Chimney Repointing
Chimneys take more weather than any other part of the house. Wind, rain and frost work on the exposed joints, so the mortar on a chimney stack usually fails long before the mortar lower down the walls.
Because a chimney sits up in the weather, its joints open up, the mortar washes out and frost gets into the gaps. Once the joints have failed, water gets into the stack and can track down into the roof space and the rooms below, showing up as damp on chimney breasts.
Repointing a chimney means raking out the failed mortar and replacing it with a suitable mix, worked well into the joints and finished to shed water. On older stacks a more breathable mortar is usually appropriate, matched to the brickwork.
We also look at the condition of the chimney brickwork itself while we are up there. Where relevant we can advise on the mortar around the base of the pots and on lead or flashing interfaces, though we focus on the masonry and pointing rather than unrelated roofing work.
Chimney work is at height, so suitable safe access is required. The appropriate access arrangements can be discussed as part of the quotation, and care is taken to protect the roof and the area below from debris while the work is carried out.
Our Process
Access
Suitable safe access, often scaffolding, is required so the work can be carried out properly and safely, and the arrangements are discussed as part of the quotation.
Inspection
We check the condition of the joints, the brickwork and the mortar around the stack.
Raking out
Open and failed joints are raked out ready for repointing.
Repointing
The stack is repointed with a suitable mortar, worked in well and finished to shed water.
Associated repairs
Where needed we advise on brickwork and the mortar around the pots.
Protection
The roof and area below are protected throughout and left clean on completion.
Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
From the ground you may see open or eroded joints, missing mortar, or staining. Inside, damp patches on a chimney breast can point to water getting in through failed joints on the stack.
A chimney is the most exposed masonry on the building, taking wind, rain and frost from all sides. That constant exposure wears the joints back much faster than sheltered walls.
Our focus is the masonry and repointing. We can advise on the mortar around pots and note flashing issues, but we are not offering general roofing as part of this.
Access depends on the property. Some chimneys can be reached safely by other means, but many need scaffolding. We will explain what is required as part of the quotation.
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Request a quote for Chimney Repointing
Other Services
Planning repointing work?
Request a repointing survey and written quotation for your property.