Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years we get asked many questions about chimneys, guttering and roofing. These are some of the most frequent we get asked:

Q. I want to block one of my chimneys, can I just cover over with cement?

A. Chimneys require ventilation. Capping off flues with no ventilation can cause moisture build up which may in turn cause structural weaknesses. This could create movement of the stack where the side wall separates from the mid-feathers leading to bellying of the chimney stack.

Q. I have a garden growing around the top of my chimney! How can I remove it?

A. This may be caused by the old mortar flaunching becoming cracked so that foliage can establish. Best to remove the old mortar, reset the pots and re-flaunch.

Q. What could cause dampness in my property on the chimney breast wall?

A. There are several possibilities to that particular problem:

• Lead flashing perished or fallen out.
• Chimney pots not having the correct terminals fitted.
• The flaunch has weathered over the years.
• Poor mortar joints in the chimney stack.
• Moisture build up because of poor ventilation.

Q. We currently don't have a liner fitted and when I use my multi-fuel stove I see that smoke comes out of more than one chimney pot! What is happening?

A. This sounds like your live flue has breached into your neighboring flue. This may need further investigation and would possibly require a liner to be fitted.