Core service
What can go wrong with a chimney?
A masonry chimney is a small but complex roof structure. Its bricks and mortar face driving rain and frost; lead flashing seals its junction with the roof; flaunching supports and sheds water around pots. Failure in any one element can resemble failure in another.
Typical chimney repair work
- Raking out and repointing deteriorated joints
- Replacing isolated damaged or spalled bricks
- Renewing or correcting lead flashing
- Repairing cracked flaunching around chimney pots
- Refitting appropriate pots, cowls or caps
- Stabilising or rebuilding an unsafe section where required
Inspection before specification
Damp beside a chimney does not automatically prove the stack is leaking. Wind-driven rain, roof-covering defects, condensation and internal flue conditions can produce similar symptoms. Photographs at roof level, internal observations and the pattern of staining help narrow the cause.
Access and safe working
Chimney work is work at height. Access requirements vary with roof pitch, height, neighbouring property and the repair itself. The UK Health and Safety Executive’s work-at-height guidance explains why suitable planning and equipment matter.
Related chimney services
The aim is to retain sound fabric while addressing the defect that is allowing movement or moisture. A few failed joints should not automatically trigger a rebuild, but patching a visibly unstable stack is equally unsuitable. The written scope should explain why the proposed level of work is proportionate.