Chimney repair in Richmond is largely masonry conservation. The work is to stop water getting in, replace what weather has eroded and keep the flue able to contain heat and gases. On a house from 1920 that calls for different judgment than on a house from 1990, and the difference is mostly in the mortar and the brick.

  • Repointing with mortar matched to the original
  • Crown repair or a new crown with a proper overhang
  • Flashing and counter-flashing repaired or replaced
  • Stainless steel or resurfacing liners installed
  • Partial and full rebuilds from the roofline up

Why the mortar matters on old brick

Brick made before the mid-twentieth century is softer than modern brick and was laid in lime mortar. Lime mortar is flexible and breathable; moisture leaves the wall through the joints. Hard Portland cement mortar traps moisture in the brick and is stronger than the brick itself, so freeze-thaw stress is relieved by the brick face breaking off. Repointing an old chimney with the wrong mortar can do more harm than leaving it. Ask what mortar is proposed and why.

What repairs cost

Angi's 2026 figures give an average of $455 for chimney repair, with most jobs between $160 and $750 — minor repointing, a cap or crown replacement, a small liner repair. Rebuilding a section runs $1,000 to $5,000, and full replacement can reach $15,000. Tall rowhouse chimneys and steep slate roofs need scaffolding or a lift, which adds to any quote.

Finding the leak

Water stains near a chimney have several possible sources, and a good contractor works from the top down: cap, crown, brick and mortar, then flashing. Flashing fails often on older roofs, and tar smeared over it is a temporary patch that hides the real condition. Waterproofing should be a breathable water repellent made for masonry, applied only after cracks and joints are repaired. Paint and non-breathable sealers trap moisture and speed up the damage.

Common chimney repair situations in Richmond

  • Eroded mortar joints and loose bricks at the top of the stack
  • A cracked or crumbling crown
  • Stains on ceilings or walls beside the chimney
  • Brick faces spalling after hard winters
  • A flue found unlined or with broken tiles

Keep in mind: Tar on flashing, caulk in masonry cracks and paint over damp brick are stopgaps. They hide water entry without stopping it.

Chimney Repair FAQs

What does it cost to replace a chimney liner?

It varies widely with the flue's height, size and shape and the type of liner, and it is one of the larger chimney repairs — well above Angi's $455 average for common repairs. A stainless liner for a single appliance in a short flue is at the lower end; relining a tall masonry fireplace flue is at the upper end. Get an on-site quote after a camera inspection.

Can the inside of a chimney be repaired?

Yes. Damaged flue tiles can be resurfaced with a refractory coating system or bypassed with a stainless steel liner, and the smoke chamber can be parged smooth. The right method depends on what the camera inspection shows.

This content is reviewed by the Richmond VA Chimney Sweep editorial team and informed by licensed-contractor sourcing, manufacturer documentation, and established industry standards for Chimney Services. Read our editorial standards.