Chimney Repairs in Birmingham
We repair chimney stacks on houses across Birmingham, from loose pots to worn mortar and leaks where the stack meets the roof.
- Quotes in writing
- 17 areas covered
Birmingham Roof Pros repairs chimney stacks on homes across Birmingham. We repoint worn mortar joints, rebuild loose or cracked brickwork, reset or replace chimney pots, and renew the lead flashing where the stack meets the roof. If the chimney is past saving, we can talk you through chimney removal instead.
Signs your chimney needs work
Historic England keeps a maintenance checklist for older homes. For chimneys, it says to look for stacks or pots that lean, pots that are out of position and plants growing out of the top.
It also says to check for cracks, loose or bulging bricks or stones, and badly eroded or open joints. If you see any of these, Historic England's advice is to arrange a close inspection promptly.
You don't need to climb up to look. Historic England suggests using binoculars to check high parts such as the chimney from the ground when there is no safe way up.
Inside the house, we look for damp patches on the chimney breast or the ceiling next to it. Then we check the flashing and the top of the stack, since that is where rain often gets in.
What chimney repairs involve
For repointing, we rake out the worn mortar between the bricks and fill the joints with fresh mortar.
When the top rows of brick are loose, we take them down and lay them again. We reset loose pots, replace cracked ones and fit caps on flues you no longer use.
Historic England's checklist asks whether all flashings are still fixed into the wall, chimney or roof covering. Flashing is the strip that seals the gap between the stack and the roof. We re-fix or replace any that has come loose.
We tell you which of these your chimney needs after we have looked at it, and we put each item in the written quote.
Scaffolding and safe access
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says sloping roofs need scaffolding to stop people or materials falling from the edge. It also says edge protection should go along the eaves of any roof, and on terraced houses at the back as well as the front.
HSE allows secured ladders and proper roof ladders for short tasks measured in minutes. We usually price a scaffold for chimney work, and we show it as its own line in the quote.
Planning rules for chimneys in Birmingham
The Planning Portal says fitting, altering or replacing an outside chimney or flue on a house is normally permitted development. That means it does not need planning consent, as long as its conditions are met. If the house is listed or in a designated area, the Planning Portal advises checking with the council first.
In Bournville, Birmingham City Council's design guide for the Bournville Village Conservation Area says the chimneys there are an important part of the area's character and must not be taken down or altered. It asks owners to keep chimneys in good repair, and says you will need planning permission to make any alteration to a chimney.
A like-for-like repair keeps the chimney as it is. If your home is in a conservation area, tell us at the start and we will match the bricks, mortar and pots.
Questions about chimney repairs in Birmingham
How do I know if my chimney is leaking or my roof is?
We check the stack, its flashing and the roof slopes around it when we visit, then tell you which one is letting the water in.
Can you just replace one chimney pot?
Yes, we can replace a single pot. We check the mortar it sits in at the same time, because a new pot on a loose base will not stay put.
Do you sweep chimneys?
No, we repair the outside of the stack. Historic England says to inspect chimney flues and make sure they are clear and do not leak, so if you use an open fire or stove, book a sweep for the flue.
What if I don't use my fireplace any more?
We can cap the pot so rain stays out while some air still moves through the flue. If you want the stack gone for good, see our chimney removal page.
Is a leaning chimney dangerous?
It can be. Historic England lists a leaning stack or pot as something that needs a close inspection promptly. Keep people away from the area below it and call us to come and look.
Do you repair chimneys on terraced houses?
Yes, we do. If your stack is shared with next door, we will tell you whether the work touches your neighbour's side and needs their agreement.
Can you repair the chimney when you work on the roof?
Yes, we can. If we already have a scaffold up for roof repairs or a roof replacement, doing the chimney at the same time saves paying for access twice.
Get a chimney repair quote
Send us your postcode and a photo of the chimney if you have one. We will come and look at the stack, then send you a written quote.
Ready to talk about your roofing job?
Send the quote form with your postcode and what you need. We will get back to you with a written quote.