Repointing renews the mortar between the bricks, helping to restore strength, improve weather resistance and extend the life of the chimney stack. On this page you’ll find signs your chimney needs repointing, what’s involved, how long it lasts, what affects cost, and what to check before hiring a roofer.
If you’re ready, you can request free, no-obligation quotes from local chimney repointing specialists.
What is chimney repointing?
Chimney repointing is the process of:
- removing loose/failed mortar from between chimney bricks, and
- replacing it with new mortar to seal and strengthen the joints.
Because chimneys are exposed on all sides, mortar often fails faster on stacks than on the walls of the house. The goal is to prevent water penetration and stop the stack weakening over time.
Signs your chimney needs repointing
You may need chimney repointing if you’ve noticed:
- Mortar joints that look cracked, sandy or missing
- Joints that are recessed (you can see a “gap” between bricks)
- Bits of mortar in the gutter or on the ground after wind
- Damp patches or staining on the chimney breast after rainfall
- Bricks starting to look wet for long periods or “green” with moss/algae
- Spalling bricks (brick faces flaking away), often linked to moisture/frost
If brick faces are breaking down significantly, repointing alone may not be enough — brick replacement or partial rebuilding may be needed too.
When repointing is enough (and when it isn’t)
| Condition | Repointing suitable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortar joints cracked/recessed but bricks are sound | ✅ Yes | Most common scenario |
| Minor water ingress with clear open joints | ✅ Often | Might also need flashing/cowl checks |
| Bricks spalling in several areas | ⚠️ Sometimes | May need brick replacement too |
| Chimney leaning, loose sections, bulging brickwork | ❌ Usually not | May require partial rebuild/making safe |
| Top of stack/flaunching badly cracked | ⚠️ Not on its own | Repoint + flaunching repair may be needed |
What a proper chimney repointing job should include
A lasting repointing job is more than “smearing mortar over the top”. It should include:
1) Raking out the old mortar
Failed mortar should be raked out to a consistent depth so the new mortar bonds properly.
2) Preparing the joints
Joints are cleaned and (where appropriate) lightly dampened so mortar cures correctly and doesn’t dry out too quickly.
3) Repointing with suitable mortar
The mortar should be appropriate for the age and brick type. On older properties, a mortar that’s too hard can contribute to brick damage over time.
4) Finishing and clean-up
The joints are finished neatly, loose debris removed, and the stack checked for related defects such as flashing, flaunching and pot stability.
Chimney pointing styles (comparison)
Pointing style can affect appearance and water resistance. A roofer may recommend one based on the property and exposure.
| Pointing style | What it looks like | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Flush pointing | Mortar level with brick face | Common and tidy finish |
| Recessed pointing | Mortar slightly set back | Often seen on modern work; can hold water if too recessed |
| Weather-struck | Angled to shed water | Good for exposed chimneys |
| Tuck pointing | Decorative fine line finish | More specialist/heritage look |
For chimneys exposed to wind-driven rain, finishes that shed water generally perform well.
Chimney repointing and leaks: what else should be checked?
If you’re getting damp or chimney leaks, repointing might be part of the solution — but it’s important to check other common weak points too:
- Lead flashing at the roof junction
- Flaunching around chimney pots
- Caps/cowls letting rain into the flue
- Spalled bricks that absorb water
- Back gutter/tray issues behind the chimney (pitched roofs)
A roofer can advise whether repointing alone is likely to solve the problem.
How long does chimney repointing last?
Longevity depends on exposure, mortar choice, and workmanship. Chimneys on very exposed elevations (or coastal areas) may need attention sooner than sheltered stacks. Keeping the stack weatherproof (good flashing, sound flaunching, suitable caps/cowls) helps repointing last longer.
Do you need scaffolding for chimney repointing?
Not always, but it’s common. The safest access method depends on:
- chimney height,
- roof pitch,
- where the chimney is located (front/rear),
- and how much of the stack needs repointing.
Minor repointing may be possible with ladders or a tower, but many jobs are safer and more thorough with scaffolding, especially on taller houses.
What affects the cost of chimney repointing?
Costs of chimney repointing vary mainly due to access and scope. Factors include:
- scaffold vs ladder/tower access,
- how many elevations need repointing,
- extent of mortar failure,
- whether bricks need replacing,
- whether additional work is needed (flashing/flaunching/pots).
The easiest way to get a realistic figure is to request quotes with a photo of the stack.
How to get accurate chimney repointing quotes
Include:
- postcode area + property type
- which side the chimney is on
- what you’ve noticed (cracked joints, damp, loose bricks, etc.)
- photos (full chimney + close-ups where safe)
Get free quotes for chimney repointing
Use our enquiry form to request free, no-obligation chimney repointing quotes. We’ll match your request with suitable local roofers so you can compare prices, availability and what’s included.
Chimney repointing FAQs
How do I know if my chimney needs repointing?
If mortar joints are cracked, missing, or visibly recessed — or you’re seeing damp on the chimney breast after rain — repointing is a common solution.
Can repointing stop damp on a chimney breast?
Often, yes, if open joints are the main cause. But damp can also come from flashing defects, cracked flaunching, missing caps/cowls, or condensation in unused chimneys.
Is repointing messy?
There will be some dust and debris, especially during raking out. A good roofer will protect the area below and clean up afterwards.
Is repointing enough if bricks are crumbling?
If brick faces are spalling or bricks are loose, brick replacement or partial rebuilding may be needed alongside repointing for a lasting repair.
Do I need scaffolding?
Not always, but scaffolding is common for safety and access. The right method depends on your roof height, pitch and the chimney location.
How long does chimney repointing take?
Small jobs can sometimes be completed in a day, while larger stacks or jobs requiring scaffolding can take longer depending on access and weather.