How much would it cost to fully demolish an unused exterior chimney on a two-storey Ottawa home?

Removing a full exterior chimney from a two-storey Ottawa home typically costs $3,000 to $8,000, with most straightforward demolitions landing around $4,000 to $6,000. The final price depends heavily on the chimney's construction (masonry or metal), whether the fireplace or stove inside the home also needs to be removed, roof condition, and what you plan to do with the opening where the chimney penetrated the roof and foundation.

Why Chimney Removal Costs Vary in Ottawa

A two-storey chimney is a significant structure — it's not just the visible exterior portion but also the internal flue, the foundation base, and the roof opening. The removal process involves safely demolishing the chimney from top to bottom, managing heavy debris (a brick chimney can weigh several tons), properly capping or sealing the roof penetration to prevent water leaks, patching any foundation work where the chimney base is removed, and disposing of all debris responsibly. In Ottawa, where winters are harsh and the freeze-thaw cycle punishes any exposed opening, roof closure is critical — a poorly sealed roof penetration will lead to ice damming, water infiltration, and interior damage that costs far more to fix than the proper chimney removal.

If the chimney services an active fireplace or wood stove inside your home, you'll need to decide what to do with that appliance before removal begins. Are you converting to a gas fireplace in a different location, keeping the fireplace but closing it off, or removing it entirely? These decisions add to the overall project scope and cost. A chimney that has been unused for years but still has an active appliance connected inside is more complex to safely disconnect than a truly abandoned chimney.

Additional cost factors include: chimney height (a full two-storey chimney is taller and requires more demolition labour), whether the chimney is lined with asbestos-containing material (older chimneys sometimes are, requiring specialized abatement — this adds $500 to $1,500 or more), whether the chimney is tied into the roof structure with multiple penetrations or flashings (complicating removal), foundation depth and soil conditions (Ottawa's deep frost penetration means chimney foundations sometimes go 1.5 metres or more into the ground), and whether you want the foundation excavated completely or left in place below grade.

Typical Removal Breakdown

A standard two-storey brick chimney removal in Ottawa typically breaks down like this: chimney demolition and debris removal ($2,000 to $3,500), roof opening closure and flashing ($800 to $1,500), foundation sealing or removal ($500 to $1,500), and permits and inspection ($300 to $600). Haul-away costs for brick and debris run separately and are usually absorbed in the main demolition quote, though some contractors charge per load.

Removal of a metal chimney or stainless steel flue pipe (if you had a gas fireplace or newer installation) is less labour-intensive and typically costs $2,000 to $4,000 total, since there is less structural mass and the debris is easier to transport.

Important Considerations

Before pursuing removal, confirm that the chimney is truly unused. If it's still connected to a heating appliance — whether a fireplace, wood stove, or gas insert — you cannot simply remove the chimney without addressing the appliance first. Disconnecting an active gas line requires a TSSA-licensed gas fitter. Sealing off a wood stove without proper venting can trap carbon monoxide in your home and is dangerous.

Also understand that removing the chimney does not automatically improve your home's appearance or resale value if the removal is done sloppily. A poorly sealed roof penetration becomes a visible eyesore and a water damage liability that turns buyers away faster than an unused chimney ever would. The roof closure must be flashed properly, shingles must match, and the sealing must be watertight for Ottawa's climate — this is not an area to cut corners or hire the cheapest contractor.

Permits are required in Ottawa for chimney demolition. Contact the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (call 3-1-1) to understand permit requirements for your specific situation — your contractor should handle this.

Alternatives to Full Removal

If removal feels too expensive or disruptive, consider capping the chimney rather than removing it. A proper chimney cap and crown repair can seal the structure from weather while leaving it in place, which costs only $200 to $600 and preserves the exterior appearance. However, a capped but unused chimney still requires annual inspection to ensure water is not infiltrating the system, and a deteriorating capped chimney offers no real functional advantage — it is just a deferred problem.

If the chimney is structurally sound but unused, another option is converting it to a gas fireplace vent. A modern direct-vent gas fireplace can be installed against the exterior wall with its vent terminating where the old chimney once stood, giving you both the functional heating benefit and the aesthetic continuity of a fireplace. This costs $3,500 to $7,500 but provides actual value — you gain a heating appliance rather than simply losing a structure.

For experienced demolition contractors who understand Ottawa's specific challenges with chimney removal and roof closure in a freeze-thaw climate, you can browse the Ottawa Construction Network directory for local professionals ready to discuss your project in detail.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Luxe Painting and Renovations
• The Egress Group Inc
• Demontigny Carpentry
• Beauty of gardens
• L.L. Renovation