Is it worth removing chimney stack?

Taking down a chimney stack is not your typical do it yourself type of job. It is a potentially dangerous job. If something was to go wrong, it could also cause a lot of damage to the structure of the roof. Any damage to the roofs structure would cost a considerable amount of money to put right.

What is Flaunching on a chimney stack?

Flaunching is the name given to the bed of mortar which holds chimney pots in place on top of the chimney stack. Flaunching also helps prevent rainwater permeating the top of the brick or stone of the stack. In older homes, lime mortar was used for flaunching, and this will deteriorate over the years.

Can you rebuild a chimney stack?

Most chimney stack repair and rebuilding jobs will require scaffolding in order to ensure that the tasks are done safely. It costs roughly £300-400 on top of the cost of labour and materials for hiring scaffolding for a typical two-storey home, so be sure to consider the additional cost when arranging any chimney jobs.

What kind of Flaunching is used on a chimney?

New flaunching– The chimney stack has been re-built and the pot set with a strong wash sand and cement mix. Concrete chimney top– Sometimes the flaunching is actually ‘ cast ‘ onsite with a concrete type mix and the pots are set into it, this is even tougher than mortar flaunching but can on occasion still crack. Chimney pots

What are the most common problems with chimney stacks?

Probably the most common issue with chimney stacks is eroded pointing. In itself this may not sound too serious, but if neglected it will hasten the onset of more serious problems such as instability, water penetration and even disintegration.

What does corbelling do on a chimney stack?

Corbelling – This is the brickwork that staggers outwards at the top of the main chimney stack often found just before the flaunching that secures the chimney pots. Its function can be to either add decorative interest or allow the chimney pots bases more room to be fitted internally.

Where are the flashings on a chimney stack?

Chimney flashings. Starting at the very bottom of the chimney and cut into the brickwork where the stack meets the roof covering are the flashings. Apron flashing – The front apron is the visible lead work to the front elevation of the chimney stack (visible in lower picture), this is normally fitted first.