We assess whether repair, removal to below roof level or a larger internal alteration is appropriate, including shared-flue and structural questions.
Signs a Dorchester chimney needs assessment
- Open or washed-out mortar joints
- Cracked flaunching around pots
- Spalled masonry on exposed faces
- Recurring damp around the chimney breast
- Loose flashing at the roof junction
- A redundant flue with poor ventilation
How water travels through a stack
Rain can enter through an uncapped flue, porous masonry or failed flashing, then travel through the stack before appearing indoors below the original defect.
- 1Driven rain gets in at the top of the stack
- 2Cracked flaunching around the pot
- 3Open pointing and spalled brickwork
- 4Water tracks down the flue
- 5Lead flashing — another failure point
- 6Staining shows on the chimney breast below
Above-roof or full removal
Taking down only the exposed stack keeps most work outside. Removing a breast inside affects structure and finishes and may require design, approvals and party-wall consideration.
Retain & repair
Repoint it, re-flaunch, renew the flashing and cap it off. Keeps the roofline as built, though it does mean ongoing maintenance.
Down to roof line
We take off the exposed section and make the roof good, leaving the breast intact inside. Less disruption, and no internal work.
Full removal
Stack and breast come out completely, with structural support designed in. The biggest job, but it frees up floor space.
Making the roof good
After a controlled takedown, the opening is framed, underlay and battens are continued, and a compatible covering is fitted into the slate and clay-tiled period roofs, terraces and modern estate housing.
Access & protection
Scaffold up to the stack, roof and grounds protected, and a debris route planned before a single brick moves.
Take down
We take the stack down course by course rather than pushing it over, lowering brick and pot out safely.
Support & make good
The opening is framed and supported, rafters and battens made up, and underlay dressed in.
Weather the roof
Tiles or slates laid to match, leadwork or a weathered detail finished, so the roof reads as one plane.
Common questions
What homeowners in Dorchester usually want to know about chimney removal.
Ask us anything