Chimney repointing
Raking out and repointing weathered mortar joints so frost and rain can't get into the brickwork.
Chimney repairs Swindon
Chimney repairs &
lead work in Swindon
Chimneys and the lead around them cause more roof leaks than anything else. We repoint, rebuild and re-flash chimneys, and replace failed lead to valleys, abutments and bay roofs, across Swindon and Wiltshire.
What we do
Chimney & lead services
Chimney rebuilds
Taking down and rebuilding unsafe or badly leaning chimney stacks, matching the original brick where possible.
Flaunching & pots
Re-forming cracked flaunching at the top of the stack and re-bedding or replacing loose chimney pots and cowls.
Lead flashing
New Code 4 and Code 5 lead flashings, soakers and back gutters around chimneys, walls and dormers.
Valley repairs
Replacing failed lead or mortar valleys with new lead or a dry-fix valley system.
Bay & porch roofs
Lead work and small roof repairs to bay windows, porches and canopies, often the source of hidden damp.
Signs your chimney needs attention
- Damp patches on the chimney breast, or staining on the ceiling next to it
- Crumbling or missing mortar between the bricks
- Cracked flaunching (the cement slope around the pots) or pots that move
- Lead flashing that has lifted, split or come away from the brickwork
- A stack that looks out of line from the street
Left alone, water gets into the brickwork, freezes and pushes the joints apart, so a repointing job becomes a rebuild. Catching it early is far cheaper.
Lead work done properly
Lead is still the best material for weatherproofing junctions on a pitched roof, because it can be dressed into complex shapes and lasts for decades when it's fitted correctly. We fit lead in the right code for each detail, with correct lap lengths and fixings, and chased and pointed into the brickwork rather than stuck on with sealant. Where a lead alternative makes sense, for example where theft is a risk, we'll talk you through the options.
Chimney work often needs scaffolding, so we'll include it as a clear line item in your written quote. If you're also thinking about a new roof or dry ridge, doing the jobs together saves putting scaffolding up twice.
Chimney questions
Chimneys & lead: your questions
Why is my chimney breast damp?
Usually water is getting in through the stack: failed pointing, cracked flaunching, an uncapped pot or worn lead flashing. Sometimes it's condensation in a disused flue. We'll inspect it and tell you which before quoting.
Do I need scaffolding for chimney repairs?
For most chimney work, yes. It's the only safe way to work on a stack. We arrange it for you and show it as a separate line on the quote.
Should I remove a chimney I don't use?
Sometimes removing a redundant stack below roof level is the best long-term fix, but it can affect neighbours on shared stacks and may need building control. We can advise whether to repair, cap or remove.
How long does lead flashing last?
Properly fitted lead flashing typically lasts many decades. Most failures we see are down to poor original fitting, such as sealant instead of a proper chase, or physical damage, rather than the lead wearing out.
Related services
Chimney repairs Swindon
Damp chimney breast or
loose flashing?
Free inspection and a fixed written price before any work starts.