Chimneys are the most exposed part of any roof — and one of the most common sources of leaks in Farnham's period housing stock. We repair, repoint and waterproof chimneys across Farnham and Surrey, from a simple flashing re-seal to a full stack rebuild.
Chimney repairs in Farnham cost £150–£800 for repointing, flashing replacement and flaunching, with stack rebuilds priced separately. On pre-1919 properties we always use lime mortar, never cement, to prevent brickwork spalling. Free written quotes with no call-out fee. Call 0125 244 7622.
Farnham's Victorian and Georgian housing stock means chimney problems are common — and often more complex than they first appear. We carry out all types of chimney work across GU9 and GU10.
Crumbling mortar joints between chimney bricks are a leading cause of leaks. We rake out and repoint using appropriate lime or hydraulic lime mortars for older properties, preventing water penetration and structural deterioration.
From £350The lead flashing that seals the junction between the chimney and the roof is the most common chimney leak source. We replace failed flashings with new code 4 lead, dressed correctly to both the chimney and the tiles.
From £400Cracked, loose or missing chimney pots allow rain directly into the flue. We supply and fit replacement pots including period-appropriate designs for conservation area properties in Farnham.
From £200Severely deteriorated or leaning chimney stacks require partial or full rebuilding. We rebuild from below roof level using reclaimed or matching brick and appropriate mortar mixes.
From £800Redundant chimney stacks are a maintenance liability. We remove the stack at roof level, properly waterproof and make good the roof covering with matching tiles — a clean, lasting solution.
From £700For disused flues, we fit chimney caps or cowls to prevent water ingress while maintaining ventilation. A cost-effective alternative to full stack removal.
From £150Chimney problems are easy to miss until they become serious. These are the most common signs we see on Farnham properties.
Staining or damp patches on internal walls around the chimney breast, especially after heavy rain, almost always indicate a flashing or pointing failure.
Visible deterioration of mortar joints on the chimney stack — often greenish, crumbling or recessed. Particularly common on north-facing stacks across Farnham's period stock.
Chimney pots that have shifted, cracked or are visibly unstable are a safety hazard and allow unrestricted water ingress into the flue.
Lead flashing that has lifted, cracked or pulled away from the chimney or roof. Often visible from the ground as a gap or open joint around the chimney base.
White salt deposits on external chimney brickwork indicate water is moving through the masonry. A sign that repointing is overdue.
Brick faces breaking or flaking away, caused by water freezing inside the masonry. Common in exposed chimney stacks after hard winters in Surrey.
Chimney repair costs vary significantly depending on the type of work, height of the stack and access requirements. These are typical ranges.
| Repair Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lead flashing replacement | £400 – £800 | Most common chimney repair |
| Chimney repointing | £350 – £700 | Full stack repoint |
| Chimney pot replacement (single) | £200 – £400 | Includes supply of new pot |
| Chimney capping | £150 – £300 | For disused flues |
| Partial stack rebuild | £800 – £1,500 | From roof level upwards |
| Full stack removal | £700 – £1,400 | Includes making good roof |
| Flashing re-seal (minor) | £200 – £350 | Re-pointing existing flashing |
* All prices include labour and standard materials. Scaffolding or cherry picker costs are quoted separately where access requires it. Free written quotes for all chimney work.
Farnham has an unusually high proportion of Victorian and Georgian properties with original chimney stacks — particularly along Castle Street, The Borough, and throughout the conservation area. These chimneys were built with lime mortar and traditional brickwork that requires different repair techniques to modern construction.
Using incorrect modern cement mortars on Victorian chimneys is a very common mistake — it's harder than the surrounding brick and actually accelerates deterioration by trapping moisture. We use appropriate lime-based mortars for period stacks and hydraulic lime for situations where a faster set is needed.
Many properties in central Farnham are in or adjacent to the Farnham Conservation Area. Chimney pot replacements on listed or locally listed buildings may require planning consent. We'll flag this if it applies to your property and can advise on appropriate materials and designs.
Describe what you're seeing — damp patch, loose pot, crumbling mortar — and we'll give you an honest assessment. We carry out many chimney repairs from a single visit without scaffolding using safe access equipment.
0125 244 7622Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Sat 8am–2pm · Emergency 24/7
Many homeowners — and some roofers — assume a chimney leak means the whole stack needs repointing. In our experience, over 60% of chimney leaks are actually caused by failed lead flashing at the base of the stack. A much quicker and cheaper fix. We'll identify the actual cause before recommending work.
"Had a persistent damp patch on the chimney breast for three years. Two roofers had repointed the stack — didn't fix it. Farnham Roofing identified failed lead flashing immediately and sorted it in a morning. End of problem."
"Victorian chimney stack on our Listed cottage needed full repointing with lime mortar. They knew exactly what materials to use and did a beautiful job. The conservation officer was happy too."
"Removed a redundant chimney stack and made good the roof in one day. No mess, tiles matched perfectly. Recommended by a neighbour and they lived up to the billing."
Chimney repointing typically costs £350–£700 for a full stack repoint in Farnham. Costs depend on the height of the stack, degree of deterioration and access requirements. We provide free, itemised quotes for all chimney work.
Signs include crumbling or recessed mortar joints visible between the bricks, damp patches on internal walls near the chimney breast, loose chimney pots, or water ingress during rain. You can often see deterioration from the ground with binoculars — call us if you're unsure.
Often yes. The majority of chimney leaks we attend are caused by failed lead flashing at the base of the stack, not the mortar joints themselves. Replacing the flashing is significantly cheaper than full repointing. We'll accurately diagnose the cause before recommending work.
Yes. We remove redundant chimney stacks at roof level and make good the roof covering with matching tiles. This is a popular solution for homeowners with leaking or deteriorating chimneys that are no longer connected to working fireplaces. We can advise on planning requirements if applicable.
No call-out fee. No obligation. Describe what you're seeing and we'll give you an honest assessment and a clear written quote.
0125 244 7622Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Sat 8am–2pm · Emergency 24/7