing with vapor-permeable siloxane repellents and top-mount damper installation
• Flashing replacement or cricket installation at chimney-roof junction
• Partial or full chimney rebuild after structural failure, fire damage, or seismic damage
• Safety upgrades: CO detectors, spark arrestors, asbestos gasket abatement, seismic strapping →
• Accessories: glass doors, blower kits, gas log sets, remote ignition, hearth surrounds
• Emergency response: post-chimney-fire Level 2/3 inspection, animal intrusion, gas leak diagnostics

💵 Typical cost range

Chimney sweeping (single flue, light creosote) runs $150–$300. Level 1 inspection adds $75–$200; Level 2 with video camera $200–$600. Gas fireplace service call with minor parts averages $150–$350. Chimney cap supply and install: $150–$400. Tuckpointing an exterior chimney face: $500–$2,500. Flashing replacement: $300–$1,500. Stainless steel relining of a single flue: $1,500–$4,500. Gas insert installation into existing masonry: $3,000–$7,500. Custom masonry fireplace build from scratch: $8,000–$25,000. Full chimney rebuild: $10,000–$30,000. Regional variance is significant — Northeast and Pacific Coast markets run 20–35% above national averages. Off-season scheduling (April–September) typically saves 10–20% versus fall peak.

🛡️ Hiring tips

• Verify CSIA or NCSG certification for any sweep or inspection work — ask for the certificate number and confirm it at csia.org; uncertified sweeps cannot perform a defensible NFPA 211 Level 2 inspection
• Require NFI Gas Specialist or NFI Pellet credentials for any gas or pellet appliance installation, conversion, or service — this is the industry standard equivalent to a journeyman license for hearth appliances
• Pull a permit for any new fireplace installation, gas line extension, or structural chimney repair — unpermitted work voids homeowner's insurance coverage for fire losses in most states
• Get at least two written quotes that specify the liner alloy (316L vs. 304 stainless), liner diameter, and insulation wrap for any relining job — these variables drive cost and performance more than brand names
• Do not pay more than 25–30% upfront for any repair or installation exceeding $1,000 — legitimate contractors collect the balance on completion or on approved draw milestones for large rebuilds
• Ask for a written report with photos after any Level 2 inspection — verbal-only reports from sweeps are a red flag; a real CSIA inspection produces documentation you can share with your insurance carrier or buyer's agent
• Confirm the contractor carries general liability of at least $1 million and workers' compensation — chimney work is high-fall-risk and a single injury claim without coverage can become your liability
• For gas appliances, ask whether the technician will perform a combustion analysis and pressure test at completion — a proper startup includes verifying gas pressure at the appliance, not just lighting the pilot and leaving

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