Why the customer contacted us...
Marc contacted us about his chimney, explaining that it was simply leaking and, due to the fact that they no longer use it, they just wanted it removed.
This is a common concern with chimneys, where they cause problems for the homeowner yet they are no longer being used. It is common for people to get their leaking chimney removed, as it removes all of the problems that come with one.
For those who do use their chimney or would like to keep them for aesthetic reasons, repairs are also available as well as chimney restorations. We are able to cap the chimney so that no rain or birds get in, while keeping airflow to avoid the build up of damp and mould.
But what if dampness resumes in your chimney breast after having the chimney repaired or removed? That was one of the customer’s worries that we discussed after the chimney was removed.
What was wrong with the roof?
When surveying this roof, the first thing we noticed was the sheer amount of greenery that was growing out of it. The concern behind this is the fact that the roots can actually crack mortar. The chimney itself wasn’t structurally sound, so the best choice would be to remove it.
There is an option for restoring a chimney like this, simply by rebuilding it, fixing the structural issues and any leaks that came with it. However, since this customer preferred to have it removed, we did just that.
How we fixed the issue.
First, we ensured to place down temporary sheeting to protect the lower asbestos roof. This is done as, if the roof was to be disturbed or damaged, it could release asbestos particles into the air, making it dangerous for anyone on site or close by. The presence of asbestos can affect how a roof is repaired or removed, which is something that should be taken into consideration. Do you believe that your roof could be facing asbestos? You can read more on this topic here.
We start working on the chimney by first dropping it down below the roofline, taking it apart brick by brick and making sure to safely let the bricks down the chute. After dropping it down, we had to give it more structure to install the roof on it, so we implemented a timber frame, which included an extension of the ridge tree and galvanised strap, and rebuilt the gable for the top apex. Since there is now a hole in the roof, we have to insulate it to keep cold air from entering the home.
Following this, we are ready to start building the roof over the chimney. We start off by installing a high-quality, breathable membrane and treated battens. With everything in place, we install slate tiles to match the rest of the roof and finish the roof off by re-bedding and pointing ridge tiles using plasticised mortar.
The finished result.
The final product looks great. It does its job of stopping leaks caused by the chimney, and blends right in with the rest of the roof.
Many customers are concerned about their chimney breast causing damp spots inside of their home. This is where a completely new problem is discovered… Hygroscopic salts. Are you worried that this is what you may be experiencing? You can read here for advice on how to go forward with this knowledge.
Trusted Members of the nFRC
As proud members of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), we’re committed to delivering roofing work to the highest standards. Our Managing Director, Josh Morrison, is also the NFRC Regional Director for the North West, helping to improve standards, encourage training, and support professionalism throughout the roofing industry.
It’s a responsibility we’re proud to bring back into our own business, ensuring every customer benefits from quality workmanship, ongoing training, and trusted roofing expertise.
You can view our NFRC profile here.
