Last updated on January 31st, 2023
Chimney repointing cost guide
From record high temperatures in summer to heavy storms and wind-driven rain, chimneys are designed to withstand adverse weather. But eventually, the mortar between the bricks will wear away, causing water to leak into the roof. Repointing is the answer.
Use our guide below to familiarise yourself with the average chimney stack repointing costs and our free search tool to find professionals to help get the job done quickly.
What is chimney repointing?
Sometimes called ‘tuckpointing’, repointing a chimney is the process of renewing the external part of the mortar joints in a chimney.
Over time, decay from weather damage can cause gaps to grow in the joints between masonry units, allowing water to seep in. If left unchecked, this could eventually lead to structural damage in the roof and potential leaks in your property.
If the structure of the chimney deteriorates enough, you could even end up paying leaning chimney stack repair costs.
Although it is a fairly straightforward task for a professional, chimney repointing is not recommended as a DIY job for homeowners to attempt due to the often hazardous nature of the work.
How much does chimney repointing cost?
| 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 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
Chimney repointing costs vary depending on a number of factors. For a start, the individual price of hiring professionals to repoint a chimney is around £750 on average.
This is broken down into the average daily rate of a roofer (£200 per day) multiplied by two since roofers tend to work in pairs for safety reasons. The costs for materials and cost to erect scaffolding (around £20 per m2) will then be factored into the total chimney stack repair cost quote.
The time to complete the work will depend on the size of the chimney and where the chimney is located. For instance, while a small chimney will take up to one day, a larger chimney could require two-three days of work for repointing.
Factors affecting chimney stack repointing costs
How much does it cost to repair a chimney stack? The short answer is, it depends. The following factors are all likely to affect the total cost to repair chimney stack damage:
- 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.
FAQs
How do I know if my chimney needs repointing?
It’s not often that the average homeowner accesses their roof to check on the chimney. However, if you suspect there is an issue, these are the key signs to look out for:
- Cracked chimney crown
- Damaged mortar joints
- Spalling bricks
If you start to notice cracks on the chimney joints, it’s best to ask a masonry specialist to take a look. If left too long, the crack could widen and leave room for water to seep into the fixture.
What is the difference between repointing and tuckpointing?
Although they are used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between repointing and tuckpointing. Repointing is the term given to the process of renewing damaged mortar joints on a chimney. Tuckpointing is a style used for pointing that uses different colours of mortar when refilling the joints of brickwork.
One of the colours will match the shade of the bricks to blend in, while the other alternate colour will be used on the joints. Tuckpointing is a popular choice as it creates the illusion of thinner mortar joints.
How often should repointing be done?
Once your chimney has been repointed correctly, it shouldn’t need further repointing for at least 30 years.
Can I repoint a chimney myself?
DIY can help you to save on the costs of hiring a professional. However, we wouldn’t recommend this approach unless you are familiar with the process. You should also be prepared to use a scaffold or access tower to ensure maximum safety.
The tick you can trust
8/10 homeowners would choose a tradesperson endorsed by Checkatrade over one who isn't*
Claims are sourced from a survey conducted by Deep Blue Thinking on a nationally representative UK sample in November 2021. *8 out of 10 people would choose a trade endorsed by Checkatrade compared to one that isn’t endorsed.
Claims are sourced from a survey conducted by Deep Blue Thinking on a nationally representative UK sample in November 2021. *8 out of 10 people would choose a trade endorsed by Checkatrade compared to one that isn’t endorsed.
Cath
Many thanks for explanation in plain English.