Chimney work that follows the water path
Stop failed mortar holding water in the stack
Chimneys face rain and frost from every side. As mortar erodes, open joints can take in moisture and leave the masonry exposed to further weathering. Loose material can also make the stack less secure. We inspect the pointing, visible brick or stone, pots and cement around the chimney top. Chimney repointing in Dalkeith involves removing defective mortar to a suitable depth, preparing the joints and replacing it with properly finished mortar. The purpose isn't to paint over cracks. It is to restore firm joints that resist the weather.
Check the chimney and roof junction together
A damp mark near a chimney may come from pointing, flaunching, leadwork or the roof covering beside the stack. Treating one part without checking the others can leave the leak in place. We assess the roof-level masonry and the junction where it meets slate or tile, then explain the connected repairs needed. Local repointing may be enough for contained erosion. More involved deterioration can require broader masonry or cement work. Safe access, stack height and the condition of loose sections all influence how the job is approached.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs that chimney pointing has failed?
Look for crumbling mortar, open joints, loose fragments and damp around the chimney area. From ground level, erosion can be hard to judge accurately. We inspect the accessible stack and connected details to establish how much mortar is unsound.
What does chimney repointing involve?
We remove failed mortar to a suitable depth, clean and prepare the joints, then refill and finish them correctly. Simply spreading new mortar over loose pointing won't create a sound repair, so preparation is an important part of the work.
Could the leak be from the flashing instead of the chimney?
Yes. Damp near a chimney can result from failed pointing, cracked flaunching, defective leadwork or the adjoining roof covering. We inspect these connected parts together so the proposed repair addresses the actual entry point rather than the nearest visible crack.