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CHIMNEYS:
CHIMNEY REPAIRS, REBUILDING & REMOVAL
Chimneys are one of the most exposed parts of any property.
They sit above the roofline and are constantly exposed to wind, rain, frost and changing temperatures. Over time, mortar can deteriorate, flaunching can crack, lead flashings can fail and bricks can become weather-damaged. When these components begin to fail, water can enter the chimney structure and surrounding roof, leading to damp, internal staining, timber damage and potentially more serious structural problems.
At Marsh Roofing, we provide a complete chimney service including re-pointing, re-flaunching, new lead flashings, chimney rebuilding and full chimney removal.
Why Chimney Maintenance Is So Important
A chimney may look solid from ground level, but small defects can allow water to penetrate long before obvious damage appears inside the property.
Some of the most important areas we inspect include:
• Mortar pointing.
• Chimney flaunching.
• Lead flashings.
• Brickwork.
• Chimney pots.
• Surrounding roof tiles.
• Internal signs of water ingress.
Keeping these areas in good condition helps protect both the chimney itself and the roof structure surrounding it.
Chimney Pointing
The mortar joints between chimney bricks play an important role in keeping the structure secure and weather-resistant.
Over time, this mortar can begin to crack, crumble or wash away. Once this happens, moisture can penetrate deeper into the chimney stack.
Signs that chimney pointing may require attention include:
• Crumbling mortar joints.
• Cracks between bricks.
• Missing sections of mortar.
• Damp around the chimney breast.
• Water staining inside the loft.
• Loose sections of brickwork.
Our re-pointing process removes deteriorated mortar before replacing it with new mortar, helping restore the chimney’s strength and weather protection.
Chimney Flaunching
Flaunching is the mortar finish around the base of chimney pots at the top of the stack. Its purpose is to secure the pots and direct rainwater away from the chimney. Because flaunching is completely exposed to the weather, it can deteriorate over time.
Common problems include:
• Cracking.
• Sections breaking away.
• Water sitting around chimney pots.
• Loose chimney pots.
• Water penetrating into the chimney stack.
Failed flaunching should not simply be covered over.
Where required, we’ll remove the defective material and install a new properly formed flaunching system to provide long-term protection.
Lead Flashings
Lead flashings create the waterproof junction between your chimney and surrounding roof covering. If they become split, loose, incorrectly dressed or poorly installed, water can enter directly into the roof structure. Failed chimney flashing is one of the most common causes of leaks around a chimney.
Our team can:
• Repair existing leadwork where appropriate.
• Remove failed flashings.
• Install new lead flashings.
• Replace defective soakers.
• Correct previous poor-quality leadwork.
All leadwork is installed carefully to create a durable and weather-resistant finish.
Are Your Chimney Bricks Blown?
Chimney bricks are exposed to some of the harshest conditions on the building. Repeated moisture and frost can cause the outer surface of the brick to break down, commonly referred to as blown bricks.
Signs can include:
• Flaking brick faces.
• Crumbling surfaces.
• Cracked bricks.
• Sections of brick falling away.
• Deep weathering.
• Loose brickwork.
Blown bricks can allow even more water into the chimney and may eventually affect the stability of the structure.
Where individual bricks are damaged, they may be replaced. Where deterioration is more extensive, rebuilding part or all of the chimney may be the safer long-term solution.
Chimney Rebuilding
In some cases, repairing individual sections is no longer sufficient. If the chimney has extensive brick deterioration, movement or structural instability, Marsh Roofing can carefully dismantle and rebuild the chimney.
Our chimney rebuilding service can include:
• Controlled dismantling.
• Removal of defective brickwork.
• Rebuilding using suitable bricks.
• New mortar joints.
• New flaunching.
• New lead flashings.
• Reinstallation or replacement of chimney pots where required.
Our aim is to restore the chimney properly rather than repeatedly repairing a structure that has reached the end of its usable condition.
Chimney Removal
Not every property still requires its chimney. Where a chimney is no longer in use or has become a recurring maintenance problem, removal may be a practical option.
Marsh Roofing can safely remove chimney stacks and reinstate the surrounding roof, depending on the project, this can include:
• Careful dismantling of the chimney stack.
• Removal to the required level.
• Structural preparation.
• Installation of roofing membrane.
• New roof battens.
• Matching replacement roof tiles or slates.
• Weatherproofing of the surrounding roof.
We’ll always assess the structure properly before recommending removal.
Repair Where Possible
At Marsh Roofing, we don’t automatically recommend rebuilding or removal.
If re-pointing, re-flaunching or replacing leadwork will safely restore the chimney, we’ll recommend the repair.
If the structure has deteriorated beyond economical repair, we’ll explain why rebuilding or removal may be the better long-term option.
Our advice is always based on the condition of your property.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Attention
Consider arranging an inspection if you’ve noticed:
• Crumbling chimney mortar.
• Cracked flaunching.
• Loose chimney pots.
• Damaged or blown bricks.
• Failed lead flashing.
• Damp around a chimney breast.
• Water staining inside the loft.
• Moss or vegetation growing from joints.
• Loose or unstable brickwork.
• Pieces of mortar or brick around the property.
Early repairs can often prevent much more extensive work later.
Why Choose Marsh Roofing?
• Chimney re-pointing.
• Chimney re-flaunching.
• New lead flashing installation.
• Replacement of damaged bricks.
• Partial and full chimney rebuilding.
• Chimney removal.
• Detailed roof and chimney inspections.
• Complimentary drone inspections where required.
• Honest advice with repair recommended wherever possible.
• Professional, clean workmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my chimney needs re-pointing?
If the mortar between the bricks is cracking, crumbling or missing, re-pointing may be required. A professional inspection can determine the extent of deterioration.
What is chimney flaunching?
Flaunching is the mortar around the chimney pots at the top of the stack. It secures the pots and helps direct water away from the chimney.
Can damaged chimney bricks be repaired?
Yes. Individual damaged or blown bricks can often be replaced. If deterioration is widespread, part or all of the chimney may need rebuilding.
Can you remove a chimney completely?
Yes. We can safely dismantle unwanted chimney stacks and properly reinstate the surrounding roof covering.
Why does my chimney leak?
Common causes include failed pointing, cracked flaunching, defective lead flashings and deteriorated brickwork. We’ll inspect the chimney and surrounding roof to identify the true cause.
Book Your Chimney Inspection
Chimney defects rarely improve on their own. Cracked mortar, failed flaunching, damaged brickwork and deteriorating leadwork can all allow water into your property and eventually lead to more expensive repairs.
If you’re concerned about the condition of your chimney, contact Marsh Roofing today to arrange a professional inspection.
We’ll assess the structure, explain exactly what we’ve found and recommend the most appropriate solution—whether that’s a straightforward repair, rebuilding or complete removal.