1. What Is Chimney Repointing and Why It Matters

Chimney repointing is the careful removal of failed or weathered mortar joints between bricks and the application of new, well-matched mortar. Over time, exposure to wind, rain, frost, and heat breaks down mortar. In exposed areas like Milton Keynes rooftops, joints can crack, wash out, or crumble. Once gaps appear, water finds its way in, causing leaks, damp staining, damaged plaster, rotten timbers, and frost-damaged brickwork. Left unchecked, this can lead to unsafe stacks or the need for a rebuild.

Good mortar joints are your first defense. They keep the masonry tight, protect the brick faces, and ensure the flashing and flaunching perform as designed. Repointing restores integrity, stops water ingress, and extends the life of your stack.

Speak to a local specialist today: 07311091804

2. Clear Signs Your Chimney Needs Repointing

• Cracked, loose, recessed, or missing mortar between bricks
• Spalling bricks where faces flake off or edges crumble
• Damp patches or water stains on chimney breasts, ceilings, or in the loft
• Movement or leaning in the stack, visible gaps or open joints
• Loose or cracked flaunching around chimney pots
• Lead flashing issues where the stack meets the roof
• Debris from the stack found on the roof or in the gutters

Not sure what you are seeing is serious Our free survey includes photos and clear advice so you can decide with confidence.

3. How Timely Repointing Saves You Money

1. Prevents leaks and damp – Sound joints stop water tracking into loft spaces and rooms, preventing plaster repairs, redecorating, and mould treatment.
2. Protects brickwork – Mortar is designed to be sacrificial. Once it fails, bricks take the damage. Repointing preserves bricks and reduces replacement costs.
3. Safeguards lead flashing and timbers – Stable masonry supports flashing properly and prevents water from rotting adjacent roof timbers.
4. Avoids expensive rebuilds – Neglect can escalate to partial or full rebuilds. Repointing at the right time is a fraction of that cost.
5. Improves energy performance – Tight masonry reduces drafts and cold spots while supporting appropriate ventilation of any active or redundant flues.
6. Supports insurance validity – Demonstrating preventative maintenance helps when claims are reviewed after storms or high winds.
7. Protects property value – Surveys flag poor stacks quickly. A well-repointed chimney reassures buyers and surveyors.

Get a fixed, written quote today: 07311091804

4. When To Repoint in the UK Climate

In the UK, the freeze-thaw cycle and prevailing winds accelerate wear on exposed stacks. There is no single age when every chimney needs work, but as a practical guide:

• Inspect every 2 to 3 years or after major storms
• Repoint when joints are recessed 5 to 10 mm, visibly cracked, or missing
• Match the original mortar type to maintain breathability and durability

If you are unsure, we are happy to check your stack and advise whether repointing, localised repair, or simply monitoring is best.

5. Our Step-by-Step Repointing Process

1. Free survey and photos – We assess joint depth, brick condition, flaunching, flashing, and pots. You receive clear written recommendations and a fixed price.
2. Safe access – We install scaffold or access towers as required, with debris control and protection of your property and neighbours.
3. Raking out – Defective mortar is removed to an appropriate depth, typically 15 to 20 mm, using tools suited to your brick type to avoid damage.
4. Joint preparation – Joints are cleaned and lightly dampened so new mortar bonds and cures correctly without flash drying.
5. Mortar selection and mixing – We match your original mortar. Many older properties benefit from NHL lime mortar for breathability. Newer builds may suit a specified cement mortar.
6. Pointing and finishing – Joints are refilled and tooled to your chosen finish, such as flush, weather-struck, or bucket-handle. We clean adjacent brickwork carefully.
7. Flaunching, pots, and cowls – We repair or renew flaunching and secure pots or cowls if required, ensuring a safe, watertight finish.
8. Lead flashing check – We inspect and, if needed, repair or renew leadwork around the stack to complete the seal.
9. Quality check and tidy – Final inspection, photos, and advice on aftercare and future inspection intervals.

Ready to get started Call 07311091804

6. Materials That Last – Lime vs Cement, Finishes, Flaunching

Choosing the right materials is crucial for longevity and to protect your brickwork:

• Lime mortar – Often specified for period properties. It is breathable and flexible, allowing moisture to move through the joints rather than the bricks. Ideal where original construction used lime.
• Cement mortar – Common on modern stacks. Strong and durable when correctly specified and applied to contemporary brickwork.
• Joint finishes – Weather-struck, flush, or bucket-handle finishes each shed water differently. We select or match a finish that balances durability, appearance, and your property style.
• Flaunching – The mortar fillet that secures chimney pots must be sound and properly angled to shed water. Flaunching failures are a frequent source of leaks and loose pots.
• Leadwork – Stepped or apron flashing around the stack should be intact and well chased into the brickwork. Correct detailing here is essential to a watertight result.

Our approach is to match what your building needs, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

7. Access, Safety, and Building Regulations

We take safety and good practice seriously on every job:

• Safe access – Scaffold or towers provide stable, secure working platforms. We work cleanly and respect neighbours and public areas.
• Structural checks – If a stack is leaning, loose, or heavily deteriorated, we advise the right remedial work before repointing.
• Moisture control – Correct mortar type and detailing help keep water out and allow the structure to breathe.
• Flue and fire considerations – We maintain safe arrangements around active flues and advise on ventilation for redundant chimneys.
• Notification – Like-for-like repointing generally does not require Building Control. If wider roof works are planned that do, we will explain the options and keep you informed.

Our policy is simple – no shortcuts. The aim is a durable, tidy, and safe result that stands up to Milton Keynes weather.

8. Typical Costs and What Affects the Price

Every chimney is different, but these factors commonly affect cost:

• Access – Height, position, and whether scaffold or towers are required
• Extent of repointing – Localised repairs vs full-stack repointing
• Brick condition – Any brick replacement or repairs needed
• Mortar type – Lime mortars can require more time and care
• Flaunching and pots – Repairs or renewals if needed
• Leadwork – Any flashing repairs or renewals

Repointing a typical stack can be a modest, planned expense compared to the cost of interior damp repairs or a future rebuild. We always provide a clear, fixed quote before work begins so you can plan with confidence.

Request your free inspection and quotation on 07311091804

9. DIY vs Professional – What Homeowners Should Know

Working at height on an exposed roof is risky. Common DIY issues include using the wrong mortar, raking too shallow or too deep, smearing brick faces, leaving joints underfilled, or failing to protect curing mortar from rain or frost. The result can be short-lived repairs, damaged bricks, and continued leaks.

With Maxwells Roofing you get safe access, matched mortars, tidy workmanship, and a finish that protects the structure as intended. We provide photos and aftercare advice as standard.

10. Why Milton Keynes Chooses Maxwells Roofing

• Local and family-owned – Owner Luke Maxwell oversees quality on every job.
• Proven reputation – 80+ five-star Checkatrade reviews and 5-star Google ratings.
• Specialist skills – Repointing, chimney repairs, flaunching, leadwork, and rebuilds where required.
• Clear communication – Photo reports, friendly advice, and fixed written quotes.
• Fast response – Same-day or next-day inspections where possible across Milton Keynes and surrounds.
• Fully insured – Qualified team, safe methods, and premium materials.

Our customers value neat finishes, tidy sites, and solutions that last. That is the standard we work to on every roof.

11. Chimney Repointing FAQs

How often should a chimney be repointed

Inspect every 2 to 3 years and repoint when joints are visibly cracked, recessed, or missing. Exposure, height, and mortar type affect lifespan.

Will you match my existing mortar and finish

Yes. We assess the original materials and select a close match, often using NHL lime mortar on older properties and a specified cement mortar on newer builds. We also match or recommend a suitable joint finish.

Can you repoint during colder months

Yes, if the weather allows. Mortar must be protected from frost and heavy rain. We plan works to suit forecast conditions and protect the work while it cures.

Do I need Building Control approval

Like-for-like repointing usually does not. If wider roofing works are planned that might require notification, we will explain what is needed.

How long does a typical job take

Many chimneys are completed in 1 to 2 days depending on access, stack size, and any additional repairs such as flaunching or flashing.

Can you repair or replace lead flashing at the same time

Yes. We inspect all leadwork at the survey and advise whether to repair or renew during the repointing visit so you get a complete, watertight result.

12. Book Your Free Inspection

Seen cracks, missing mortar, or damp patches near your chimney We are ready to help. We will visit, take photos, explain the options, and provide a fixed, written quote.

Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk.

Areas covered include Milton Keynes, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Great Linford, Bradwell, Northampton, Bedford, Luton, and all surrounding villages.