Chimneys are among the most vulnerable parts of any roof — exposed to wind, rain, frost, and thermal expansion year-round. Despite this, they're often the last thing homeowners think about until a problem emerges.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Attention
Look out for: crumbling mortar joints between bricks (spalling), white staining (efflorescence) on brickwork, water stains inside the property near the chimney breast, damp patches in the loft around the chimney stack, loose or missing chimney pots, and damaged lead flashing.
Chimney Repointing
Repointing involves removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar to restore weatherproofing. This is a maintenance task that most brick chimneys will need every 20–25 years. Left too long, the brickwork itself can become damaged, making repairs significantly more expensive.
Lead Flashing
Lead flashing seals the junction between the chimney and the roof covering. It is the most common cause of chimney-related leaks. Properly installed lead flashing can last 50+ years, but poor installation or thermal cracking can cause failure much earlier.
Annual Inspection Advice
We recommend an annual inspection of your chimney, particularly before winter. This can be done visually from ground level with binoculars, but a proper close-range inspection by a qualified roofer will identify issues that are not visible from below.