Chimneys allow smoke to exit out of the house and also provide fresh air to enter into the house. However, over time the bricks (usually called a chimney stack) can erode and need to be replaced. This process is known as chimney repointing.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about the chimney repointing process and its importance. Knowledge shared by your local roofing company in Cardiff
What is chimney repointing?
Chimney repointing is a process in which the old, worn out mortar between the bricks is replaced with new mortar. This process is important in order to maintain the structural integrity of the chimney as well as to keep your home safe from fire.
Types of Chimney Stack Repointing
There are two main types of chimney repointing: tuckpointing and retrofitting. Let’s dig deeper into both types of repointing services we offer in Cardiff.
Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing is a type of chimney repointing wherein the damaged mortar is removed and replaced with fresh mortar. This type of repair is necessary when the bricks start to loosen and fall out of place. While tuckpointing can be done by a homeowner, it’s best to leave this work to the professionals as it requires special tools and knowledge.
A professional tuck pointer will first assess the damage to your chimney. They will then remove the old, damaged mortar and replace it with new mortar. The tuckpointing process can take some time, but it’s important to ensure that the job is done right to avoid further damage to your chimney.
If you’re noticing cracks or holes in your chimney, or if bricks are starting to fall out of place, then it’s time to call a professional tuck pointer. They will be able to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs in order to keep your chimney in good working condition.
Retrofitting
Retrofitting is another type of chimney repointing that involves adding new mortar to an existing structure. This is often done to improve the stability of the chimney or to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Retrofitting can be a tricky process, and should only be attempted by experienced professionals.
If you’re thinking about retrofitting your chimney, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of this type of repair. On the plus side, retrofitting can add strength and stability to your chimney. It can also give your home a more polished look.
However, there are some potential downsides to consider as well. One is that retrofitting can be expensive, and it may not be covered by your homeowners insurance policy.
Additionally, if not done properly, retrofitting can actually weaken your chimney. So it’s important to research your options and find a qualified professional to do the work.
How to Repoint a Chimney
Now that we know the different types of chimney repointing, let’s move on to the actual process. The first thing you need to do is to prepare the area. This includes removing any debris or vegetation that may be blocking the exit. Once the area is clear, you can now start prepping the bricks.
The next step is to remove the old mortar from the bricks. This can be done using a chisel and hammer, or with a power washer. Once all of the old mortar has been removed, you can now start adding the new mortar.
When adding the new mortar, it’s important to use a trowel to create evenly spaced joints. The mortar should be pushed into the joints and then smoothed out so that it’s level with the rest of the brick.
Once all of the joints have been filled, you can now allow the mortar to dry. Once it’s dry, you can now add any finishing touches, such as painting or staining the bricks.
Importance of Chimney Repointing
As we’ve discussed, chimney repointing is an important process that helps to maintain the structural integrity and longevity of the mortar. It’s also necessary in order to keep your home safe from fire.
If you’re noticing cracks or holes, or if bricks are starting to fall out of place, then it’s time to call a professional tuck pointer. They will be able to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs in order to keep it in good working condition.
Pros and Cons of Chimney Repointing
Additionally, if you’re thinking about retrofitting your chimney, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of this type of repair. Let’s take a closer look on both sides:
Pros:
– Can add strength and stability
-Gives your roof a more polished look
-Protects your home from smoke build up
-Helps prevent risk of fire
Cons:
-Can be expensive
-May not be covered by homeowners insurance
-Can actually weaken your chimney if not done properly
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to chimney repointing. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to repoint your chimney is up to you. However, it’s important to weigh all of the factors involved before making a final decision.
Chimney Repair Cost in Cardiff
One of the main factors you’ll need to consider is chimney repointing prices. The cost will vary depending on the size and complexity of your chimney, as well as the type of repair you need.
Generally speaking, in the UK the cost of repointing can range from £200 to £1,000. However, in some cases, the cost can be even higher.
It’s important to get a few quotes from different companies before making a final decision. This will help you to compare prices and find the best deal.
Hiring a Professional Roofer
If you’re thinking about repointing your chimney, it’s important to hire a professional tuckpointer. They will have the necessary experience and expertise to carry out the repair properly.
Here are some things you need to do when looking for a roofing contractor in Cardiff:
Ask for referrals from friends and relatives.
Referrals can be a huge impact on your decision when it comes to finding the right professional.
Get multiple quotes from different companies.
This will help you compare prices and find the best deal for your repair.
Make sure that the company is licensed and insured.
You want to be sure that you’re hiring a reputable company that has the proper insurance in place.
Check online reviews.
Online reviews can be a great way to get an idea of what other customers have experienced with a particular company.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything there is to know about chimney repointing, you can make an informed decision about whether or not this type of repair is right for you. Keep in mind that it’s important to hire a professional tuckpointer to carry out the repair.