Chimney repairs, rebuilds & flashing.

If the mortar joints look sandy, recessed, cracked, or are dropping debris into the gutter, repointing is due. On exposed Herefordshire chimneys, mortar typically needs renewing every 30–50 years. Failed pointing lets water track down inside the brickwork and is a leading cause of damp internal chimney breasts — so it's worth addressing before it spreads.

Yes — chimneys are one of the most common sources of roof leaks. Water can enter through failed flashing, cracked flaunching at the top, perished pointing, or porous bricks. Often the damp shows up some distance from the actual entry point, which is why proper diagnosis matters before any repair.

If the lead flashing around the base of your chimney is split, lifted, has gaps or has been replaced with mortar fillets that have cracked, yes — it needs renewing. Properly dressed lead flashing should last 50+ years and is the only reliable long-term seal between brickwork and roof tiles.

A standard repoint and re-flash typically costs £600–£1,400 in Herefordshire, including scaffolding. Full rebuilds from the roofline up usually run £1,800–£4,000 depending on size and access. Cap-offs on disused stacks are usually £400–£900. All quotes are itemised and free.

Potentially yes — a noticeably leaning chimney can be a serious safety risk, especially in high winds. Leaning is usually caused by sulphate attack on the mortar, which expands the windward side over decades. We'll inspect honestly and tell you whether it needs straightening, partial rebuild or full rebuild — never scaremongering.

Yes. If a chimney is no longer in use, capping it off properly with a vented cowl prevents rain ingress while still letting the flue breathe (which avoids condensation and damp). It's a common, cost-effective job that solves a lot of chimney-related damp problems on Herefordshire properties.