Chimneys, Ridges & Repointing
Chimney stacks and ridges take the worst of the weather. We repair, rebuild and repoint them to keep water out and suit the age of your property.
- Free site assessments
- No-obligation quotes
- South West & Central England
Signs your ridges or chimney need attention
Ridges, hips, valleys and chimneys take the worst of the wind, rain and frost. Look out for:
Crumbling mortar
Cracked, missing or crumbling mortar on ridges, hips or the chimney.
Gaps under ridge tiles
Open gaps beneath ridge or hip tiles letting wind-driven rain in.
Loose or slipped tiles
Ridge or hip tiles that are uneven, rocking or have slipped.
Mortar in the gutters
Fragments of mortar collecting in gutters or on the ground.
Blocked valleys
Debris or loose mortar in valleys, with water overflowing the edges.
Damp inside
Damp in the loft, on ceilings or around chimney breasts.
Cracked flaunching
Cracked mortar around the chimney pots, or loose chimney masonry.
Pointing isn’t always enough
Loose ridge tiles need lifting and re-bedding, and split valley linings need renewing. Pointing over the top won’t make them secure.
Looking after ridges and chimneys
Check your roof from the ground at least once a year and after severe storms, and get a closer professional inspection if you spot defects. Early repairs protect your roof timbers, insulation and ceilings.
Sound existing mortar is kept wherever possible. Unnecessary wholesale repointing can damage older masonry.
The right mortar for older stacks
Older chimney stacks normally need a compatible lime-based mortar so moisture can escape and the brick or stone is protected. For repointing across the whole building, see our sister company, Heritage Repointing Specialists.
How we repair ridges, valleys and chimneys
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Stage 1
Inspection
We inspect the ridges, hips, valleys and chimney from safe access and trace the source of any leak before choosing the repair.
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Stage 2
Removing defective mortar
Failed mortar is carefully removed, keeping sound existing mortar wherever possible.
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Stage 3
Lifting and re-bedding
Loose ridge and hip tiles are lifted, cleaned and re-bedded, with mechanical fixings, or converted to a dry ridge system.
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Stage 4
Valley repairs
Valleys are cleared, and linings and joints checked and repaired, keeping mortar out of the drainage channel.
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Stage 5
Chimney repointing
Stacks are repointed in a compatible mortar, with pots, flaunching and lead flashings repaired or renewed.
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Stage 6
Final check
Every repaired joint and fixing is checked, and gutters are cleared of debris before we leave.
Ridges, hips, valleys and chimneys
Each part of the roof has its own job, and each needs the right repair.
| Area | What we do |
|---|---|
| Ridge and hip tiles | Repointing, or lifting and re-bedding loose tiles with suitable mechanical fixings |
| Dry ridge systems | Mortar-free ridges and hips with mechanical fixings and weatherproof components |
| Roof valleys | Clearing, re-bedding tile edges and repairing or renewing valley linings |
| Chimney stacks | Repointing in a compatible mortar, and repairing brick or stone |
| Pots, flaunching and flashings | Re-setting pots, renewing flaunching and repairing lead flashings |
The benefits of sound ridges and chimneys
Small repairs at the top of the roof prevent big problems below.
- Stops leaks Seals the most exposed junctions against wind-driven rain.
- Secures loose tiles Re-bedded and fixed ridge tiles stay put in high winds.
- Protects the structure Keeps water away from timbers, insulation and ceilings.
- Free-flowing valleys Clear valleys carry water away instead of overflowing.
- Protects the masonry Sound pointing prevents frost damage to chimney brick and stone.
Chimneys, Ridges & Repointing questions
Can ridge tiles just be repointed?
Only if the tiles are still secure. Loose tiles or failed bedding need lifting and re-bedding. Pointing over the surface won’t make them secure.
What is a dry ridge system?
A mortar-free system that fixes ridge and hip tiles mechanically, with weatherproof components instead of mortar bedding. It needs far less maintenance.
Why is my chimney breast damp?
Common causes are eroded pointing, cracked flaunching, failed lead flashings or a missing chimney cap. We trace the source before recommending a repair.
What mortar should be used on an old chimney?
Older stacks normally need a compatible lime-based mortar, so moisture can escape and the brick or stone isn’t damaged.
Chimney or ridge needs attention?
Free site assessments and no-obligation quotes for chimney and ridge work across Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire. We are happy to talk through projects of any size, from a single repair to a complete new roof.
Free site assessments
No charge, no obligation
We visit, assess and talk you through your options
Where we work
South West and Central England
Eight areas covered, listed below
Areas we cover
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If you need to speak to us urgently, call 0800 122 3622.
