Keep Your Chimney Safe and Solid with Expert Repointing
It’s easy to forget about your chimney when things seem to be working fine. But just like anything exposed to British weather, a chimney takes a beating over the years. Wind, rain, frost, and temperature changes all wear away the mortar between the bricks. If that mortar starts to crumble or wash out, it can have real effects on your home, from loose bricks to leaks, draughts, or worse. That’s where chimney repointing comes in.
At WA Roofing, we’ve spent years helping customers across the Midlands protect their homes by offering professional chimney repointing services. We know how vital it is to keep your chimney strong, not just for its function but for your family’s safety.
What is Chimney Repointing and Why Do You Need It?
Repointing might sound like minor work, but it plays a big role in keeping your chimney out of trouble. When we repoint a chimney, we remove the old, damaged mortar and carefully press in new mortar between the bricks. This gives your chimney a fresh, secure bond and stops water from creeping in.
Mortar usually lasts around 20 to 30 years, depending on the weather and the quality of the last job. If you’ve got an older home, or you’re noticing signs like crumbling mortar or gaps, it’s likely time for some professional help.
Leaving the damage alone can lead to more than just cosmetic issues. Damp can enter the attic or interior walls, bricks can loosen and tumble off, and in extreme cases, the structure might weaken so badly that parts of the chimney collapse. Taking quick action now means avoiding expensive repairs later.
How to Spot the Signs Your Chimney Needs Repointing
You don’t need to climb up on the roof to get an idea of whether your chimney’s in trouble. There are some obvious signs you can see from the ground or inside the loft. Here’s what to look out for:
- Cracks or chunks missing from the mortar between chimney bricks
- Bricks that are loose or have shifted out of place
- Bits of mortar or brick are collecting on the ground near the chimney
- Damp patches on ceilings or in the loft, close to where the chimney runs
- Weeds or moss growing out of the mortar joints
If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to get things checked out. Don’t wait until a storm hits or a bird nests inside the gaps. We’ve seen too many households pay the price of putting it off.
Why Chimney Repointing Can’t Be Overlooked
You might think a bit of crumbling mortar is nothing to worry about. But ignoring worn mortar can start a chain reaction of damage. Once water gets into the gaps, it can freeze and expand, prising bricks apart. Eventually, the bricks fall or split, and that weakens the whole chimney.
With strong, new mortar carefully packed in, the bricks are held firm, the chimney becomes waterproof, and the structure supports itself like it did when it was first built. That means no more stressing during high winds or icy snaps.
Finding the right roofers is just as important as spotting the problem. Our experienced team at WA Roofing knows how to carefully match the colour and type of mortar during repairs to keep your home looking the way it should. Whether your home is modern or Victorian, we can help restore your chimney’s strength without upsetting its style.
What You Can Expect When We Repoint a Chimney
Knowing what repointing involves might help you feel a bit more confident about calling in experts. When you use WA Roofing for chimney repointing, we focus on more than just filling gaps. We look out for your whole roofing area, because where there’s one issue, there could be others hiding.
Here’s how a typical repointing job works with us:
- We start with a full inspection. We check the entire chimney, looking for cracks, loose bricks, damaged mortar, flashing, and more.
- Next, we prepare the surface. That means carefully raking out the old mortar using hand tools. This gives the new mortar a proper key to bond onto.
- Then it’s time to repoint. We mix a batch of fresh, weather-resistant mortar that matches your bricks, and we press it tightly into each joint.
- We finish by brushing the joints smooth, sealing where needed, and cleaning up the area, leaving no mess behind.
- If required, we also repair or replace chimney caps, pots, or flashing during this process.
It’s a straightforward job in the right hands, but not something you should try yourself. Working on a roof is risky, and getting the mortar mix or depth wrong can make things worse instead of better.
Why Homeowners Across the Midlands Choose WR Roofing
We know you’ve got a choice when it comes to finding roofers in the Midlands. So why do so many families and landlords trust WA Roofing?
One reason is that we’re local. We know the Midlands weather well, and we understand the types of brickwork and roofs common in nearby towns. Repointing isn’t about doing the same job everywhere. Every home is different, and we treat them that way.
On our website, you’ll find examples of our work in areas like Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Wolverhampton, and Leicester. Whether it’s a listed cottage or a 1930s semi, we’ve handled chimneys of all shapes and sizes. Our team is fully trained, fully insured, and always aims to deliver neat, careful work that lasts for years.
Another reason? We’re honest. We’ll show you before-and-after photos of the mortar, review any issues we’ve identified, and provide a fixed quote before any work begins. No guessing, no jargon, just straightforward advice and reliable service.
When’s the Best Time to Book Chimney Repointing?
The truth is, chimney repointing can be done at any time of year, as long as it’s not raining or snowing. Spring, summer, and early autumn are the ideal months because the mortar can cure properly without freezing or drying out too fast.
That said, if your chimney is in bad shape, don’t wait months for better weather. A damaged chimney is unpredictable, and one gust of wind can knock things loose. We’ve done plenty of emergency call-outs after storms revealed deeper problems.
If you’re worried about your own chimney, or you saw cracks during the last storm, give WA Roofing a call. We’ll visit when it suits you, check things over from top to bottom, and give you honest feedback about what needs fixing and what’s still sound.
FAQs
How long does chimney repointing take?
Most chimneys can be repointed in a day or two, depending on the size and weather conditions. Chimneys in poor condition or those with wider brick joints might take a bit longer.
Will there be much mess or noise?
We keep things tidy as we go. Mortar dust and debris are cleared using dust sheets and buckets, and our tools are kept quiet whenever possible.
How long will the new mortar last?
If looked after, repointing can last another 20 to 30 years. The mortar we use is weather-resistant and designed to stand up to Midlands conditions.
Can you repoint while keeping the chimney working?
Yes. If your fireplace, stove, or boiler is connected to the chimney, we make sure it stays usable unless repairs prevent it. We’ll always put safety first and talk you through any temporary changes.
What’s the cost of chimney repointing?
Prices vary based on how much work is needed, access, and your location. We offer no-obligation quotes and fair pricing. That way, you get quality work without surprises.
Why Wait? Call in the Experts Today
If your chimney is showing signs of age, don’t let it become a bigger problem. Repointing is one of the best ways to keep your home protected from leaks, damp, and brickwork troubles. At WR Roofing, we provide detailed inspections, fair quotes, and solid repairs in towns and villages across the Midlands.
Don’t gamble on the weather or time. Your chimney is only as strong as the mortar holding it together. Give WA Roofing a ring today and find out how we can restore your chimney and give your home the safety it deserves. Whether you’re in Birmingham, Derby or Leicester, we’re just around the corner.
We’ve spent years looking after rooftops across the Midlands, now let us take care of yours.