Common signs include crumbling or missing mortar, cracked or loose bricks, a leaning stack, damaged or missing chimney pots, white staining on the brickwork (efflorescence), damp patches on the chimney breast or ceilings nearby, and flashing that is lifting, cracked or rusted. If you spot any of these, it’s best to have the chimney checked before the problem gets worse.

It can be. A chimney that’s leaning, cracked or has loose bricks could shed material onto the roof, the garden or the street below, and in severe weather it could collapse. If you think your chimney is unsafe, keep away from the area beneath it and contact us or a qualified professional as soon as possible.

Damp on a chimney breast can come from several causes, including failed pointing, damaged flashing, a cracked or missing chimney cap, a leaking stack, or condensation inside an unused flue. We can inspect the chimney from the roof, find the source and advise on the right fix.

Repointing means raking out old, crumbling mortar between the bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. It restores the strength and weather resistance of the chimney and stops water getting into the brickwork.

Often, yes. Repointing, replacing individual bricks, repairing the flaunching (the mortar around the pots) and fitting new flashings can solve many problems. If the brickwork is badly damaged or the stack is unstable, a partial or full rebuild may be the better option. We’ll give you an honest recommendation.

Flaunching is the mortar bed at the top of the stack that holds the chimney pots in place and sheds rainwater. If it cracks or breaks away, water can get into the chimney, so it’s one of the most common repairs.

Lead flashing seals the joint where the chimney meets the roof. It’s one of the most common places for leaks, so keeping it in good condition is important. We can repair or replace it as part of your chimney work.

If your chimney isn’t in use, a cowl or cap can keep out rain, birds and debris while still allowing ventilation. If you use a fire or stove, the right cap or cowl depends on your appliance, so please ask us before fitting one.

The price depends on the extent of the damage, the height and position of the chimney, access and scaffolding, and the materials needed. A small repair costs much less than a rebuild. We’ll visit and give you a clear written quote.

If you use an open fire, wood burner or solid fuel stove, regular sweeping by a qualified chimney sweep is essential for safety. Sweeping isn’t something we do. A sweep can also tell you if there’s a problem with the flue that needs attention.

Have it inspected every few years and after severe weather, and look out for crumbling mortar, loose bricks and damaged flashings. Fixing small problems early is almost always cheaper than waiting. Please don’t climb onto the roof yourself, and call us if you spot an issue.