Find a local chimney building and repair specialist
Chimney stacks poking out from rooftops is one of those quintessentially British sights. If yours is falling into disrepair, or if you’d like to give your chimney a new lease of life, find a specialist tradesperson to sweep away your fireplace frets.
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Chimney building repair specialists near me | Rated People
Chimneys might be a sought-after design feature, but they also perform a crucial role whenever you use your gas, wood-burning or open fire. Chimneys are engineered to allow just the right flow of air to get rid of dirty emissions, while maintaining as much heat in your home as possible.
In fact, the construction of chimneys is governed by strict building regulations – so it pays to use a professional when you’re having work done. As well as creating a chimney breast and fitting a pot or terminal (if necessary), building a new chimney involves assembling the flue lining, flue pipe (where required), connector and the smoke chamber. Doing this in the correct way makes sure a draft is created, which pulls smoke out of your room and evacuates it safely.
The complexity of repairing a chimney depends on the fault. The good news is that most problems can be resolved. Flues can be relined or repaired to address issues with leaking smoke or emissions. Or, if you’re having damp problems, these can be fixed too – either with brickwork remediation or by replacing lead flashings. And even more serious structural problems such as a leaning chimney breast can be sorted – though this may be a big job, with scaffolding required.
Cost of chimney building and repair
The labour and material costs to build a chimney will depend on the complexity of what you’re trying to achieve. And, design features aside, that will usually be steered by the type of fire you have (or want). Expect the construction of even the most modest chimney to start at around £1,000 and go up from there.
When it comes to flue costs, these vary according to the type of fuel you’re using. Wood-burning stoves can use prefabricated stainless-steel flues, which are the cheapest option. Gas fires only need a single-skin flue, but solid fuel fires require an insulated twin-wall flue – this is to stop smoke from condensing inside. A typical twin-wall stainless-steel flue will cost anywhere from £1,250-£1,500. Ceramic flues (as well as those made from other resilient materials like pumice stone) are also available, but these will cost significantly more than the steel option.
Chimney repair costs can vary drastically according to the job. You’ll usually be quoted according to the time required to remedy your exact problem. Depending on where you are, that rate will be between £150-£300.
How to repair a chimney
- Problems with the flue. Your flue has to be airtight for safety, to make sure carbon monoxide is sent out of your home. The flue can be tested using a smoke pellet, or your professional may recommend a specialist survey using a video camera. The solution to most flue-related problems is having a new liner installed, which an experienced tradesperson will carry out in accordance with building regulations.
- Leaking chimney stack. Stains on ceilings or walls near your chimney breast are the telltale signs of a leak. Often this is the result of flashings (strips which cover the area where roof tiles meet the chimney brickwork) either coming loose or cracking and allowing rainwater in. Replacing flashings is a relatively straightforward job, and lead is typically selected as it is both durable and weatherproof. New flashings are usually installed in a stepped pattern for waterproofing.
- Cracked brickwork. Whether internally or externally, cracked brickwork can present problems for your chimney and will need to be resolved. External cracks can create structural damage, while internal cracks could allow dangerous emissions to escape into your home. Replacing damaged brickwork requires any defective sections to be removed and replaced, or for more minor repairs areas can simply be repointed. In extreme cases, the chimney stack may need to be taken down and rebuilt.
- Unstable chimney stacks. If chimneys show evidence of leaning, they can be reinforced with steel straps or stay bars. Where leaning becomes more exaggerated, it may be necessary to rebuild the chimney – either partially or entirely.
Building a chimney – the key components
- Chimney breast. Usually a brick or blockwork column either built inside a property or on the outside of an external wall, the chimney breast directs smoke, gas and other by-products out of your home. Some may have a dedicated flue pipe inside, or simply be lined with a flue liner. A chimney breast will terminate at the roof of your home and is usually finished by a pot or cowl.
- Flue liner. The flue liner is made from a fire-resistant material – typically specialist concrete, clay, or metal. Flue liners help to protect the brickwork of a chimney from combustion gases, and also improve air flow. There are two types of flue liner – class 1, for solid fuel fires, and class 2, for gas fires.
- Flue pipe. The flue pipe allows smoke and other emissions to travel out of your home, away from the fire. Not every chimney will have (or needs) a flue pipe, but where they are present, they need to be engineered to ensure they create enough draught.
- Flue connector. This connects the fireplace to the flue. Provided the angle it is installed at doesn’t exceed 45°, your chimney sweep can still clean your fireplace.
- Hearth. This is the surround that helps keep your fire where it’s supposed to be and prevents heat from damaging nearby elements, like carpets and walls.
- Smoke shelf. A horizontal surface that helps to prevent downdraughts of smoke from entering your home.
The qualifications your tradesperson needs
A general builder will be able to construct a chimney, while a roofing expert can repair elements like lead flashings. These tradespeople don’t necessarily need any specific qualification to do this work.
But to install a fireplace your tradesperson may require additional accreditation, depending on the type of fuel you’ll be using. For gas fires, your professional must be Gas Safe registered. For solid fuel fires, they should be HETAS (the solid fuel fire accreditation body) registered.
Planning permission for chimney construction and repair
You won’t usually need planning permission to install a chimney. To quote the planning portal: “Planning permission is not required provided that the height of the chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe is not more than 1 metre above the highest part of the roof.”
There may be additional requirements if you live certain areas, such as a national park or a neighbourhood featuring listed buildings.
Insurance your tradesperson needs
Make sure your tradesperson holds public liability insurance. This helps to protect you and your tradesperson from any damage to your property.
Questions you should ask your tradesperson
- Would your professional recommend installing a flue pipe?
- If a flue pipe is not necessary, would they recommend a flue liner?
- What techniques would they recommend for a smoke or gas leak, or a damp issue?
- Do they hold Gas Safe or HETAS accreditation?
- Can they offer a warranty on their work?
Apex building contractors is a family run business with many years of experience between myself and my father we are here to give you the best possible service from start to finish. We are very committed to giving all our customers a high standard of Decorating and building works and we continue to demonstate this with every project that we undertake
Kyle and crew did a great job with our chimney and roof repairs. Has made a huge difference. Quick on site following initial contact. Good level of communication despite colossal weather disruption prolonging finish. Would definitely use again. Thanks Kyle.
Over 20 years experience in all types of roofing
Very professional and good service. Had a problem of birds getting under my roof. Was quick to identify the problem and fixed it and also repaired my guttering all for a reasonable price. Very honest and when he finished the job said it didn’t take him as long as he thought it would and reduced the price he had quoted by 50 pounds. Value for money and would recommend.
Top quality Roofers with over 50 years experience combined in tiled roofs , slates , lead work flat roofs , , all minor repairs welcome,also gutter servicing fantastic prices but most importantly good quality finishes, which are hard to come by these days pls call, (public liability insurance free quotes!
Professional, reliable, and fast. Eren quoted for the job, came on time, and did a great job extremely fast, highly recommend Eren and his team.
We are a family run business Operating over 18 years based in drighlington 90 percent of our work comes by recommendation and word of mouth I like to think we are very reliable firm built on honesty trust threw the years in roofing property maintaining
Great job. Billy and his team were quick to respond and arrived on time. Gave me a fair quote and was able to rectify the issue quickly with a 10 year guarantee. Would recommend and use again.
D. Edward Construction will provide top-quality interior and exterior residential and commercial painting services. We of D. Edward Construction believe that most companies in this industry suffer two major problems. These are poor scheduling of job projects and poor retention of quality employees. Both lead to lower customer satisfaction, lack of repeat business and a low word-of-mouth referral rate. We believes that by implementing this contractor business plan, it can improve upon and exploit these weaknesses to gain consumers trust. D. Edwards Constructions provides concrete fabrication, to include foundations (commercial and residential), road construction, and excavation (dirt work). The company also creates house slabs and driveways for residentials, trailer path foundations, and other roadwork. Jobs are solicited through bids from both business and personal ventures. We provide services to both commercial and individual customers.
Eduardo and Tom did a brilliant job.pointing,rendering our chimney.the team were prompt,worked long hours in all weathers.they were friendly,respectful and left the area clean and tidy after removing all debris.
Hi there Overview Roofing aims to make sure all our customers are 100% happy. We go above an beyond to insure the work quality is top notch. All work carried out comes with a guarantee and pictures before during and after the process.
I’ve nothing but positive feedback for Josh and Overview. I had several leaks to a large property. Other roofers had either not showed up or declined the job as too challenging. Josh completed the work quickly and to a high standard. When there was a delay due to storms, Josh was always in contact to say when the work would be done.
***All roofing work undertaken, no job too big or small*** All London and surrounding areas. All roofing work, leadwork, fascias, guttering, repairs and velux windows. Flat roofs and new roofs. Contact me for a quotation.
Very rude person. Unreliable. Came and saw my roof three times. Still leaking. He only will come back if you give him an incentive (my incentive was I had other family members close by wanting repairs) otherwise he will make excuses and say leave it with me and give no indication when he will come after asking several times. He has checked my roof three times and claims he is an expert but has failed to identify the issue. He will just do a shoddy job to just get onto his next job. Will not recommend.
Here at Heritage Repointing and Restoration, we specialise in Lime Mortar and are able to offer: Traditional Lime Mortar Pointing, Cement Pointing, Damp Proofing, Roof Repairs and General Restoration Works. With 20 years joint experience between me and my business partner, we are able to carry out these works to a very high standard. Giving the past a future.
Experienced roofing company covering Ayrshire, Glasgow and surrounding areas. We do all aspects of roofing incl all roof repairs, full reroofs, chimney restoration/removals, guttering and uvpc fascist and soffits. Good quality at very competitive rates.
Kevin arrived as organised, gave me a quote then, once accepted, proceded with the work to a high standard. Thank you.
At Aplus roofing we carry out repairs on slate/tiled roofs, we also do lead work, chimneys pointed or taken down, work on flat roofs also carried out. All work guaranteed for six months.
Friendly and reliable service all his work was carried out to a high standard.
We’re a fast growing Roofing and Gutter company based in Oxford, South East England. We are committed to providing a professional and efficient service at all time whilst maintaining the highest standards of work. Our extensive experience in the industry make us the go to company for roofing and gutters work throughout Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and surrounding areas. With a vast array of expertise and experience, our workforce specialise in a variety of roofing services, from small repairs to a full re-roofing. Our roofing services are suitable for both residential and commercial properties. All our roofing services are fully insured during the duration of the work carried out by our team and covered by our 10 year guarantee once completed. We also offer other specialised services including: Guttering and Fascia protection, Tiling, Roof system protection, Roof re-pointing plus more. Praised for exceptional professionalism and services, the company is known for delivering the highest quality of work, and with over 20 years of in-field experience, you can trust Premier Roofing & Gutters and its team of experts with all types of roofing, gutters & fascias and driveways projects you might have. With Premier Roofing & Gutters as your business partner, you can expect only the highest level of craft and customer service. Most of our trade comes from our past clients recommendations. Our pricing is very competitive, and every single client is important to us.
Great communication, excellent service The project was completed quickly and to excellent quality what more could you ask for
Self employed roofer and builder . All work carried out to a very high standard . Very honest and reliable . Prices are very competitive .
We were contacted by the company who came when arranged and emailed their quote promptly. We were kept informed as to when the work could be carried out and once on site, work was completed quickly and efficiently by a pleasant and friendly workforce.
A family run business with over 30 years experience . Specialising In guttering and upvc, fascias and soffits,tiles, slates and chimneys.
Prompt response from Jeff. Arrived on time to look at / survey the work needed. On the day of doing the job he phoned us immediately when he was slightly held up by his previous job & then arrived on the time he said. Did the job efficiently & tidied up well afterwards. Would definitely use him again.
JLM Home Improvements are more than a building contractor. We are a family owned and operated company with high values and a great reputation. We take pride in having a "can do" attitude and in offering outstanding customer service & support. Large enough to provide a reliable and high value service, but small enough to give you the personal touch you deserve, our skills cover the entire building sector- everything from odd jobs as small as driveway repairs & gutter clearances to complete home renovations & full roof replacements looking after your home from top to bottom. We have a combined experience of over 95 years in the trade you can rest assured knowing *that* your project will be completed to the highest of standards with us.
Excellent job done to the required standard and took into account desired colour scheme and detail.
We are family business doing roofing and building work for over 40years we always on time and look leave our customers happy for repeat business we have long list happy customers and always looking for more
Did excellent work , so much so, I am going to have them do another job in a few months. Highly recommended!
I have been working in London since 2007, in those 16 years I have done plastering, wooden flooring, wooden fencing, ceilings and much more. I am new to Rated People, however I have the experience and can provide reference for previous work upon request.
Vasile did a great job of plater boarding and plastering my bathroom ceiling. He's a brilliant builder and plasterer, really kind, down to Earth, tidy, honest and genuine. I'd definitely recommend him to others and I'd definitely use him in the future for future work.
RGM Roofing is a family run roofing service providing our customers with protection from the elements. For the last 25 years we have dealt with hundreds of satisfied customers with great ratings from them all . Also all types of ground work and landscaping undertaken
Michael and Stuart workmanship and attention to detail were first class. Went above and beyond to fix my garage roof. Great communication throughout full job! Would highly recommend this company and if I give them a higher rating I would. Can’t praise them enough
SKG CONSTRUCTION LTD is a family run company with over 10 years of experience in creating high quality loft conversion, Extensions, complete home renovations. We offer a full package from conception through to completion. Our services range from providing you with your architectural drawings, involving buildings regulations and obtaining the necessary planning permissions through to allocating you a construction team and issuing a full guarantee for the completed project. Our loft conversion, Extension architects offer cutting edge design solution and will work closely with you to maximise the space without compromising on quality. They will guide you through the whole process. Catalin will ensure smooth running of the project, being on hand every step of the way making sure projects is delivered on time and most importantly on budget. We’ve perfected the loft conversion, extensions over the years to keep it as simple as possible from start to finish, making sure your aware every step of the way. We offer a 10 years insurance backed guarantee on all major works carries out by SKG CONSTRUCTION LTD all work is fully insured comes with a 10 years workmanship warranty. we carry out all types of building works Loft, Extensions, home renovations, tiling, flooring, plumbing, painting, rendering, brickworks, plastering, carpentry, roofing, steel structural works
I have money. I asked if you had a PayPal account so I could send you the deposit and you told me to “forget it” and to “find someone else”. You also gave me 1 week to get the work done before you left for 3-4 months. As I said, my feedback was accurate. You seemed nice and willing to help, but the minute I asked for a different more secure way to get you money you told me to forget it. PayPal is tracked, and secure.
We are fully qualified roofing and chimney repair specialists, this is a family run business and has been running for nearly 50 years. Also a UPVC fitter of fascia board , guttering and cladding? We have full public liability insurance and are fully insured to working off ladders All work guaranteed at a high standard. With a 24 hour emergency call out.
Martin promptly responded after posting the work. He visited to look over and discuss the proposed job. The height of the chimney was reduce, fire place removed and grate blocked with plaster finish all in one day.
Hi we are f and l solutions we are a two band company matthew and james we do bricklaying joinery tilling rendering painting gutters flagging ground works the all round company that provides all work insured and guaranteed pointing renovation also
Very friendly, job all sorted in good time - repair still good 6 months later.
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