When Chimney Removal Makes Sense (And When It Doesn't)

Introduction

Most chimneys we remove have been problems for years.

The homeowner patches a crack. Calls someone about a leak. Ignores the crumbling mortar for another winter. Eventually they ask the question: is this thing worth keeping?

If you're staring at an unused chimney that needs work, you're weighing two things: how much to spend now versus how much hassle to deal with later. Maybe you got a repair quote that made you wince. Maybe the chimney hasn't seen a fire since the furnace went in 20 years ago.

This guide helps you figure out if removal makes sense. I'll walk through what we've learned from hundreds of chimney projects across Southern Ontario—when removal is the right call, what the process looks like, and what you should expect.

Key Takeaways

• Removal often makes sense when repair costs hit 60-70% of removal cost
• Partial removal (stack only) is faster and cheaper than full removal
• Ontario permits are required—expect 2-4 weeks for approval
• This isn't DIY work. Heights, heavy materials, and structural concerns need professionals.

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When Removal Makes Sense

Here's the framework I use when homeowners ask whether to repair or remove.

Remove when:

Repair costs approach removal costs. Get both quotes. If fixing the chimney costs 60-70% of taking it down and patching everything, and you're not using it—removal usually wins financially. I've seen homeowners spend thousands on repairs for a chimney they never light, then face the same decision three years later.

You haven't used it in years (and never will). We hear this constantly: "The furnace went in 15 years ago, we haven't lit a fire since." If that's you, you're maintaining a very expensive brick decoration. Most Ontario homes built after 1970 fall into this category.

Damage is extensive. Major leaning. Separation from the house. Deterioration running through the entire structure. When damage is this advanced, repair scope grows significantly. Sometimes the honest answer is: it's too far gone.

It's a constant headache. Repeated leaks. Crumbling masonry every few years. Flashing that won't stay sealed. If the chimney creates more problems than it solves, removal ends that cycle.

Repair or rebuild when:

You use the fireplace. Or plan to. A working fireplace adds value and enjoyment. Worth maintaining.

Damage is localized. Crown issues, deteriorating cap, flashing problems, upper courses crumbling—these are repairable without major work.

It's a heritage property. Period homes where fireplaces are expected architectural features. Removal can hurt resale appeal in character neighbourhoods like Dundas or Ancaster.

Repair is significantly cheaper. If fixing the crown and repointing a few courses costs 30% of full removal, repair is usually the practical choice.

"I would highly recommend this company for any repairs. They replaced my entire chimney and you wouldn't even know it was replaced. The bricks matched so well." — Janet D.

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Partial vs Full Removal

Not all removals are the same. The distinction matters for cost and outcome.

Partial Removal

We take down the visible chimney above the roofline—down to roof deck level—and patch the roof. The interior fireplace and chimney breast stay in place.

Good for:

• Eliminating exterior maintenance and leak concerns
• Keeping interior character (decorative fireplace)
• Faster timeline and lower cost
• Budget constraints

What you're left with: From outside, no chimney. Roof is patched and should be invisible from ground level. Inside, the fireplace remains. Some homeowners convert to electric inserts; others just close it off.

Full Removal

We take the entire chimney out. Top to bottom. Through every floor. Interior chimney breast included.

Good for:

• Reclaiming usable square footage
• Damaged or unwanted interior fireplace
• Major renovations where you can fold patching into broader work
• Eliminating all chimney-related maintenance forever

What you're left with: Chimney completely gone. Roof patched. Ceilings and walls patched on all affected floors. You gain usable space—closets, built-ins, or just more room.

Important: Some chimneys are load-bearing. They support roof framing or floor joists. Full removal of a load-bearing chimney requires installing engineered support beams first. A professional assessment determines if yours is structural.

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What the Process Looks Like

Here's what actually happens when we remove a chimney.

1. Permit Application

Ontario Building Code requires permits for chimney removal. You'll submit:

• Site plan showing chimney location
• Scope of work (partial or full)
• Structural drawings if the chimney is load-bearing

Most contractors handle the application. Confirm during quoting: "Do you handle permits? Is the fee included?"

Timeline: 2-4 weeks for approval in most Ontario municipalities. Plan accordingly.

2. Site Prep

Before demo begins, we protect the property. Tarps over landscaping. Debris containment systems. Interior protection if we're working inside. Brick dust gets everywhere if you don't control it.

3. Demolition

We take it down brick by brick, starting at the top. Each brick weighs 4-5 pounds, and a typical chimney has 300-500 of them. The crew works in sections, lowering debris in buckets rather than dropping it. Your roof and garden will thank us.

Partial removal: 1-2 days Full removal: 2-3 days, depending on chimney size and accessibility

4. Structural Work

Roof patching (all removals):

• Cut back shingles around the opening
• Install new plywood deck
• Add proper underlayment and flashing (critical—bad flashing means leaks)
• Match existing shingles so the patch is invisible

Support beams (if chimney is load-bearing):

• Install engineered beams to carry loads
• Temporary shoring during installation
• Inspection to confirm code compliance

Interior patching (full removal only):

• Patch drywall or plaster to match existing finish
• Repaint or refinish to blend

Quality of finish work varies dramatically between contractors. Ask to see photos of completed chimney removal projects before hiring.

5. Debris Removal and Inspection

We haul away all brick, mortar, and old materials. Confirm debris removal is included in your quote—some contractors charge separately.

Municipal building inspector verifies the work meets Ontario Building Code. Roof patching, structural support, interior finish—all gets checked before the project is complete.

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Permits: What You Need to Know

Yes, you need a permit. Here's the deal.

Ontario Building Code Section 8 requires permits for demolition of building components. Chimneys count.

What you'll need:

• Permit application form (from your local building department)
• Site plan
• Scope of work description
• Structural drawings if load-bearing
• Permit fee (typically a few hundred dollars)

Who handles it? Most qualified contractors handle the application as part of the project. Ask during quoting.

Why it matters: Unpermitted work creates problems. Buyers' inspectors flag it during home sales. Insurance may not cover issues. And you miss the safety check that confirms structural work meets code.

Approval timeline: 2-4 weeks in most Ontario municipalities. Spring and summer construction season may take longer.

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Structural Considerations

Every chimney removal involves structural work. Here's what that means in practice.

Roof Patching

When the chimney comes out, you're left with a hole in your roof. Proper closure prevents leaks.

What it should look like when done: From ground level, the patched area should be invisible or nearly so. Matching shingles, proper flashing, no obvious disruption to the roof pattern.

The quality of roof patching varies significantly between contractors. This is one of the most important questions to ask during quoting: "What will the finished roof look like? Can I see photos of past projects?"

Load-Bearing Chimneys

Some chimneys support roof rafters, floor joists, or other framing. These are load-bearing.

Signs yours might be load-bearing:

• Framing members visibly resting on the chimney
• Chimney runs through the centre of the house
• Older home where original construction used the chimney as support

What happens if it is: Before or during removal, we install engineered support beams to carry the loads. This requires structural drawings, temporary shoring, and inspection. It adds complexity and cost, but there's no shortcut—skip this step and you risk collapse.

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After Removal: What to Expect

Here's what your home looks like when we're done.

Exterior: Patched roof where the chimney penetrated. With quality work, this is invisible from ground level.

Interior (partial removal): Fireplace and chimney breast remain. You can leave it decorative, add an electric insert, or close it off entirely.

Interior (full removal): Ceilings and walls are patched on all floors where the chimney ran. The space is now open—closets, built-ins, expanded rooms.

Ongoing maintenance: None. The chimney is gone. No more leak concerns, crumbling masonry, crown repairs, or cap replacements.

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Does Removal Affect Home Value?

Honest answer: it depends.

May reduce value:

• Heritage or character homes where fireplaces are expected
• Upscale neighbourhoods where fireplaces are selling features
• Homes marketed for original features

In these cases, maintaining or restoring the chimney often makes more sense—even if you're not using it.

Neutral or positive:

• Markets where forced air is standard and fireplaces are rarely used
• Severely deteriorated chimneys that hurt curb appeal
• Small homes where usable square footage matters more than fireplace charm

How to decide: If you're selling within a few years, ask a local realtor about fireplace value in your neighbourhood. If you're staying long-term, prioritize your own needs—safety, maintenance burden, whether you'll ever use the fireplace.

For many Ontario homeowners, it comes down to this: if repair costs approach removal costs and the chimney serves no function, removal makes practical sense.

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What If You Wait?

I've seen what happens when homeowners delay this decision.

Year 1: Damage worsens with Ontario's freeze-thaw cycles. Water infiltration increases. Interior staining may appear.

Year 2-3: Leaks spread. Mortar joints weaken. Bricks may start spalling or loosening.

Year 3-5: Leaning, separation from the house, or loose masonry creates safety hazards. What could have been a planned project becomes an emergency.

The point: Early intervention means you control the timing, compare quotes properly, and plan your budget. Emergency decisions are expensive and stressful.

For early warning signs of chimney damage, see our chimney damage signs guide.

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Getting a Quote

If you're weighing whether to remove or repair, get both options quoted. We'll look at the chimney, tell you what we'd do if it were our house, and give you numbers to compare.

What a good assessment includes:

• Visual inspection of chimney condition
• Load-bearing evaluation
• Permit requirements for your municipality
• Scope options (partial vs full, repair alternatives)
• Written quote with everything spelled out

What to ask:

• "Is this chimney load-bearing?"
• "Do you handle permit applications?"
• "What will the finished roof and ceilings look like?"
• "Can I see photos of past chimney removal projects?"

We do the work ourselves—no subcontractors. We handle the permit headaches and clean up after. If something goes wrong within two years, we fix it.

Book an assessment or call us at (905) 807-0404. We serve Hamilton, Toronto, Mississauga, and throughout Southern Ontario.