Chimney repairs in Amersham — repointing, rebuilds, flashings, cowls and caps.
Chimneys are the most exposed part of any roof. They sit above the ridgeline, take the full force of wind and rain, and the mortar between the bricks slowly crumbles over the decades. Most chimney problems in Amersham are caused by age and weathering — not structural failure — and can be fixed without taking the whole stack down.
We do chimney repairs across Amersham and the surrounding villages.
Call 01494 702 599 for a free survey.
What we repair
Chimney repointing
The mortar joints between the bricks wear away over time. Once they’re recessed or crumbling, rain gets into the brickwork and causes damp inside the house — often showing up as staining on the chimney breast in the bedroom or loft.
We rake out the old mortar and repoint with fresh, matching mortar. Typically takes half a day to a day depending on the chimney size.
Typical price: £200–£600.
Lead flashing repairs
The lead flashing where the chimney meets the roof is one of the most common causes of leaks. The lead cracks, lifts, or the mortar pointing holding it into the chimney (the “chase”) falls out. We re-dress existing lead, replace damaged sections, and re-point the chase.
Typical price: £150–£500.
Chimney cap and cowl fitting
An open chimney pot lets rain, birds and debris straight down the flue. We fit cowls (ventilated caps that let the flue breathe but keep rain and birds out) and solid caps for disused flues.
Typical price: £80–£200 per pot.
Chimney pot replacement
Cracked or loose pots are a safety hazard in high winds. We replace them with matching pots and re-bed them in fresh mortar.
Typical price: £100–£250 per pot.
Partial chimney rebuild
If the top courses of brickwork are badly weathered or the stack is leaning, we can take down the damaged section and rebuild it. This is more common on Victorian and Edwardian properties in Old Amersham where the original brickwork is 100+ years old.
Typical price: £500–£1,500 depending on how much needs rebuilding.
Chimney removal
If the chimney is no longer in use and is causing persistent damp or structural concerns, we can take it down to below the roofline and tile over the opening. This removes the maintenance burden permanently.
Typical price: £800–£2,000 depending on access and size.
Signs your chimney needs attention
- Damp patches on the chimney breast inside the house — especially during or after rain
- Crumbling mortar visible between the bricks when you look up from the ground
- Staining or white salt deposits (efflorescence) on the brickwork
- Loose chimney pot — visible lean or wobble
- Lead flashing lifting away from the chimney base
- Birds nesting in an uncapped pot
If you can see any of these from the ground, the chimney is overdue for attention. Most chimney problems get worse slowly, so catching them early saves money.
Do I need scaffolding?
For most chimney work — yes. Chimneys are at the highest point of the roof and safe access requires scaffolding around the stack. We arrange this as part of the job and include it in the quote. Typical scaffolding cost for chimney access is £300–£600.
For chimneys on single-storey extensions or bungalows, we can sometimes work from a roof ladder without full scaffolding.
Common questions
How often should a chimney be repointed?
Mortar joints on an exposed chimney typically last 20–30 years before they need repointing. More exposed positions (tall stacks, hilltop properties) may need it sooner.
Can you match the existing bricks?
For partial rebuilds, we source matching bricks wherever possible. For common types this is straightforward. For unusual heritage bricks, we can usually find reclaimed stock that’s a close match.
I don’t use my fireplace — should I cap the chimney?
Yes. Capping an unused chimney with a ventilated cowl keeps rain and birds out while still allowing airflow to prevent damp. Simple, cheap, and prevents bigger problems.
Is chimney damp always a chimney problem?
Usually, but not always. Sometimes the damp is coming from failed lead flashing at the base rather than from the chimney brickwork itself. We’ll investigate both when we survey.
Will repointing change the look of my chimney?
We match the mortar colour and joint profile to the existing work as closely as possible. On older properties in Old Amersham, we use lime mortar rather than cement for a sympathetic finish and better breathability.
Where we cover
We do chimney repairs across Amersham, Old Amersham, Little Chalfont, Chalfont St Giles, Chalfont St Peter, Great Missenden, Chesham, Beaconsfield, Penn, Holmer Green, and Hazlemere.
Get a free quote
Phone: 01494 702 599
Email: info@totallylegitleadsgmail-com