Is my Chimney safe, does the stack need repair ?

Does my chimney stack need repair or rebuilding?

Even if the brickwork on your house is in good condition you should inspect your chimney stack for signs of wear. The mortar pointing in-between the brickwork on your chimney stack can begin to crumble and crack over time because of the constant weather exposure. Rain, wind, snow, frost and even the sun all play a part in the health of your chimney.

Worn mortar joints allow moisture to get into the chimney this can lead to the possibility of chimney collapse. Re-pointing a chimney is a common repair and isn’t usually that expensive depending on the condition of the chimney stack.

Re-pointing chimneys involves putting up a scaffold which may have to be erected to allow the builders to work safely. The condition of the brickwork can be inspected more closely from the roof and a proper assessment can be made. Often signs of cracking or leaning can’t be seen from the ground, but if you suspect there may be a problem with your chimney or it is in need of repairs you can ask us at The Fire Engine to perform a free survey and without obligation estimate of the costs to put it right.

Chimneys need to be kept in good condition as they can become very unsafe if not properly maintained. When re-pointing chimneys an inspection of the top of the chimney called “flaunching” should be made and if there are any cracks visible or if it has eroded away then this should be replaced with a waterproof mortar. The flaunching not only helps the water to run off the top of the chimney but also helps to hold the chimney pots in place. Often if there is no flaunching left the only thing that holds the chimney pots in place are the weight of the pot itself.

Older chimneys were often built with lime mortar which over time weaken to the point where it is possible to take down chimney stacks by hand with no tools. If your chimney is in this condition it would not be wise to simply re point it but to have it taken down and rebuilt.

If the chimney stack is to be taken down and rebuilt it is difficult to say how much of it will have to be removed. Sometimes it is just the top 3 or 4 courses, called the chimney crown. Usually it is safer to take it down to the flashing providing they are in good condition. If the bricks are in bad condition sometimes, they are removed and rebuilt with new bricks. They should be replaced with new bricks capable of withstanding the extreme conditions we can experience in North Devon, especially in properties close to the coast.

Contact us at The Fire Engine for free advice on all your chimney requirements and ask for a free on-site survey and no obligation quote.01237 420904.