Chimney repairs
Repointing, flashings and rebuilds for Edinburgh's stone chimneys.
Edinburgh's tenement and townhouse chimneys take a battering from the weather and are often the first part of the roof to need attention. We repair, repoint and rebuild chimneys safely and sympathetically.
Why chimneys need attention
Mortar joints weather, cope-stones loosen, lead flashings split and pots crack. On Edinburgh's tall tenement stacks the consequences can include damp at top-floor ceilings, loose masonry, and falling stonework. Regular inspection and prompt repointing is the cheapest way to look after a chimney.
Repointing done properly
On traditional sandstone chimneys we usually repoint in lime mortar, which allows the masonry to breathe and avoids the cracking and stone damage that hard cement pointing can cause. On more modern brick stacks, a suitable cement mortar mix is used. The right mix matters; we'll choose it based on the building.
Flashings and weathering details
Most chimney leaks come not from the masonry but from failed flashings around the base. We dress new code-4 or code-5 lead apron, soaker and step flashings to last - and tie them properly into the surrounding slate or tile.
Rebuilds and shared tenement stacks
Where a stack is beyond repair we can rebuild from the roofline up, salvaging original cope-stones and pots where possible. On shared tenement stacks we liaise with factors and neighbouring owners so the job is coordinated properly.
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Honest advice from craftsmen with over two centuries of local experience.