Updated September 10, 2026
How much housing does Roanoke have?
The Census counts 48,931 housing units in Roanoke for a population of about 98,677 — roughly 2.0 people for every housing unit.
That makes Roanoke the fourth largest of the four Virginia cities with a page here; Virginia Beach counts 190,734.
Who arranges chimney work on a Roanoke home?
About 51.7% of occupied Roanoke homes are owner-occupied, which leaves about 48.3% rented.
Even at 51.7% owner-occupied, the remaining 48.3% of Roanoke homes are rented, where the person who notices a problem and the person who authorizes the repair are not the same. Say which you are when you send a request.
Tenure also decides who keeps the paperwork. A Roanoke chimney's earlier reports follow the property, not the occupant, so ask for them whichever side of that 51.7% you are on.
Which cities near Roanoke have their own page here?
Richmond, about 137 miles away, Alexandria, about 189 miles away, and Virginia Beach, about 219 miles away — measured from Roanoke.
Those are great-circle distances between the Census 2023 Gazetteer interior points of each place, so the drive is longer than the figure.
Richmond shares Roanoke's 1959 median build year, so the two pages describe housing of the same era.
What you can observe safely
- Photograph visible cracks safely from ground level.
- Keep any earlier photos for comparison.
What to avoid
- Do not climb onto the roof or enter the chimney.
- Do not alter gas components, venting, or safety controls.
- Do not use a test fire to diagnose the problem.
Possible causes to assess
- Masonry or mortar deterioration
- Movement requiring assessment
- Water-related damage
A symptom cannot establish the cause remotely. An assessment of the complete system helps determine the appropriate repair.
Chimney repair in RoanokeA few common questions
Can this be diagnosed from a photo?
A photo can document a symptom and help prepare a visit. It cannot confirm concealed conditions or establish that a chimney or fuel-burning appliance is safe.