What's the price range to fix a cracked flue tile in a two-storey Ottawa chimney?

A cracked flue tile in a two-storey Ottawa chimney cannot be simply "fixed" or patched — the damaged tile must be replaced by relining the entire chimney with a new flue liner. This is not a minor repair, and it's one of the most important investments you can make in your chimney's safety and longevity.

Here's why relining is necessary: a crack in the original clay tile liner allows hot combustion gases, moisture, and creosote to escape into the surrounding masonry. In Ottawa's extreme freeze-thaw climate, this moisture seeps into the brick and mortar, where it freezes and expands roughly 9 percent in volume — a process that accelerates deterioration and can cause spalling (crumbling and cracking of the brick itself). A single cracked tile affects the entire flue system's integrity, and patching a single tile is not structurally sound. Beyond the structural risk, a cracked liner also allows carbon monoxide to seep into wall cavities and living spaces, creating a serious health hazard.

For a two-storey Ottawa chimney, expect chimney relining costs in the range of $2,500 to $6,000 installed, depending on the liner material, chimney height, and overall condition. A stainless steel liner (the most common choice) runs $2,000 to $5,000 for a typical two-storey chimney. Cast-in-place cement liners, which seal cracks in the surrounding masonry and are slightly more durable in Ottawa's brutal climate, run $4,000 to $8,000. Aluminum liners ($1,500 to $3,000) are only suitable for gas appliances, not wood-burning fireplaces or stoves.

The exact cost depends on several factors. The chimney's interior diameter matters — a standard 8-inch round flue requires less material and labour than a larger flue. The height and accessibility of your chimney on the roof affect labour time. If the mason or chimney technician discovers additional damage — such as significant mortar deterioration or spalling brick that requires tuckpointing or rebuilding above the roofline — costs can climb substantially. If the chimney has multiple flues (common in older two-storey Ottawa homes), you may need to reline multiple flues, which doubles or triples the cost.

Before any relining work begins, you should have a WETT Level 2 or Level 3 inspection ($350 to $1,000) to determine the full extent of the damage. A WETT-certified chimney professional will examine whether the crack is isolated to one tile or whether multiple tiles are damaged, whether the surrounding masonry is sound or deteriorating, and whether relining is the right approach or if more extensive work is needed.

One critical consideration for Ottawa homeowners: relining is a spring, summer, or early fall project. Masonry and relining work require temperatures consistently above 5 degrees Celsius for proper curing, which limits the outdoor construction season to roughly April through November. If you discover a cracked tile in late October or November, you may face a wait until spring unless you hire an experienced contractor who can work quickly before the coldest weather arrives.

When you're ready to move forward, reach out to fireplace contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com/directory to compare quotes. Get at least three written estimates that specify the liner material, diameter, chimney height, whether any additional repairs are included, permit responsibilities, timeline, and warranty. The cheapest quote is rarely the best choice — you want a contractor with WETT certification and experience working in Ottawa's climate, not just the lowest price.

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

• 613Bins
• The Egress Group Inc
• TIER 1 HVAC SERVICE'S INC
• Regimbal
• McLaren Masonry