Chimney work in Guildford & Surrey
Rebuilds, repointing and haunching to keep chimneys watertight.
What's involved
Chimney work covers rebuilding stacks where brickwork has moved or spalled, repointing mortar joints that have eroded, and haunching, the mortar fillet around the base of the stack where it meets the roof, which is one of the most common places for water to get in unnoticed. Flashing around the base is checked and reset at the same time, since a good haunching job depends on the flashing beneath it being sound too. Pots and cowls are also checked while we're up there, and reseated or replaced if they're loose or damaged.
Signs you need it
Crumbling or missing mortar between the bricks, a stack that looks like it's leaning, damp patches on a chimney breast wall inside the house, or haunching at the roof junction that's visibly cracked or breaking away. Bits of mortar or brick appearing in the gutter below, or on the ground near the base of the house, are also a sign. A chimney that's been neglected for years is more expensive to fix than one caught early, since moving brickwork usually means more of the stack needs attention.
What to expect from us
We assess the stack's condition and stability first. A leaning or badly spalled chimney is treated differently to one that just needs repointing, and we'll say so rather than quoting for more work than's needed. Access is via scaffolding or a tower where the roof pitch or height needs it, so the job's done safely and properly rather than balanced on a ladder from the roof edge. We'll also check the surrounding roof covering and flashing while we're up there, since chimney problems and roof leaks often go hand in hand.
How long it takes
Repointing and haunching typically take one to two days, including time for the mortar to go off properly before we leave. A full rebuild depends on how much of the stack needs taking down and reconstructing, but most residential chimney rebuilds are finished within a few days once scaffolding is up.
Common questions about chimney work
Is it safe if my chimney looks like it's leaning?
Get it looked at before it gets worse. A leaning stack can be a sign the brickwork has come loose. Call us and we'll assess it and advise honestly on urgency.
Do you cap or remove chimneys that aren't used?
Yes, we can cap or remove a disused stack as part of general chimney work where it makes sense for the roof.
Do you fit flue liners or wood-burner flues?
That's HETAS-engineer territory rather than ours. We handle the roofing side: rebuilds, repointing and haunching, and are happy to coordinate around a liner installation if you're having one fitted.
How do I know if it's repointing or a full rebuild?
We'll tell you on site. If the brickwork itself is sound and it's just the mortar that's failed, repointing is usually enough. A rebuild is only needed where the structure has genuinely moved.
Need chimney work?
Free, no-obligation quotes across Guildford and Surrey.