Your First Option For Chimney Repairs
What Is Chimney Repointing?
Chimney repointing involves removing deteriorated mortar from defective joints and replacing it with suitable new mortar.
The purpose is not to rebuild a chimney unnecessarily. Instead, repointing can address areas where the existing mortar has become:
- Loose
- Cracked
- Powdery
- Deeply eroded
- Missing
- Recessed
- Damaged by weathering
- Allowing water to penetrate
A chimney is particularly exposed because it projects above the roofline.
Rainwater can reach the masonry from several directions, while frost can exploit existing cracks and weak joints. Over many years, repeated wetting and drying can gradually affect the mortar.
A chimney that looks reasonably sound from the ground can therefore still have deteriorating joints that need closer inspection.
Why Does Chimney Mortar Deteriorate?
There isn't one single cause of failing chimney pointing.
Common contributing factors include:
Weather exposure
Chimneys receive considerably more exposure than many parts of the building.
Wind-driven rain can penetrate weakened joints, while repeated drying and wetting can contribute to gradual deterioration.
Frost damage
Water entering cracks and porous masonry can freeze during cold weather. Expansion can place additional stress on already weakened areas.
Age
Mortar naturally weathers over time. An older chimney may contain joints that have been exposed to the elements for many decades.
Inappropriate previous repairs
A chimney may have been repointed in the past using a mortar that is harder or less permeable than the surrounding masonry.
This can be particularly problematic on traditional buildings.
Historic England advises that repair materials should be compatible with the existing masonry and warns that inappropriate hard, impermeable cement-based mortars can contribute to deterioration of brick and stone.
Water ingress
Once joints have deteriorated, moisture can enter more easily.
Chimney damp can have several causes, including penetration through the chimney fabric, deteriorated pointing, defective flaunching or problems associated with the flue.
This is why repointing should be considered alongside the overall condition of the chimney rather than treated as an isolated cosmetic job.
Signs Your Chimney May Need Repointing
You don't need to wait for bricks to fall before investigating deteriorating pointing.
Look for signs such as:
- Crumbling mortar
- Missing mortar joints
- Visible cracks
- Deeply recessed joints
- Loose fragments of mortar
- Bricks appearing unstable
- Damp around a chimney breast
- Water staining near the chimney
- Vegetation growing from joints
- Previous pointing that is visibly failing
- Pieces of masonry or mortar appearing on the roof
- Chimney joints that look noticeably different from surrounding areas
Historic England's maintenance guidance recommends checking masonry for deep erosion, missing pointing, cracks and crumbling, as well as looking for staining or vegetation that may indicate problems with drainage, flashings or weathering details.
If you're seeing any of these warning signs, a closer inspection can establish whether repointing is appropriate.
Chimney Repointing Around Stoke-on-Trent
Staffs Chimney Repairs provides chimney repointing for properties throughout Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding communities.
Our local service can be relevant to homeowners in areas including:
- Stoke
- Hanley
- Burslem
- Tunstall
- Fenton
- Longton
- Trentham
- Penkhull
- Hartshill
- Blurton
- Meir
- Dresden
- Etruria
- Shelton
- Middleport
- Bucknall
- Abbey Hulton
We also work with customers in nearby parts of North Staffordshire, subject to location and availability.
Local knowledge is useful because chimney construction can vary significantly between properties. A Victorian terrace, an older semi-detached house and a modern development may have completely different masonry, pointing and weathering details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chimney repointing?
Chimney repointing is the process of removing defective mortar from masonry joints and replacing it with suitable new mortar.
Does every old chimney need repointing?
No. Age alone does not mean that all mortar needs replacing. Historic England specifically advises that sound historic mortar should generally be left undisturbed.
Can repointing stop a chimney leak?
It can help where deteriorated mortar is allowing water to penetrate, but not every chimney leak is caused by pointing. Flashing, flaunching, chimney pots and other components may also need examination.
Should old chimney pointing be replaced with cement?
Not automatically. The appropriate mortar depends on the existing masonry and construction. On some traditional buildings, an overly hard or impermeable mortar can cause problems.
How do I know if my chimney pointing is failing?
Look for missing, cracked, loose, powdery or deeply eroded joints. Damp around the chimney can also be a warning sign, although there may be other causes.
Can you repoint a chimney in Stoke?
Yes. Staffs Chimney Repairs provides chimney repointing services across Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas, subject to access and assessment.
Is chimney repointing suitable for Victorian terraces?
It can be, and older terraces can particularly benefit from appropriate masonry maintenance. However, the mortar and pointing style should be considered carefully rather than treating the chimney like a modern structure.
Does a listed building need permission for repointing?
It depends on the proposed work and how it affects the building's special interest. Historic England notes that careful, compatible repointing may often not require listed building consent, but inappropriate materials, finishes or methods can create issues.
Always check the position for your individual property before starting work.
Can damaged bricks be repaired at the same time?
Potentially. If the inspection identifies damaged masonry as well as deteriorated pointing, the appropriate repair can be discussed. More significant structural damage may require specialist assessment.