Blog>Cost Guides>How much does chimney cap installation cost?
Last updated: 16 May 2024
How much does chimney cap installation cost?
More than a mere aesthetic addition, chimney caps protect the upper structure of buildings and their insides, around flues. But how much does chimney cap installation cost in the UK? Keep reading to find out.
Fast Facts
The average chimney cap installation cost in the UK is around £180 (for supply and fitting)
Draught protection will cost you around £195
To get accurate quotes, speak to local chimney cap experts near you
Capping an unused chimney is a wise decision to maintain and protect the value of a residential property. Typically, the tradespeople who fit caps are roofers and chimney sweeps.
Keep reading to find out what you can expect to pay for chimney cap installation and replacement.
How much does a new chimney cap cost?
For supply and fit services, the average installation cost of a standard chimney cap is around£180.
For more elaborate models, chimney cap installation cost could rise to £520.
Chimney cap prices vary according to the make and type of hardware fitting. Similarly, the cost of chimney cap installation depends on the location, type of building and height.
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Additional chimney cap costs
If access to the chimney stack area is not straightforward or the building is exceptionally high, scaffolding hire might be necessary.
The average cost of scaffolding for installing a chimney cap in the UK is around £400 - £600 per week.
You might also want to install draught protection, which will cost around £195.
How much does a chimney replacement cap cost?
With easy access and no scaffolding, the average chimney cap replacement cost is around £150.
View from the side and compare nearby bricks to the pot to estimate the size or width of the chimney cap needed.
An average UK house brick is 22.5 centimetres (or nine inches) wide in older properties or 21.5 cm in modern builds.
To arrive at internal diameter, subtract 2.5cm (one inch) for the ceramic material thickness, but allow for any significant decorative rolls.
How do I know I need a new chimney cap?
Gaps in the mortar or missing sections on the exterior chimney stack
Loose brickwork or minor deterioration in masonry materials due to water leaks
Damaged existing chimney caps or crowns – cracks are usually obvious, although poorly made or wrongly sized caps might retain pooled rainwater and cause problems
Water stains on interior ceilings or walls, especially near the fireplace
With any of these signs, you may need to hire a professional near you to install a new chimney cap.
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How to seal a chimney
Lead caps often cause condensation, so today's preferred solution is the C-Cap, which minimises heat loss while allowing ventilation and protecting the structure.
Designed to withstand gales, C-Clamps suit round pots up to 33 centimetres (13 inches) in external diameter.
If cracked, the ceramic is best replaced first – or at least bound so that it can bear the pressure from the retaining wires.
Find the best chimney cap installers near you
Sub-standard pot removal and capping can be expensive in the long term, especially if there are leaks in the flue.
That's why we recommend hiring an experienced local tradesperson to install your chimney cap.
Thankfully, you're in the perfect place to find approved local tradespeople in your area...
Enter your postcode in the box below to browse a list of experienced chimney cap installers near you:
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Useful chimney cap checklist
Only cap disused chimneys, to protect the flue and prevent the ingress of debris and nesting birds
Chimney cap prices depend on specification levels and ease of installation
Modern seal clamps allow ventilation, thus minimising condensation
To avoid problems, select an experienced professional and make the most of your money
FAQs
How are chimney caps different from chimney cowls?
Although some descriptions use the term chimney cowl to describe chimney caps, there is a difference.
Principally, chimney cowls reduce or eliminate downdraught and improve upward airflow in vents used for wood burners.
How do I determine which chimney flue needs a cap?
When there is more than one chimney on a stack, it may be necessary to check which one to cap. To confirm, the maintenance contractor will ignite a coloured smoke pellet in the hearth of the fire.
On a bright day, lighting two will ensure a good view from outside as the smoke rises.
Notably, however, a good smoke test does not necessarily guarantee that the flue is in perfect condition.
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job