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If you have noticed cracked mortar, a chipped crown, or a rusty damper and pulled up a search for what chimney repair costs Portland homeowners can expect to pay in 2026, here is the honest answer: it depends on what your chimney actually needs.
At Five Star Chimney Repair, pricing comes up on nearly every call we take, so we put together this guide with real numbers, what drives them up or down, and how to know when it is time to schedule an inspection.
Key Takeaways
- Common Portland-area chimney repairs typically range from around $350+ for a firebox repair to $2,700+ for a full brick rebuild from the roofline up.
- The type of damage, not the size of your house, is usually the biggest factor in average chimney repair cost.
- A CSIA-certified chimney repair technician can often catch small problems, like a cracked crown or failing flashing, before they turn into major structural work.
- Homeowners insurance sometimes covers chimney damage, but coverage depends on the cause.
- A free inspection is the fastest way to get an accurate number for your specific chimney.
Chimney Repair Pricing in the Portland Area
Every chimney is different, so chimney repair pricing is never one flat number. What we can offer is a real, published breakdown so you know roughly what to expect before a technician ever steps on your roof. Below are our current baseline rates for the most common repairs we handle across Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Gladstone, Clackamas, and Gresham.
Sealing and Weatherproofing Cost
- Waterproofing (breathable sealant): $450
- Chimney caps: $250 standard, $675 custom
- Chimney crown repair: $900
Masonry and Structural Repair Cost
- Flashing repair (roof-to-chimney seal): $850
- Tuckpointing: $650 roofline up, $1,500 ground up
- Brick chimney repair or rebuild: $1,700 to $2,700 roofline up
- Skim-coat stucco coating: $650 roofline up, $1,250 ground up
Firebox Repair
- Firebox repair (cracked mortar joints): $350
- Firebox rebuild (full firebrick replacement): $2,200
For a full, current list of every service we price out, including chimney rebuild cost by scope, our rates page breaks down each one in detail.
For context, national pricing data from HomeGuide puts typical chimney repair costs between $200 and $850 for common fixes like cap replacement or crown repair, with more extensive rebuilds climbing as high as $15,000 nationally. Even our larger jobs, like a full brick rebuild, land well under that high end, which is part of why homeowners trust our free chimney repair estimate process instead of guessing over the phone.
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What Actually Drives the Price Up or Down
The biggest swing factor in any chimney repair cost estimate is the type and extent of chimney damage, not the size of your home. A hairline crack in the crown is a very different job than a leaning chimney with structural movement. Here is what typically affects your final number.
- Extent of damage. Surface-level cracks and small mortar gaps cost far less than repairs that require rebuilding sections of brick or replacing a flue liner.
- Roofline access. Ground-up repairs, like full tuckpointing or a ground-up stucco coat, cost more than roofline-up work because of the added scaffolding and labor time.
- Chimney material. Brick chimney repair generally costs more than metal or prefabricated units because masonry work takes more skill and time to do correctly.
- How long the problem sat. A small leak that gets caught early is a flashing repair. The same leak left for two winters can work its way into the firebox and framing, turning into a firebox rebuild or masonry repair cost that runs several times higher than the original fix would have.
- Permits and disposal. Larger jobs, like a full brick rebuild or a wood stove removal, sometimes involve permit fees or EPA-standard disposal requirements that add a modest amount to the final invoice.
This is also where a real chimney inspection cost pays for itself. Catching a cracked crown before it lets water into the masonry is the difference between a $900 repair and a multi-thousand-dollar rebuild.
Read More: Why Do Portland Chimneys Face Unique Moisture Issues?
Signs You May Need Chimney Repair Soon
Most chimney damage does not show up overnight. It starts small and gets more expensive the longer it sits, so knowing what to look for can save you real money.
Here are the signs we see most often on service calls in the Portland area:
- White staining on the brick (efflorescence). Usually points to a moisture problem, often tied to waterproofing or flashing repair.
- A crumbling or cracked crown. One of the most common issues we catch, and one of the more affordable fixes if handled early.
- Rust on the damper or firebox. A sign that moisture is already getting into the system, not just sitting on the surface.
- Cracked or spalling brick. Flaking, pitting bricks usually mean water has worked its way in and frozen, which is where costs start climbing toward masonry repair territory.
- A smoky smell even when the fireplace is not in use. Often linked to flue or liner damage rather than the brick itself.
If any of this sounds familiar, it is worth getting a professional set of eyes on it before the damage spreads. A free chimney repair estimate will tell you exactly which category your chimney falls into and what it will actually cost to fix.
Read More: What Are Signs My Chimney Needs Masonry Repairs?
Serving Homeowners Across the Portland Metro
We provide chimney repair services throughout the greater Portland metro, including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Gladstone, Clackamas, and Gresham. Pacific Northwest winters bring a specific mix of heavy rain and freeze-thaw cycles that hit chimneys harder than drier climates, which is part of why waterproofing and flashing repair show up so often on our service calls in this region.
If your home is in one of these communities and it has been a while since your last inspection, now is a good time before the wet season ramps back up.
Why Homeowners Choose Five Star Chimney Repair
Five Star Chimney Repair has been serving the Portland area for 15 years, and every estimate is handled directly by the owner. We are CSIA certified, which means our technicians are trained and tested against national safety standards set by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, not just general contracting experience. We also back our work with a price match guarantee and warranties up to 25 years, so the number we quote is the number you can plan around.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to repair a chimney?
Most common repairs in the Portland area range from around $350 to $2,700, depending on the type of work. Small fixes like firebox repair or a chimney cap fall on the lower end, while brick chimney repair or a partial rebuild lands on the higher end. Our rates page lists current pricing for each service.
What factors affect chimney repair cost?
The extent of the damage matters most, followed by whether the work is roofline-up or ground-up, the chimney material, and how long the issue has gone unaddressed. Catching problems early through routine inspections is the most reliable way to keep costs down.
Does homeowners insurance cover chimney repair?
It depends on the cause. Insurance may cover chimney repairs when the damage results from a covered event like a lightning strike, severe storm, fallen tree, or chimney fire, but it typically will not cover damage from normal wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Check your specific policy, and ask your inspector to document the cause of damage in case you need to file a claim.
Conclusion: Get a Real Number, Not a Guess
Chimney repair costs in Portland do not have to be a mystery. Between our published rates page and a free, no-pressure inspection, you can walk into any decision knowing exactly what you are paying for and why.
Five Star Chimney Repair has spent 15 years helping Portland-area homeowners fix problems early, before a small repair turns into a major one.