How much does a chimney cap cost in Virginia?

No Virginia government or manufacturer source we found dates an installed price for a chimney cap, so we will not quote one. The cost depends on the chimney type, the flue size, the cap's material and design, how hard the roof is to reach, and whether anything else at the top of the chimney needs repair. The way to a real number is an itemized written quote for the same specification from several businesses.

What goes into the price

Chimney type. A masonry chimney, a factory-built metal chimney and a stove liner all use different caps. Woodstock Soapstone, a stove maker, says a flexible stainless steel liner is sold as a kit that includes a tee for connection to stovepipe, a top flashing to seal the opening of the chimney, and a cap.^[7] When you buy a liner, the cap may already be in the price. On a factory-built chimney, DuraVent says the standard caps supplied by manufacturers of factory-built fireplaces and chimneys are usually of good design, so replacing them is not necessary.^[2] If the cap is missing or damaged, the replacement should match the manufacturer's part.

Flue size and number of flues. A cap has to fit the flue or the top of the chimney. A single round flue, a square masonry flue and a chimney with two or three flues need different caps. Measuring on site matters more than a guess from the street.

Material and design. Caps vary in material, in whether they include a spark screen, and in whether they are built for wind. Woodstock says a wind cap can eliminate downdrafts and backpuffing caused by wind,^[6] and that can change which cap is quoted. A specialty cap on a factory-built chimney should have the manufacturer's approval, which DuraVent requires for a specialized replacement.^[2]

Access. A steep roof, a tall house or a chimney far from the ridge raises the labor. So does a crowded roofline or a chimney that needs a second person at the top.

Other repairs found at the top. The visit to replace a cap is often when the crown, flashing or masonry is seen up close. If the crown or flashing needs work, the job is bigger than a cap.

Permit. Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code requires a permit before installations or alterations involving mechanical systems, fuel supply systems or any equipment regulated by the code.^[3] Whether swapping a cap needs one is for your locality's building official to say, and fees are set locally. Ask each contractor whether a permit is included.

Getting quotes you can compare

DPOR advises getting at least three written bids or estimates using identical plans and specifications,^[1] and says "Do not automatically accept the lowest."^[1] Ask each business to put the following in writing:

• the cap's brand, model, material and size, and whether it has a spark screen
• whether it is the manufacturer's cap for a factory-built chimney
• whether any crown, flashing or masonry work is included or priced separately
• whether the permit, a chimney inspection and cleanup are included
• the warranty on the cap and on the labor

Virginia's Board for Contractors requires a residential contract to include the total cost, the amounts and schedule for progress payments including the down payment, and a listing of the specified materials and work to be performed.^[5] DPOR's rule of thumb for a deposit is an initial deposit of no more than 10% of the total price or $1,000, whichever is less.^[1]

When to call a licensed pro

For the whole job. A cap is fitted at the top of the chimney, where the work means a ladder or the roof and where a poor fit can restrict the flue.

Virginia requires that if the work is valued at $1,000 or more, a valid Virginia Contractor's License is required for the license category in which the contractor is to work.^[1] Class C contractors are those working on single contracts over $1,000 but less than $30,000.^[4] A cap alone may come in below that line, but a bigger chimney job may not. Check the licence on DPOR before you pay anything.

To see what a cap does, read what a chimney cap does. To choose who does the work, see who should install a chimney cap. For liners, see how much a chimney liner costs. Browse chimney and fireplace services or all chimney answers.

Describe your chimney once and licensed local businesses send itemized quotes.