Chimney repairs carried out by roofers who work at height every day
S S Roofing Specialist Limited repairs and rebuilds chimney stacks on homes, shops and industrial premises across the UK. We handle chimney repointing, flaunching repair, leaning chimney repair and chimney pot replacement, working from scaffold or tower access with the same crews who carry out our roofing work.
What you get with every job
- 01. A site survey before any price is given, not after
- 02. A fixed price quote in writing, with materials specified
- 03. Mortar mix matched to the existing brickwork and exposure
- 04. Flaunching, flashing and pot condition checked together
- 05. Photographs of the stack before and after work
- 06. A written guarantee on workmanship and materials
Who we are and why clients trust us
S S Roofing Specialist Limited is a UK roofing and chimney repair contractor that repoints, rebuilds and reflashes chimney stacks on residential, commercial and industrial buildings, working to recognised UK standards and offering written guarantees on completed work.
Most chimney enquiries come from one of three situations. A homeowner has noticed crumbling mortar joints or loose pots after a winter of frost. A surveyor has flagged a leaning stack during a house sale and the buyer wants it sorted before completion. Or a facilities manager has a flat roofed industrial unit where an old brick stack is shedding debris onto the roof covering below.
Every crew member working at height holds a current CSCS card, and our operatives are trained in safe ladder use, tower scaffold assembly and roof edge protection. We carry public liability insurance, and we will provide a copy of our certificate before work starts if you ask for one.
We do not rebuild a stack when repointing and a new flaunching will get another twenty years out of it. If the brickwork is sound below the flashing line and the problem is perished mortar joints or a cracked flaunching, we will price that as a repair and explain why a full rebuild is not needed. Where the stack is genuinely unstable, we will say so clearly and explain what a rebuild involves before any price is agreed.
We work to mortar mixes appropriate for the exposure and brick type, generally a lime based mix for older solid wall properties and a cement lime sand mix for most twentieth century brickwork, and we follow Building Regulations Part A guidance on structural stability when a stack needs partial rebuilding. Every job, large or small, gets the same site survey before a price is agreed.
What chimney repairs includes
A chimney repair from S S Roofing Specialist Limited covers repointing of perished mortar joints, repair or renewal of the flaunching at the top of the stack, straightening or rebuilding a leaning stack, replacement of damaged or missing chimney pots, and renewal of the lead flashing where the stack meets the roof.
- Chimney repointing using a mortar mix matched to the existing brick type and the property's exposure, removing perished joints to a consistent depth before repointing
- Chimney flaunching repair, replacing the cracked or sloping cement collar at the top of the stack that holds the pots in place and sheds rainwater away from the flue
- Leaning chimney repair, including partial or full rebuilds where the stack has moved out of true due to mortar failure, structural movement or a failed damp proof course
- Chimney pot replacement, matching clay or concrete pots to the existing design where possible, or upgrading to a terminal suited to the flue type in use
- Lead flashing and soaker renewal at the junction between the chimney stack and the roof slope, including step flashing, apron flashing and back gutters on wider stacks
- Cracked brick and spalled brick replacement, cutting out and replacing individual bricks damaged by frost action without disturbing the rest of the stack
- Chimney capping and decommissioning for stacks that are no longer in use, fitted with ventilation to prevent damp building up inside the redundant flue
- Bird guards and cowls fitted to pots where birds or debris have been entering the flue
- Full site clean up, with old materials removed and disposed of through licensed waste carriers
Where each part of a chimney stack sits above the roofline
The flaunching is the sloped cement collar at the top of the stack that holds the pots upright and throws water off the brickwork rather than letting it sit and soak in. Mortar joints between the bricks are pointed in a mix appropriate to the brick type, and the lead flashing at the base of the stack is dressed into the roof covering to stop water tracking down into the loft where the chimney passes through the roof slope.
- Pot: terminal at the top of the flue, can be capped if redundant
- Flaunching: sloped mortar collar that sheds water from the stack top
- Brickwork: stack walls and mortar joints, repointed as they age
- Flashing: lead dressing where the stack meets the roof covering
What our chimney repairs covers
Our chimney repair work covers brick and mortar repairs, flaunching renewal, lead flashing, and pot replacement on stacks built from clay brick, concrete block or stone, priced individually after a site survey because access, stack height and the extent of repointing required all affect the final cost.
Materials we work with
Lime mortar is a softer, more breathable mix used on older solid wall properties, particularly those built before around 1919. It allows moisture to escape through the joints rather than the brick face, which matters on period properties where the brick itself may be softer than modern engineering brick.
Cement lime sand mortar in a mix such as 1 part cement to 1 part lime to 6 parts sand is appropriate for most twentieth century cavity wall properties, giving a harder joint suited to modern brick.
Code 4 and Code 5 lead are the most common lead thicknesses used for chimney flashing on residential properties, with heavier codes specified on larger commercial stacks or where the flashing run is longer and needs to resist wind lift.
Clay and concrete chimney pots are both used for replacement, with clay typically chosen to match older properties and concrete often used where a like for like clay pot is no longer manufactured in the required size.
Common chimney repair types explained
Repointing means raking out perished or cracked mortar from the joints between bricks to a depth of around 20 to 25 millimetres, then filling the joints with fresh mortar finished to match the existing pointing style.
Flaunching repair involves removing the old cracked cement collar around the pots, checking the brickwork underneath for damage, and forming a new sloped flaunching that directs water away from the joints below.
Leaning chimney repair ranges from rebuilding the stack from roofline upward using the existing bricks where they are sound, through to a full rebuild with new brick and a damp proof course where the original has failed.
Chimney capping is fitted to a flue that is no longer used, sealing the top of the pot while leaving ventilation so moisture does not become trapped inside the redundant flue.
UK chimney repair cost guide
| Job | Typical UK Cost Guide | What affects the price |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney repointing, single stack on a 3 bed semi detached house | £450 and £900 | Stack height, number of sides, extent of perished mortar |
| Chimney flaunching repair, per stack | £180 and £350 | Number of pots, condition of brickwork underneath |
| Chimney pot replacement, per pot supplied and fitted | £80 and £180 | Pot size, clay versus concrete, access for removal of old pot |
| Leaning chimney repair, partial rebuild above roofline | £900 and £2200 | Number of courses to rebuild, brick matching, scaffold requirements |
| Leaning chimney repair, full rebuild from roofline | £2200 and £4500 | Stack size, brick type, structural considerations under Part A |
| Lead flashing renewal around chimney base | £250 and £600 | Lead code specified, length of flashing run, number of step flashings |
| Chimney capping for a redundant flue, per pot | £90 and £160 | Cowl or cap type, ventilation requirements |
| Cracked or spalled brick replacement, per brick | £25 and £45 | Brick matching, number of bricks affected, position on the stack |
Figures above are guide prices for England and Wales as of 2026 and exclude scaffold. Where a tower scaffold or full scaffold is needed for a two storey or taller property, expect an additional cost of between £400 and £900 depending on the size of the building and how long it stays up. We confirm an exact figure in writing after the survey, and that figure does not change once work begins unless you ask for extra work.
Why choose S S Roofing Specialist Limited
Clients choose S S Roofing Specialist Limited for chimney repairs because every quote is in writing, every operative at height holds a CSCS card, mortar and lead specifications are agreed before work starts, and finished work carries a written guarantee covering both materials and workmanship.
ComplianceBuilt around UK standards
Lead flashing and fixings follow BS 5534 wind uplift guidance for the property's location and exposure. Where a stack requires partial or full rebuilding, we work with Building Regulations Part A structural guidance in mind, and where insulation or ventilation around the stack is disturbed we consider Part L continuity rather than leaving gaps.
HonestyRepair before rebuild
If the brickwork is structurally sound and the problem is the mortar joints or the flaunching, we quote the repair on its own. We will tell you when a leaning stack genuinely needs a rebuild because the brickwork has moved out of true, and when repointing and a new flaunching will do the job for years to come.
AccountabilityPhotographic records
We photograph the stack before we start and after we finish on every job, so you can see the condition of the brickwork, flaunching and flashing that was hidden from view at ground level, and the standard of the finished work once the repair is complete.
Common residential and commercial or industrial chimney problems
The most common chimney problems in the UK are perished mortar joints from frost damage, cracked flaunching that lets water into the stack, leaning stacks caused by long term mortar failure or movement, and on commercial or industrial buildings, large brick stacks that have been left unmaintained for years and now shed debris onto the roof below.
Residential properties
- Crumbling mortar joints usually appear first on the side of the stack most exposed to wind driven rain, where freeze thaw cycles have gradually broken down older or poorly mixed mortar
- Cracked flaunching allows rainwater to track down inside the stack rather than running off the top, which over time can saturate the brickwork and lead to damp staining on chimney breasts inside the property
- Leaning chimney stacks are often first noticed from the street or by a surveyor during a house sale, and usually point to mortar that has failed across multiple courses rather than a single localised problem
- Loose or missing chimney pots can be a result of failed flaunching no longer holding the pot in place, and pose a falling hazard if not addressed
- Damp patches on chimney breasts inside the property are often the first visible sign of a flashing or flaunching problem outside, and are worth investigating before redecorating over the stain
Commercial and industrial properties
- Large unmaintained brick stacks on older industrial buildings can have decades of mortar erosion that is not visible from ground level without close inspection
- Debris falling onto flat roofs from a deteriorating stack can puncture or wear through single ply or felt roof coverings over time
- Redundant flues from removed plant are sometimes left capped incorrectly, trapping moisture and accelerating internal corrosion of any metal liners
- Lightning protection bonding on tall industrial stacks needs to be checked and reinstated correctly if any brickwork around the bonding point is disturbed during repair
- Access restrictions on commercial sites, including working near plant, signage or shared boundaries, often mean chimney repairs need to be planned around the building's operating hours
How we complete every chimney repair project
We complete every chimney repair project in ten stages, starting with a site survey and ending with a final check and handover, so the finished stack is sound, weathered correctly, and proven to be watertight before we leave site.
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Site survey and assessment
We inspect the stack from ground level using binoculars and, where access allows, from roof level, checking mortar condition, flaunching, pots, flashing and any visible lean or movement.
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Agree specification and fixed price quote
We confirm the mortar mix, lead code, pot type and extent of work with you, then provide a written quote that itemises repointing, flaunching, flashing and pot work separately so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
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Arrange safe access
Depending on the height and pitch of the roof, we set up ladders with stand off arms, a tower scaffold, or arrange full scaffold around the stack, always with edge protection in line with current work at height regulations.
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Remove pots and flaunching where needed
Where flaunching is being renewed, pots are carefully lifted clear and set aside, and the old cracked flaunching is broken out without damaging the brickwork below.
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Rake out perished mortar joints
Joints affected by frost damage or cracking are raked out to a consistent depth using hand tools rather than power tools, to avoid damaging the arris edges of the surrounding bricks.
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Repoint or rebuild brickwork as required
Repointing is carried out using a mortar mix matched to the existing brick type and finished to match the surrounding pointing style. Where a partial or full rebuild is needed, courses are taken down and rebuilt with a damp proof course included where appropriate.
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Form new flaunching and refit pots
A new sloped flaunching is formed around the base of the pots, finished to direct water away from the joints below, and pots are reset and bedded securely.
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Renew lead flashing at the roof junction
Where flashing has perished or split, new lead is cut, dressed and pointed into the roof covering, including step flashings and any back gutter required on wider stacks.
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Check the finished stack
We check that pots are seated correctly, flaunching has an even fall, flashing is dressed tight to the roof covering, and that the stack is plumb where rebuilding has taken place.
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Clear site and complete handover
All waste materials, old pots and offcuts are removed from site, the area is left clean, and we walk through the work with you before providing your written guarantee.
Chimney repair questions answered
How much does chimney repointing cost in the UK?
Chimney repointing on a single stack on a 3 bed semi detached house typically costs between £450 and £900, depending on the stack height, the number of sides being repointed and how much of the existing mortar has perished. Larger stacks, taller properties and stacks needing scaffold rather than ladder access cost more.
What is chimney flaunching and when does it need repairing?
Flaunching is the sloped cement collar around the base of the chimney pots that holds them in place and sheds rainwater off the top of the stack. Chimney flaunching repair is usually needed when the flaunching has cracked, allowing water to soak into the brickwork below, or when pots have become loose because the flaunching no longer grips them securely.
How do I know if I have a leaning chimney that needs repair?
A leaning chimney is often visible from the street as a stack that is no longer vertical compared with the roofline or neighbouring stacks. Leaning chimney repair in the UK ranges from a partial rebuild above roofline, costing between £900 and £2200, to a full rebuild from roofline costing between £2200 and £4500, depending on the extent of movement and the brick matching required.
Can a chimney be repaired without scaffolding?
Some chimney repairs on single storey properties or where there is good ladder access can be carried out using ladders with stand off arms or a tower scaffold. Taller properties, larger stacks, or jobs involving rebuilding above roofline usually require full scaffold to allow safe access on all sides of the stack in line with current work at height regulations.
What is the best mortar mix for chimney repointing?
The best mortar mix depends on the age and type of brick. Lime mortar is generally used on older solid wall properties built before around 1919, because it allows moisture to escape through the joints rather than the brick face. Cement lime sand mortar in a mix such as 1 part cement to 1 part lime to 6 parts sand is appropriate for most twentieth century cavity wall properties.
Do I need planning permission for chimney repairs?
Repairing or rebuilding a chimney stack on a standard residential property is usually classed as maintenance and does not normally require planning permission. Properties in conservation areas or listed buildings may have restrictions on materials, pot styles and rebuilding methods, so it is worth checking with your local planning authority before changing the appearance of a stack on a listed property.
How often should chimney pots be replaced?
Chimney pots do not have a fixed replacement schedule, but clay pots can crack from frost action over many years and should be checked whenever flaunching repair work is carried out. Chimney pot replacement is often done at the same time as a flaunching repair, since the pots need to be lifted out to access the flaunching anyway.
What guarantee comes with chimney repairs from S S Roofing Specialist Limited?
Chimney repairs from S S Roofing Specialist Limited come with a written guarantee covering both the materials supplied and our workmanship. The exact guarantee period is confirmed on your written quote and depends on the type of work carried out, for example repointing compared with a full stack rebuild.
Get a fixed price chimney repair quote, in writing, before any work starts
Tell us about your stack and we will arrange a survey, then send a written quote that breaks down repointing, flaunching, flashing and pot costs separately, so there are no surprises once work begins.
- CSCS registered operatives
- Fixed price, no hidden extras
- Repointing, flaunching and rebuild specialists
- Written guarantee on every job
Chimney stack repair near me, fast
If your chimney stack is leaning, shedding bricks or pots, or you have noticed sudden damp staining on a chimney breast inside, call us directly and we will aim to get someone out to assess the problem within a few days, sooner where there is a risk of falling debris.
For a leaning stack, a cracked flaunching letting in water, or a pot that has come loose, describe the problem when you call and we will let you know what to expect, including an approximate cost range before anyone visits.
Lines open for calls and messages most days. Email anytime.
Chimney repair service areas across the UK
S S Roofing Specialist Limited carries out chimney repointing, flaunching repair, leaning chimney repair and chimney pot replacement for homeowners and commercial clients across the UK, with crews regularly working in the regions listed below.
Pitched Roofing Service Areas Across the UK
S S Roofing Specialist Limited provides residential and commercial roof replacement services across the United Kingdom. If you are searching for roof replacement near me, current service areas include:
Current Service Areas
National Scope
We structuralize roof replacements on commercial portfolios, industrial frameworks, and residential developments across major UK operational territory lines.
Tailored Frameworks
Our logistical layout means scaffolding setups, material allocation, and site compliance are safely handled, completely aligned with strict regional safety criteria.
Your area not listed?
Call 07455 077003 — we cover more locations than shown above and are happy to discuss your project wherever you are in the UK.
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What Happens When You Contact Us
We attend, assess, advise honestly, and provide a detailed quotation that allows you to make a fully informed decision.
You call or email with details of your roofing concern.
We arrange a convenient time for a free site survey.
We carry out a thorough inspection and present you with a clear written quotation.
You decide whether to proceed, with no pressure and no obligation.
If you proceed, we schedule the work and keep you informed throughout.