Blog>Cost Guides>What's the cost of repointing a chimney?
Last updated: 21 February 2024
What's the cost of repointing a chimney?
Over time, constant exposure to the elements begins to take its toll on a chimney. Repointing is a great way to repair your chimney, but what's the typical cost of repointing a chimney?

Fast Facts
The average cost of repointing a chimney in the UK is £750
Prices depend on chimney size, access difficulty, and whether scaffolding is required
Repointing your chimney when needed will help to prevent structural damage and water ingress
Your chimney is designed to withstand all kinds of weather conditions; from record-high temperatures in the summer to heavy storms and wind-driven rain. Eventually, the mortar between the bricks will wear away, causing water to leak into your roof. Repointing is the answer.
Keep reading to find out the typical chimney repointing costs in the UK, along with the signs to look out for that your chimney stack needs to be repaired.
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How much does it cost to repoint a chimney in the UK?
Cost provided item | Unit | Average cost |
---|---|---|
Raking out existing mortar | Per m² | £35 |
Repointing brickwork | Per m² | £55 |
Repointing stonework | Per m² | £80 |
Repointing a chimney | Ea | £750 |
Scaffold tower | Ea | £300 |
Scaffolding | Per m² | £20 |
Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now |
The average chimney repair cost for repointing is around £750.
However, your total chimney repointing cost will vary based on a number of factors, such as the size of your chimney, where your chimney is located and how long it takes to repoint.
The cost of repointing a chimney, broken down
When calculating the cost to have a chimney repointed in the UK, you'll need to factor in the cost of labour, materials and scaffolding.
The day rate of a roofer is around £200 per day. However, you'll usually need to budget double this, as roofers tend to work in pairs for safety reasons.
The cost of labour will usually be worked into your total chimney stack repair cost, together with the cost of materials and the cost to erect scaffolding (around £20 per m2).
Get a chimney repair quote
The best way to get an accurate cost for chimney stack repairs is to get multiple quotes from experts near you.
That way, you'll be able to compare a range of bespoke costs that take your unique situation into account. And, you'll be able to ensure you're getting a fair and competitive price for the work.
Enter your postcode below to find professionals who can give you a bespoke cost to repair your chimney stack.
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Factors affecting your chimney repointing cost in the UK
The exact cost to repoint a chimney stack will vary based on lots of different factors. Here are the main ones:
Location - Chimney stack repointing costs will often be higher in big cities and the capital where demand is higher
Access - In order to access the chimney to carry out repointing, it may be necessary to erect scaffolding
Labour costs - Roofers typically work in pairs, but you can expect higher costs if the job is more complex and requires a bigger team
What is chimney repointing?
Repointing your chimney involves removing deteriorated or damaged mortar from the joints, and replacing it with new mortar.
The brick or stone that your chimney is made from is extremely long-lasting. However, mortar deteriorates much more quickly. This can cause gaps to grow in the joints and water to seep in.
If left unchecked, you could eventually be looking at structural damage in the roof and potential leaks in your property. In fact, if the structure of your chimney deteriorates enough, you could even end up forking out on expensive leaning chimney stack repair costs.
Repointing is an important way to protect and improve the stability of your chimney's structure. Plus, new pointing will freshen up the look of your stone or brickwork.
What is the difference between repointing and tuckpointing?
Although they're often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between repointing and tuckpointing.
Repointing refers to the process of renewing damaged mortar joints, either on a chimney or elsewhere on your property. Meanwhile, tuckpointing is a style of pointing that uses different colours of mortar.
With tuckpointing, one colour matches the shade of the bricks to blend in, while the other colour will be used on the joints. In this way, it creates the illusion of thinner mortar joints.

How do I know if my chimney needs repointing?
Here are the key signs to look out for:
Damaged mortar joints
Cracked chimney crown
Spalling bricks
Of course, it can be difficult to inspect your mortar joints from the ground. However, we wouldn't recommend climbing on your roof to take a look.
Instead, it's best to get a chimney specialist or repointing professional to inspect your chimney stack - especially if you start to notice cracks on the chimney joints. If left too long, the crack could widen and leave room for water to seep into the fixture.
How often should repointing be done?
Another indication that your chimney may soon need repointing is the length of time that's passed since it was last repointed.
Once your chimney has been repointed correctly, it shouldn't need further repointing for at least 30 years. In fact, a really good repointing job could even last up to 100!
However, if you know that your chimney hasn't been repointed in decades and you suspect that the mortar joints may be damaged, it's probably time to get the professionals in to take a look.
Enter your postcode into the search box to find a reliable professional who can give you an accurate chimney repointing cost.
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How long does it take to repoint a chimney?
How long it takes to repoint your chimney will depend on its size and how easy it is to access.
While a small chimney will usually take less than a day to repoint, a larger chimney could take two or three days.
Can I repoint a chimney myself?
You may be tempted to save on the cost of repointing your chimney by taking a DIY approach. However, we wouldn't recommend repointing a chimney yourself unless you're familiar with the process and trained in working at height.
Your chimney's pointing is an important part of protecting your chimney, roof and even the inside of your home from leaks. So, it's not something you'll want to skimp on.
A professional will be able to carry out the job safely and efficiently, making sure the work is completed to a high standard that will stand the test of time. They'll also ensure that your pointing looks spot on, so your neighbours can't help but admire your beautiful chimney stack!
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FAQs
How much does it cost to repair a chimney in the UK?
The cost to repair a chimney depends on the type of repair needed, as well as your location, the size of the chimney stack and how easy it is to access.
Repointing is one of the most common chimney repairs. The average cost of repointing in the UK is £750.
Is it better to repoint or rebuild a chimney?
If you're wondering whether to repoint or rebuild your chimney, the answer is that it depends.
If only the mortar joints are damaged, repointing is usually an effective fix. However, sometimes, mortar damage can result in damage to the masonry itself.
Where the masonry damage is only minor and affects just a small part of the chimney, repointing is usually still the best solution. But if masonry damage is extensive, you may need to consider a partial or complete chimney rebuild to restore its structural integrity.
How much does it cost to rebuild a chimney top?
That depends on how much of the chimney stack you're rebuilding. A partial chimney rebuild will typically cost between £600 and £1,000.
Meanwhile, fully rebuilding the part of the chimney stack above the roofline will usually cost somewhere around £1,000 to£3,500.
On the other hand, you're looking at roughly £260to £340 per metre to remove a chimney stack.
How much is a new chimney UK?
Installing a brand new chimney in the UK will typically cost between £2,000 and £4,000.
However, to completely replace an existing chimney, you'll be looking at anywhere from £4,000 to £15,000.
Can a roofer fix a chimney?
That depends on the roofer's experience and the issue with your chimney. Roofers are generally skilled at carrying out work such as chimney flashing repairs and chimney cap replacements. However, not all roofing technicians will have the experience to deal with cracked or missing mortar.
Instead, a chimney repair expert or repointing specialist will be able to help.
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