MJS Roofing services
Chimney Repairs in Surrey and North Hampshire
Your chimney takes a beating. It sticks up above the roof, so it gets the worst of the wind, rain and frost. Over time the mortar crumbles, the pots loosen and the flashing pulls away. Then water finds its way into your home.
MJS Roofing repairs chimneys across Surrey and North Hampshire. We fix the cause, not just the stain on your ceiling. We'll explain what's wrong and what it needs. Worried about your chimney? Call 01252 308591 or send a message for a free quote.
Signs your chimney needs work
- Damp patches or brown stains on the chimney breast inside
- Crumbling or missing mortar between the bricks
- Bricks with flaking or crumbling faces
- A leaning stack or visible cracks
- Loose or cracked chimney pots
- Cracked or missing cement around the base of the pots (this is called flaunching)
- Lead flashing lifting away where the chimney meets the roof
- Bits of mortar or soot in the fireplace
You can often see some of these from the ground. Use binoculars if you like, but please don't climb up to check.
The chimney repairs we do
Repointing
We rake out the loose mortar and repoint with a mix that suits your bricks. Using the wrong mortar can damage older brickwork, so we take care over this.
Flaunching
Flaunching is the mortar that holds the pots in place and sheds water. When it cracks, rain gets into the stack. We replace it so the pots sit firm and the water runs off.
Chimney pots and caps
We refit loose pots and replace damaged ones. If you have a disused flue, we can fit a vented cap. It keeps the rain out and lets air move through, which helps stop damp forming inside the chimney.
Lead flashings and trays
The joint between the chimney and the roof is a common place for leaks. We fit new lead flashings, and a tray or back gutter where it's needed, so water is carried away from the stack.
Chimney rebuilds
If the top of the stack is past repair, we can take it down and rebuild it. We'll reuse bricks where they're sound and match the look of your home.
Repair or rebuild?
Most chimneys only need repointing, new flaunching or new flashing. A rebuild is for when the brickwork has broken down or the stack is leaning. We won't rebuild what we can repair. If we think a rebuild is needed, we'll show you why.
Sweeping and fire safety
Repairing the stack doesn't replace regular sweeping. If you use a fireplace or wood burner, have the flue swept and checked by a qualified chimney sweep.
Common questions
Chimney Repairs questions
Why is my chimney breast damp?
Water can get in through the pot, the flaunching, the brickwork or the flashing. Sometimes the cause is a capped chimney with no ventilation. We check outside and in the loft to find the real cause.
Is a leaning chimney dangerous?
It can be. A stack that leans or has big cracks could drop bricks. Keep people away from underneath it and call us to take a look.
Do I need scaffolding for chimney work?
Often, yes. Depending on the height and the job, we may use scaffolding or a tower for safe access. We'll tell you before we start.
How long does a chimney repair take?
Repointing or new flaunching often takes about a day. A rebuild takes longer, and mortar needs time to set. We'll give you a timeline in your quote.
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