Chimney Repair Services
Repointing
Mortar between chimney bricks gradually erodes, allowing water penetration that damages the structure and causes damp inside. Repointing removes failed mortar and replaces it with new, matching mix.
We use appropriate mortars for the age and type of your chimney. Historic chimneys need lime mortar, which allows the structure to breathe. Modern chimneys can use standard cement mortars.
Lead Flashing Repairs
Flashings seal the junction between chimney and roof. They're subject to thermal movement and often fail before the chimney itself. We repair cracked or lifted flashings, or replace sections where repair isn't viable.
All our flashings use minimum code 4 lead, dressed properly into mortar joints and overlapping correctly to shed water.
Flaunching Repair
Flaunching is the mortar cap around chimney pots. It cracks and spalls over time, allowing water into the stack. We remove failed flaunching and apply new mortar properly weathered to shed rain.
Pot Replacement
Chimney pots crack, chip, and sometimes blow off in storms. We source replacement pots to match existing where possible, or fit appropriate alternatives. Pots are bedded in flaunching for security.
Cowl and Cap Installation
If your chimney is no longer used, a cap prevents rain entry while maintaining ventilation. Bird guards stop jackdaws and other birds nesting in active flues. We supply and fit various cowl types for different purposes.
Stack Rebuilding
Severely damaged chimneys may need partial or complete rebuilding. We rebuild in appropriate brick matching existing, with proper DPC, flashing, and capping. This is specialist work requiring scaffold access.
Chimney Removal
Some homeowners choose to remove unused chimneys entirely. We take down stacks to below roof level and properly weatherproof the remaining structure. This requires consideration of support for remaining chimney breast below.
Common Chimney Problems
Leaking Chimneys
Water entering around a chimney is one of the most common roof problems. The leak source might be failed flashings, cracked flaunching, porous brickwork, or combinations of these. We identify the cause and fix it properly.
Structural Movement
Chimneys can lean, crack, or separate from the main building. Minor movement might be cosmetic; significant movement is dangerous. We assess structural condition and recommend appropriate action.
Spalling Brickwork
Freeze-thaw cycles cause brick faces to spall off. This is common on older chimneys with softer bricks. Badly spalled bricks should be replaced before the structure is compromised.
Sulphate Attack
Historic chimneys exposed to flue gases can suffer sulphate attack, where chemicals react with mortar causing expansion and cracking. This needs specialist assessment and remediation.
Chimney Safety
Damaged chimneys are a safety hazard. Loose pots and bricks can fall, heavy stacks on deteriorated bases can collapse, and water damage can compromise structural integrity. If your chimney looks precarious, don't wait – get it assessed.
We prioritise dangerous chimney situations and can arrange rapid assessment where safety is a concern.
Access and Scaffolding
Most chimney work requires scaffold access. We arrange scaffolding as part of the job and ensure it's erected and dismantled safely. Costs depend on chimney position and height.
Some minor repairs can be completed from a roof ladder without full scaffolding, reducing costs for small jobs.