Chimney Repointing

Mortar joints and roof junctions do different jobs

Repointing addresses the mortar joints between the bricks or masonry of the stack. Lead flashing addresses the junction where the roof meets it. Damp near a chimney can prompt either enquiry, but the location of a stain does not tell you which work is required.

Ashurst & Sons includes chimney pointing in its roofing work. The useful starting point is the condition of the whole visible stack and surrounding roof detail. Report loose material, visible gaps, previous repairs or water entering below the chimney without going onto the roof to investigate.

Where the issue is the roof-to-chimney junction, our lead-work service explains the distinction. A stack that appears unstable or has more extensive damage needs assessment beyond simply renewing mortar joints.

Define which part of the chimney needs attention

• Which faces and joints are included in the proposed repointing.
• Whether damaged masonry or other defects require a separate scope.
• Whether flashing work is included, excluded or not required.
• How safe access and protection of the area below will be arranged.
• What preparation, waste removal and making-good are included.

The right access is part of the job. It should be planned around the chimney and property, not omitted to make a headline price look lower. Explain any restricted side passage, shared access or area beneath the stack that must remain clear.

Ask how further defects discovered during preparation would be discussed. A repointing quote should not quietly become an agreement for structural work, rebuilding or removal. Those are different decisions with different responsibilities.

Useful photographs do not require roof access

A ground-level view of the chimney in relation to the roof is often more useful for the first conversation than a tightly cropped image with no context. Add a second safe view from another side if available. Tell us where damp appears indoors and whether it seems linked to rainfall.

If you have paperwork from earlier pointing or flashing work, mention it. Knowing what was done and roughly when can help explain why you are asking for another assessment. There is no need to guess the mortar type or climb a ladder to count damaged joints.

We are based in Peterlee and cover the seven named areas on our website, including Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle and Hartlepool. Send the postcode so the location and access can be discussed with the actual work.

For roof-access safety, see HSE guidance on roof work. Inspection and repair at height should be left to people with the appropriate competence and precautions.

Ask about the stack and the junction together

Describe what you can see and what has changed. We can discuss whether the enquiry concerns pointing, lead work, a wider roof repair or a separate chimney assessment.

• Send a chimney enquiry
• Lead flashing and junctions
• Roof repairs