Chimney repointing, lead flashing replacement, stack repairs and pot replacement across Chippenham and Wiltshire. Specialist work on Victorian and Edwardian chimneys. Free no-obligation quotes.
Chimneys are the most maintenance-intensive part of any roof. The combination of thermal expansion, freeze-thaw cycles and wind exposure means Chippenham's Victorian and Edwardian stacks need periodic attention — particularly the lead flashings and mortar pointing at the base.
Failed mortar between chimney bricks is the most common source of slow leaks in Chippenham's older properties. We rake out failed joints and repoint with appropriate lime or hydraulic lime mortar — not cement, which can cause brick spalling on Victorian and Edwardian stacks.
Get a quote →Step, soaker and apron flashings around chimney bases replaced in code 4 lead. We cut new lead to correct profile and lap depths, securely wedged and sealed — not just chased in and left to rely on sealant alone.
Get a quote →Cracked or leaning chimney stacks assessed and rebuilt where necessary. We identify whether movement is structural or cosmetic, and recommend repair proportionate to the risk — not the maximum scope.
Get a quote →Broken or missing chimney pots replaced in matching terracotta or buff clay. Flaunching (the mortar bed securing the pot) replaced at the same time where deteriorated — a common failure point on Chippenham's Victorian terraces.
Get a quote →Failed flaunching allows water to pool at the base of pots and track down into the stack. We remove and replace deteriorated flaunching in cement or hydraulic lime appropriate to the stack's construction.
Get a quote →Where a chimney stack is redundant and deteriorating, full removal below roof level is an option. We make the roof weatherproof and tile over the opening. This permanently eliminates maintenance and is increasingly common on Chippenham properties that have converted to gas heating.
Get a quote →No call-out fees. Free quotes. Same-day emergency cover.
Victorian and Edwardian terraces in central Chippenham — particularly around Wood Lane, Foghamshire Road and the streets running off the High Street — account for the majority of our chimney work. These properties typically have tall, exposed stacks in London stock or local brick, with lead step flashings and terracotta or buff pots. Freeze-thaw cycling in Chippenham's Avon Valley winters gradually cracks the mortar between lead flashing and brickwork, allowing water to track down inside the stack well before any visible staining appears.
A critical point for Chippenham's Victorian chimneys: repointing must use lime mortar, not modern cement. Cement is harder than the original Victorian brick and prevents it from breathing and expanding naturally — causing brick spalling (face delamination) over time. We use NHL 2.5 or NHL 3.5 lime mortars appropriate to the stack's original construction. If your chimney has previously been repointed in cement, we assess whether it's causing problems before recommending a programme of lime repointing.
Lead flashing replacement (standard chimney): £350–£700. Repointing (full stack): £300–£600. Flaunching replacement: £200–£400. Pot replacement (per pot): £150–£300. Full chimney removal (below roof): £800–£2,000. All prices include scaffold where required and are guide prices for Chippenham. Free written quote before work starts.
"Had a chimney that two previous roofers had 'fixed' with sealant. Water still came in every winter. These lads stripped the lead completely, recut and redressed it properly, and repointed in lime mortar. First dry winter in six years."
"Victorian terrace with four chimney stacks. Two needed repointing and all four pots had failed flaunching. Done in two days, lime mortar throughout, pots secured properly. They also spotted a problem with the step flashing on the third stack that no one had mentioned before."
"Converted to gas years ago but kept the chimney for aesthetics. Decided to remove it — deteriorating stack, water ingress every winter. Removed cleanly, tiled over, looks neat. No more water, no more worrying."
See also: chimney repointing & flaunching, heritage & lime mortar work.
Yes. Victorian and Edwardian brickwork in Chippenham was built with lime mortar, and replacement pointing should also use lime. Modern cement mortar is harder than the original brick and prevents natural movement, leading to brick spalling over time. We use NHL 2.5 or 3.5 hydraulic lime appropriate to the stack age.
Code 4 lead flashings installed correctly typically last 50–80 years. Poorly installed flashings — or those previously repaired with sealant — may need attention sooner. We inspect and advise based on what's actually there, not a fixed schedule.
For most chimney work we recommend scaffold for safety, quality and to properly inspect surrounding tiles and ridge at the same time. Ladder access is only appropriate for very minor pot or flaunching repairs on low stacks. We'll confirm what's required in the free survey.
Depends on the stack's condition and your long-term plans for the property. If the stack is structurally sound and not causing problems, retention and maintenance is fine. If it's actively leaking and expensive to maintain, removal is cost-effective. We'll give you an honest assessment of both options.
Visible signs include mortar falling from the joints, white salt staining (efflorescence) on the brickwork, damp patches on the chimney breast inside the house, or tiles sliding at the chimney junction. We offer free chimney surveys with binoculars or drone inspection — many issues aren't visible from ground level.
Minor repairs at the base of a stack or accessible from a Velux opening can sometimes be done by ladder. Full chimney repointing, lead reflashing and pot replacement always requires scaffold — the work cannot be done safely or properly without it. Scaffold cost is always included in our Chippenham chimney quotes.
Yes. Disused chimney stacks on Chippenham properties can be capped with a ventilated cap to prevent water ingress while maintaining airflow, or fully removed to roof level if preferred. We advise on the most appropriate option based on the stack's condition and position.
No call-out fees. No obligation. Honest pricing from a local Chippenham roofer.
01249 247 076