Expert Chimney Repairs in Lostwithiel, Cornwall

Living near the coast in Devon means our chimneys take a beating from the wind and salt. You should look out for bits of mortar falling onto the ground or white powdery stains on the bricks. Inside, keep an eye out for damp patches on the walls or ceiling around the chimney breast. If you notice the chimney looks a bit leans or if you see cracked bricks, it is time to call Sky Top Roofing LTD for a look. Catching these things early saves you a lot of money on structural maintenance later.

The mortar between your bricks doesn't last forever. Over time, rain and frost wash it away, leaving gaps. Chimney repointing involves raking out the old, crumbly mortar and replacing it with fresh, durable material. This stops water from getting inside the stack, which prevents the bricks from loosening. It is one of the most common jobs we do in Plymouth, Plymstock, and Ivybridge to keep chimneys safe and dry.

The leadwork, or flashing, is the seal between your chimney and the rest of your roof. It is a very common spot for leaks. If the lead has cracked or pulled away from the brickwork, water will run straight into your loft. We specialise in leadwork repairs and bespoke lead welding to make sure this join is completely watertight. It is a much better fix than using messy sealants that only last a few months.

If the brickwork has become too unstable or the mortar has failed all the way through, a simple repair might not be safe. In these cases, a chimney rebuild is the best way to make the structure secure again. We carefully take down the old stack and rebuild it using matching bricks so it looks right at home. This is often necessary for older properties in Tavistock and rural Devon where the weather has caused deep structural damage over many decades.

Yes, we handle all the smaller bits of chimney maintenance too. If your chimney pot is cracked or has fallen off, we can replace it safely. We also fit various types of cowls. These are great for stopping birds from nesting in your flue and preventing rain from pouring down the chimney. If you have an unused chimney, we can also fit vented caps to keep the air flowing while stopping the weather from getting in.

The cost depends on how high the chimney is and what needs doing. A simple repointing job is much cheaper than a full rebuild. We always recommend getting a drone survey or a physical inspection first so we can give you an honest price. We provide clear quotes for all our work in Plymouth and the surrounding towns, so you know exactly what you are paying for before we start.