Chimney Repairs in Swindon & Wiltshire - Repairs & Repointing

The most common warning signs on Swindon and Wiltshire properties are: a damp patch or staining on the upstairs ceiling near the chimney breast (usually caused by failed lead flashing or eroded mortar joints); white salt deposits (efflorescence) appearing on the chimney breast internally; visible mortar loss or cracked pointing on the stack when viewed from outside; and dislodged or cracked chimney pots visible from the street. If you notice any of these, call us on 01793 230 678 for a free inspection.

Chimney repairs almost always require proper scaffold access, working at height competency, and knowledge of correct mortar specification and lead working techniques. The most common consequence of DIY chimney repairs in our experience is cement mortar applied to lime brickwork — this accelerates brick spalling and turns a repointing job into a brick replacement job. For any work above the roofline, we strongly recommend using a qualified and insured roofing contractor.

A chimney repoint on a standard single stack typically takes half a day to a full day. Lead flashing repair or replacement is usually a half-day job. A full stack rebuild above the flashing line is typically one to two days depending on stack height and access. All timeframes assume scaffold is already in place — scaffold erection and strike adds time either side for larger jobs. We give you a clear timeframe as part of every written quote.

On Swindon and Wiltshire properties the most common causes are: freeze-thaw action on saturated mortar joints during winter (particularly on north-facing stacks); failed or lifted lead flashing allowing water into the stack base and roof junction; previous incorrect cement repointing on lime-bonded brickwork causing brick face to spall; and wind damage dislodging chimney pots from deteriorated mortar beds. Older stacks may also suffer from sulphate attack on the brickwork, typically presenting as horizontal cracking between courses.

As a general guide for Swindon and Wiltshire properties: chimney repointing on a single stack typically costs £250–£600 depending on stack size and mortar specification. Lead flashing repair or replacement is typically £300–£700 depending on the extent of work. A full stack rebuild above the flashing line is typically £800–£2,000+ depending on height and access requirements. Chimney pot re-bedding or replacement is usually £150–£350. All prices include scaffold where required and are provided as fixed-price written quotes before any work starts.

Storm damage to a chimney — a pot blown off, a section of stack displaced, or lead flashing lifted by high winds — is typically claimable under buildings insurance as an insured event. Gradual deterioration, failed mortar or eroded brickwork from weathering is generally treated as wear and tear and not covered. If you are making an insurance claim for storm damage we can provide a written report of the damage and cause to support your claim. Check your policy wording or call your insurer before commissioning repairs if you think the damage may be claimable.

The most effective preventive measure is to have your chimney inspected every two to three years — particularly the lead flashing and the mortar joints at the top of the stack, which are the two most common failure points. Addressing small mortar losses early (a minor repoint) prevents water penetration that causes progressive and much more expensive deterioration. For chimneys no longer in active use, fitting a cap to prevent rainwater and birds entering the flue eliminates a common source of ongoing damp.

A blocked chimney typically presents as smoke not drawing properly into the flue when a fire is lit, smoke spilling back into the room, or a persistent smell of soot or smoke in the property even when no fire is in use. Blockages are most commonly caused by bird nesting (jackdaws and starlings nest in redundant flues across Swindon and Wiltshire every spring), accumulated soot fall, or a collapsed section of internal flue liner. A blocked flue on an active fire or stove is a carbon monoxide risk — do not use the appliance until the flue has been inspected and cleared.

Yes — we offer chimney inspections as a standalone service across Swindon, Wiltshire, Bristol and Bath. Our inspection covers the stack, lead flashing, chimney pots and visible flue condition. We provide a written report of findings and a fixed-price quote for any remedial work. Inspections are particularly useful when purchasing a property, following storm damage, or where a damp patch near the chimney has appeared without an obvious cause. Call 01793 230 678 to arrange an inspection.

Call 01793 230 678 (Swindon), 0800 191 0841 (Freephone) or 0117 322 6856 (Bristol), or email gwrroofers@gmail.com. You can also use the contact form on this page. We respond promptly to all enquiries and can usually arrange a site visit and free written quote within a few days.