Chimney Chase Repair
Many homes have a wood-framed chase around the fireplace flue instead of a brick chimney. It is a tall box exposed to weather on every side, and a rusted cover or missing roof flashing can let water run inside it for years. We strip the chase, rebuild the framing and sheathing, and finish it with new siding, flashing and a sloped cover that sheds water.
Before
AfterChase rebuilt with new sheathing
Chimney chase repair done the lasting way
Many homes built from the 1970s on have a wood-framed chase around a metal flue instead of a brick chimney. It is a tall box exposed to weather on every side, and when the chase cover rusts or the flashing fails, water runs down inside it for years. We strip it, rebuild the framing and sheathing, and finish it with new siding, flashing and a sloped chase cover.
When to call about chimney chase repair
- Stains or rust streaks running down the chase
- Soft or bulging siding on the chase
- A rusted, flat or dented chase cover
- Water stains around the fireplace inside
- Gaps at the roof-to-chase flashing
- Paint peeling only on the chase
Our chimney chase repair process, step by step
Inspect top and sides
We check the cover, flashing, siding and probe the framing.
Strip the chase
Siding and sheathing come off so all rot is visible.
Rebuild framing
Rotted studs, plates and blocking are replaced.
Sheath, wrap and flash
New sheathing, wrap, roof flashing and chase cover.
Side and finish
New siding and trim, caulked and ready for paint.
Recent chimney chase repair projects
Chimney chase repair services
Chase framing
Rotted studs and plates replaced inside the chase.
Sheathing and wrap
New sheathing and weather barrier on all sides.
Siding and trim
New siding and corners matched to the house.
Roof flashing
Step and counter flashing where the chase meets the roof.
Chase cover
Sloped, cross-broken cover that sheds water off the top.
Cricket
A small diverter behind wide chases so water does not pond.
Chimney chase repair: things to weigh before you decide
Why chases rot
The chase is exposed on four sides and at the top. A flat or rusted cover lets water in at the top, and missing roof flashing lets it in at the bottom.
Is it safe to use my fireplace?
Rot in the chase framing does not usually affect the flue itself, but if water reached the firebox or flue, have it checked by a chimney sweep before use.
Working at height
We use proper roof access and fall protection and protect your roof while we work.
Chimney chase cover options
| Cover | Shape | Lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanized flat cover | Flat | Often rusts within 10 years | The most common cause of chase leaks |
| Galvanized sloped cover | Cross-broken | Around 15 years | Sheds water, still needs paint over time |
| Stainless steel sloped cover | Cross-broken | 25 years or more | Will not rust, our usual choice |
| Powder-coated cover | Cross-broken | 20 years or more | Color-matched to roof or trim |
What chimney chase repair typically costs
| Project | Typical scope | Price range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New chase cover | Remove old cover, install a sloped stainless cover | $800 – $2,500 | 1 day |
| Flashing and siding repair | Roof flashing plus a section of chase siding | $2,500 – $6,000 | 2–3 days |
| Partial chase rebuild | One or two sides opened and reframed | $5,000 – $10,000 | 3–5 days |
| Full chase rebuild | All sides reframed, sheathed, flashed and sided | $10,000 – $22,000 | 1–2 weeks |
These are typical 2026 ranges we see for chimney chase repair and nearby cities. Your price depends on what we find once the area is open, access and height, and the materials you choose. Every estimate is free, in writing and based on an on-site inspection with photos.
A 10-minute check homeowners can do
- Look at the chase cover for rust, dents or a flat top
- Check the siding on the chase for stains or soft spots
- Look for gaps in roof flashing around the chase
- Check the ceiling and wall around the fireplace inside
- Notice paint failing only on the chase
- Look for debris piling up behind the chase
If you find one or two of these, it is worth a look before the next wet season. Small problems caught early are usually a short, inexpensive repair. Left alone, water keeps spreading into framing and the repair grows.
Not sure what you are looking at? Send us a few photos with the form below or by text to 425.600.7002 and we will tell you honestly whether it needs attention now.
Chimney chase repair: what you should know
Why it happens
Flat or rusted chase cover
Water pools on top and leaks into the chase through rust holes and seams.
Missing step and counter flashing
Where the chase meets the roof, water runs into the framing.
Siding without a barrier
Many chases were sided without house wrap, so any leak reaches the sheathing.
No cricket behind wide chases
Water and debris pile up behind the chase on the uphill side of the roof.
What every chimney chase repair job includes
- A close look at the cover, roof flashing, siding and the framing inside
- The chase is opened up on every side so no rot is left behind
- Rotted studs, plates and blocking are rebuilt
- New sheathing and a continuous weather barrier go on
- Step and counter flashing are installed where the chase meets the roof
- A new sloped cover sheds water off the top
- Siding and trim are put back to match the house
Keeping it from coming back
- Check the chase cover for rust every year
- Keep the roof behind the chase clear of debris
- Repaint chase siding on the same schedule as the house
- Have the flashing checked when the roof is replaced
- Watch for stains running down the chase
What drives the price
Chimney chase repair in your area depends on the height of the chase, roof pitch and access, how much framing is rotted and whether a new cover and cricket are needed. You get a written price after the free inspection.
Typical timeline
Most chase rebuilds take a few days to a week, depending on height, weather and paint.
Why homeowners call Eco Home Repair
Homeowners in your area choose us for chimney chases because we rebuild the whole system: framing, barrier, flashing, cover and siding. That is what keeps water out for good, and it is backed by a 24-month workmanship warranty.
Backed by a 24-month workmanship warranty
Written scope
You know exactly what is included before work starts, with photos of what we found.
Our own crew
The people who quote your job are the people who do it, start to finish.
Clean site daily
Debris is hauled away and your yard is left the way we found it.
24 months covered
If our workmanship fails within two years, we come back and make it right.
What homeowners say
“As a Condominium owner finding contractors that can work with multiple concerns at once is a challenge. The team at Eco Home Repair has been our go-to for several projects including deck and front porch repairs, siding replacement, chimney chassis repairs…”
“We're extremely pleased with the work Alex and the team completed on our home. They gave the entire exterior a fresh new look with new siding, renovated our front porch, and built an additional side porch and back deck. They also replaced several of our…”
“Alex and his team did a great job fixing our siding and bottom door frame which had some rotting. They were professional, competitive in pricing and responsive. Highly recommend Eco Home Repair!”
5.0 average from 106 reviews on Google, Thumbtack, Angi, HomeAdvisor and Yelp. Read our reviews on Google.
Chimney chase repair across the region
Our climate is the same everywhere we work, but each part of the region wears houses out a little differently.
North Snohomish & Skagit
Open lots, steady rain and many 1990s–2010s subdivisions with builder-grade flashing that is now reaching the end of its life. For chimney chase repair, we see the same pattern again and again: wood-framed chimney chases take water at the top and rot from the inside.
Everett & the Sound
Older homes near the water take wind-driven rain and salt air, so trim, siding and decks facing the Sound wear out first. For chimney chase repair, we see the same pattern again and again: wood-framed chimney chases take water at the top and rot from the inside.
South Snohomish County
Tree-covered lots and shaded north walls keep wood damp for months, and many homes still have original siding and decks. For chimney chase repair, we see the same pattern again and again: wood-framed chimney chases take water at the top and rot from the inside.
Mill Creek, Bothell, Snohomish, Martha Lake, Lake Stickney, Brier, Mountlake Terrace
Eastside & North King County
Large decks, view balconies and cedar details on homes from the 1960s to today, many of them on sloped, wooded lots. For chimney chase repair, we see the same pattern again and again: wood-framed chimney chases take water at the top and rot from the inside.
Woodinville, Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, Sammamish, Kenmore, Medina, Mercer Island
Seattle & Shoreline
Older housing stock with original wood windows, porches and siding, often with little or no weather barrier behind it. For chimney chase repair, we see the same pattern again and again: wood-framed chimney chases take water at the top and rot from the inside.
Chimney chase repair in your city
We do chimney chase repair in 29 cities across Snohomish and King County.
Not listed? We may still cover you. Call 425.600.7002.
Chimney chase repair: common questions
What is a chimney chase?
Why does my chimney chase rot near me?
Do you replace the chase cover?
How long does a chase rebuild take?
Do you repair brick chimneys?
Is a wood chimney chase a fire risk?
Should the chase cover be replaced every time?
Can you match my siding on the chase?
Other repairs we do
Dry Rot Repair
We find where the water gets in, cut out every soft spot and rebuild it so it stays dry.
Dry Rot Repair detailsDeck Repair & New Decks
Repairs, rebuilds and new composite decks, built on solid framing with the flashing done right.
Deck Repair & New Decks detailsSiding Repair & Replacement
Siding repair and replacement with the house wrap and flashing done right behind it.
Siding Repair & Replacement detailsStructural Repair
Rotted posts, beams, joists and sill plates replaced and reinforced, with shoring when needed.
Structural Repair detailsDeck Waterproofing & Flashing
Walkable waterproof coatings, slope fixes and flashing that keep water out of your walls and ceilings.
Deck Waterproofing & Flashing detailsWindow, Door & Trim Repair
Rotted sills, jambs and trim replaced, with flashing so the water stops getting in.
Window, Door & Trim Repair detailsFascia & Soffit Repair
Rotted fascia, soffits and rafter tails replaced, with drip edge so the roof edge stays dry.
Fascia & Soffit Repair detailsBalcony & Porch Repair
Rotted balconies, porches, columns and railings rebuilt safely and waterproofed.
Balcony & Porch Repair detailsTell us about your chimney chase repair project
- Licensed, bonded & insured
- Free on-site estimates
- 24-month workmanship warranty
Book a free chimney chase repair inspection
We inspect the damage on-site, show you photos of what we find and give you a written price before any work starts.