A damp patch on the wall around your chimney breast is easy to put off. It often starts small and it's hard to see what's causing it from inside the house. This is a job we did in Hythe recently, where a stain on the chimney breast turned out to be moss, worn pointing and a section of brickwork that had started to move.
How the Job Came to Us
We'd already done some work for the neighbours, and they recommended us. That's how a lot of our work in Hythe comes in, and it means a lot to us.
The homeowner had noticed staining on the back of the chimney breast inside the house. It was clearly damp, but there was no obvious reason for it from indoors.
Why We Looked Before We Quoted
With chimneys, you can't give an honest price from the ground. The scaffolding was already up on this job, so we could get right up to the stack and see what was really going on.
We always take a proper look at the problem first, then quote for the work it actually needs. That way you're paying for what's wrong with your chimney, not for a guess.
What We Found
Once we were up there, the cause was clear:
- Moss had built up behind the chimney. It was holding water against the back of the stack, which is where the damp on the chimney breast was coming from.
- The pointing had worn away. The front section needed repointing, and in the end the whole chimney did.
- Part of the chimney was starting to fall away. Some of the bricks had started to move, which needed sorting before it got any worse.
What We Did
- Cleared the moss from behind the chimney and from the roof at the back.
- Took out the loose bricks and re-bedded them properly, so there's no more movement in the stack.
- Repointed the chimney, so water can't get in through the joints.
With the moss gone, the brickwork secure and fresh pointing all round, the source of the damp has been dealt with at the chimney itself rather than just covered up inside.
Signs Your Chimney Is Leaking or Needs Repointing
If you spot any of these, it's worth getting your chimney checked before winter:
- Damp patches or staining on the chimney breast or the ceiling around it
- Moss or plants growing on or behind the stack
- Crumbling or missing mortar between the bricks
- Bricks that look loose, cracked or out of line
A small repointing job now is a lot cheaper than rebuilding part of a chimney later.
Need Chimney Repointing in Hythe?
We cover Hythe, Saltwood, Seabrook, Sandgate and the villages around them, from our base in Ashford. Repairs start from £150 + VAT, and we'll always tell you honestly what your chimney needs.
Get an instant quote or call Jake on 07435 574 755. You can also see more about our work in Hythe.