Chimney Repointing in Grays , Thurrock

The easiest way to check is to look at the mortar joints from the ground using binoculars or from a safe distance. If the mortar looks recessed, or if you can see gaps where the cement used to be, it needs attention. Another sign is finding small pieces of mortar or brick "faces" in your gutters or on the ground after a heavy storm. If you have damp stains on the ceiling around your chimney breast, this often suggests the external mortar or leadwork has failed.

Levi treats the chimney as a whole system. When he inspects a stack for repointing, he also checks the lead flashings and the mortar flaunching at the top. If the lead is cracked or has come loose from the brickwork, he will include the necessary lead flashing repair in his quote. It makes sense to fix these issues while the ladders or scaffolding are already in place.

Flaunching is the thick "cap" of mortar at the very top of your chimney that secures the pots. Because it is so exposed to the sun and frost, it eventually shrinks and cracks. Once a crack forms, water gets in, freezes, and expands, which makes the gap wider. If left too long, the chimney pots can become unstable. Levi replaces this with a strong, tapered mix to shed water effectively.

Most standard chimney stack repairs take between one and two days, depending on the size of the stack and how much mortar has perished. If the weather is particularly bad, Levi may need to wait for a dry window to make sure the new mortar sets correctly. He will always keep you updated on the timeline and ensure the area is left clean and tidy once the job is done.

Yes. When carrying out brickwork repointing, Levi aims to match the new mortar as closely as possible to the original look of your home. This is especially important for the older Victorian and Edwardian properties found across Snodland and West Malling, where a sympathetic finish helps maintain the property’s character.