Your chimney needs to keep the weather out, and it may also serve a working fire or appliance. We can discuss external roofing repairs, but repointing the stack or repairing flashing doesn't confirm that the flue or appliance is safe. Those checks need the appropriate specialist.
Tell us what has prompted you to look at the chimney: damp indoors, loose mortar, a leak or a planned change to a fireplace. You don't need to diagnose it. We can discuss the roofing work and explain where a separate specialist may be needed.
Understand the Main Parts of the Chimney
The stack is the brick or stone part above your roof, often topped with pots or terminals. Inside it, the flue carries smoke and other combustion gases away from a working fireplace or appliance. One stack can contain several flues, including on shared or altered buildings.
Flashing keeps the connection between the roof and chimney watertight. New flashing won't fix damaged brickwork higher up, just as repointing won't fix a separate flashing fault. Historic England's guidance explains why these connected details need repairs suited to the existing materials. [1]
| Chimney Concern | What You Can Tell Us | What May Need Checking |
|---|---|---|
| Damp near the roof junction | Does it follow particular rainfall or wind? | Flashings, nearby covering and masonry above |
| Cracks or missing mortar | When did you first notice it, and has it changed? | Masonry condition and compatible repair |
| Leaning or visibly loose components | Is there a risk to people or adjoining property? | Prompt safety assessment and controlled access |
| Damp in a disused breast | When does the damp appear, and is the chimney used? | Rain entry, condensation, salts and ventilation |
| Smoke or a CO alarm | Is a combustion appliance in use? | Immediate safety action and competent appliance/flue assessment |
| Proposed removal | Is the chimney shared, and are any flues still used? | Structural, ownership and approval checks |
On small screens, scroll the table sideways to view every column.
These signs can help you explain the problem. An inspection is needed to work out which repairs, if any, your chimney needs.
What You Can Check Safely
From ground level, you may notice a moved chimney pot, missing mortar, fallen fragments or a change in the stack's appearance. Tell us about any stains inside and whether they change after rain.
Do not climb to inspect the chimney or stand below an area that appears unstable. Wind can make loose elements particularly dangerous. If a structure presents an immediate danger, keep people away and contact the appropriate emergency or local-authority service; do not wait for a routine roofing appointment. HSE's roof-work guidance underlines the need for planned safe access. [2]
If you can do so safely, send photos showing the whole chimney and any affected room. Tell us which side of the house and room we're looking at; that helps us relate the damp patch to the roof above.
When Does a Chimney Need Repointing?
Repointing replaces worn or damaged mortar between bricks or stones. If a chimney is moving, has badly damaged masonry or is leaking elsewhere, it may need different work. We'll explain the defects we find and the repair we recommend.
On a traditional chimney, the mortar needs to suit the existing bricks or stone and the weather they're exposed to. Harder isn't automatically better. Ask us why the proposed material is suitable for your chimney. [1]
Check whether the quote covers repointing, replacing bricks or stone, repairing the top of the chimney, flashing work or a combination of these.
Flashing Repairs Need More Than a Surface Seal
The flashing and adjoining roof covering need to suit the roof's pitch and the shape of the chimney. We look at the complete junction, as a visible line of sealant doesn't tell us whether everything beneath it is sound.
We'll explain whether we're recommending a small repair, replacement of one section or renewal of the whole junction. If existing lead can stay, we'll discuss its condition and how it connects to the new work. Our leadwork and flashing guide explains how to read that part of a quotation.
A damp chimney does not always need new lead flashing. Water may be entering higher up, or the moisture may have another cause. We need to establish the source before recommending a repair.
Why a Chimney Can Stay Damp After Roof Work
Damp in an older chimney breast can be complicated. Rain, condensation, old soot deposits and salts can all play a part. Historic England's July 2026 guidance explains why one stain or moisture-meter reading isn't enough to identify the cause. [3]
Let us know whether you use the chimney, whether ventilation has changed and when the stain appears. Tell us about previous repairs and whether they helped. Invoices and photos can show which areas have already been worked on.
Stopping the leak and restoring the room are separate jobs. A previously wet wall needs time to dry, and repainting won't prove the cause has gone. Ask how the drying should be checked before you arrange decoration.
Working Flues and Disused Chimneys
We can discuss repairs to the outside of the chimney. Appliance servicing, flue checks and sweeping need the relevant specialist. HETAS explains the separate roles of servicing, sweeping and carbon-monoxide alarms; an alarm doesn't replace maintenance. [4]
If a CO alarm activates or fumes are suspected, leave the affected building, seek appropriate emergency advice and do not reuse the appliance until it has been declared safe by a competent professional. Do not treat it as an ordinary appointment for flashing repairs.
If the chimney is unused, get advice before blocking openings or changing the terminal. Ventilation, damp and any other working flues still need considering. Tell us if the stack is shared with a neighbouring property.
Repair, Rebuild or Remove?
If most of the chimney is sound, a local repair may be enough. Widespread deterioration or movement needs further assessment. Removing a chimney also affects the roof and potentially the support of remaining masonry, so it needs careful planning.
Planning, listed-building and building-regulations considerations can apply, especially where the appearance or structure changes. Planning Portal identifies structural roof alterations as a reason for building-control involvement. A shared stack may introduce additional permissions and professional advice beyond the roofing quotation. [5] [6]
If removal is recommended: ask why a repair would be unsuitable. The chimney's age alone isn't enough to decide. You should understand its condition, the available options and what each would leave in place.
What a Chimney-Work Quotation Should State
Your quote should identify the chimney, access, masonry repairs, flashing and waste removal, plus any roof repairs needed afterwards. Check whether specialist design or approval fees are included or need arranging separately.
Agree who will contact any sweep, appliance specialist, surveyor or engineer needed. Ask about photos of the completed work and the guarantee on the roofing repairs. That cover is separate from appliance safety or old internal staining.
We offer chimney repairs and repointing and leadwork repairs for suitable projects in Newcastle, Gateshead, Whickham and the wider North East. Use the quote page to send your address, a description of the problem and safe photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Repointing Stop Every Chimney Leak?
No. Repointing helps where damaged mortar is letting water in. The flashing, top of the chimney or nearby roof may need different repairs. We'll explain what we've found before recommending the work.
Can I Tell from a Photo Whether the Chimney Needs Rebuilding?
A photograph can help us understand a visible problem, but it won't show every concealed defect or structural connection. A closer inspection may be needed. If the chimney looks unstable, keep clear and seek urgent help.
Why Is the Chimney Breast Damp When It Has Not Rained?
Condensation, salts or moisture left from an earlier leak may be involved. Tell us when it appears and whether the chimney is used. The cause may need further checks or specialist damp advice.
Does Repairing the Stack Make My Fireplace Safe?
No. External roofing or masonry work does not certify an appliance or flue. Arrange the appropriate servicing, sweeping and safety checks separately, and make sure the professionals understand any alterations to the stack or terminal.
Can an Unused Chimney Just Be Sealed Shut?
Get advice first. The chimney may still need ventilation, and another flue in the same stack could still be in use. Any closure needs to suit the particular chimney and address how moisture will be managed.
Can a Chimney Be Removed as Part of Reroofing?
Sometimes, but the structure, remaining masonry, ownership and any approvals need checking first. We'll explain the roofing work and any separate professional advice needed. Removing the stack above the roof doesn't resolve every issue below it.
What Should I Send with a Chimney Enquiry?
Send your address, safe photos of the chimney and any indoor stain, and tell us when the problem changes. Mention working fireplaces or appliances and previous repairs. Keep clear of loose masonry and tell us about it when you call.
References & Sources
We have linked to the sources used in this guide so you can read more. They were checked on 27 September 2026. Manufacturer guidance applies to its own products, and published prices are examples rather than our quotes. Check the requirements for your project before arranging work. Links open in a new tab.
- Historic England Maintaining and Repairing Roofs ↗ Advice on traditional roof coverings, fixings and repairs. It explains why the condition of the whole roof matters when considering whether slates can be retained.
- Health and Safety Executive Construction: Roof Work ↗ HSE advice on safe access and protection during roof work. Keep your own observations to safe positions, such as from the ground, and leave roof access to professionals.
- Historic England Assessing Damp in Historic Buildings ↗ Published on 13 July 2026, this guidance explains how damp is investigated and why some findings need further checks. It is particularly useful for older masonry and recurring chimney stains.
- HETAS Carbon Monoxide Guidance ↗ Advice on appliance servicing, chimney sweeping and carbon monoxide alarms. Roofing repairs alone cannot confirm that your appliance or flue is safe.
- Planning Portal Building Regulations: Work to an Existing Roof ↗ Guidance for England on building-control applications, including roof area, structural changes, fire performance and covering weight. Check how it applies to your proposed work.
- Planning Portal Roof: Planning Permission and Building Regulations ↗ Planning guidance for roof work in England. The requirements depend on your property, the changes proposed and any restrictions at your address.