What repointing actually fixes
Repointing means raking out mortar that's crumbled or cracked and replacing it with fresh material, restoring both the chimney's structural integrity and its ability to shed water rather than absorb it.
The freeze-thaw problem
Once water gets into a cracked joint, it expands when it freezes, widening the crack further. Left over a winter or two, this cycle can turn a small repair into a much bigger one.
What to look for
Crumbling or missing mortar, loose bricks, small debris collecting in the gutters below, and damp patches on the chimney breast inside are the usual early signs.
How long it typically lasts
A properly repointed chimney should be good for several decades before needing attention again, though exposed or coastal properties tend to need it sooner than sheltered ones.
What a proper job includes
Beyond just the mortar, a thorough repointing job checks the flashing and pointing together, since the two commonly fail around the same time and for the same underlying reasons.
If mortar is crumbling or you've spotted debris in the gutters below your chimney, our chimney team can assess it and give you an honest answer on what's needed.