Chimney Roof Leak Repairs in Wigan

More than leadwork

A chimney interrupts the roof covering, so several joints have to work together. Side soakers, cover flashings, the front apron and the detail behind the stack all matter. Above them sit brickwork, pointing, pots and flaunching exposed to the weather.

The back of the chimney

From the ground, the rear detail may be completely hidden. That is often where debris collects and where poor repairs go unnoticed. Photographs taken from safe access are useful because they show the part a householder cannot normally see.

Unused flues can confuse the issue

An old flue that has been sealed badly may become damp internally through condensation. Staining on a chimney breast is therefore not automatic proof that rain is passing through the roof covering.

Timing helps. Damp that worsens during specific rain conditions points in a different direction from a chimney breast that stays clammy through cold dry spells.

Repointing only works where pointing is the fault

Fresh mortar over the face of loose joints tends not to last. Defective material should be removed to a sensible depth before repointing. If the leadwork beneath is split, repointing the chimney will not cure that part of the leak.