Chimney Repairs
Crumbling mortar, a cracked pot or damp coming through the chimney breast. Damage to a chimney gets worse every winter, so we repair the problems we find while sweeping before a small crack turns into a leak or a loose pot. Rated 5.0 from 95 Google reviews.
Fixing small problems before they turn into big ones
A chimney takes a battering from wind, rain and frost all year round. Mortar washes out of the joints, pots crack and come loose, and once water starts getting in it finds its way down to the chimney breast inside. Left alone, a small repair one year can be a much bigger job the next.
We are Adele and Sian, sisters and HETAS-certified sweeps, and we do chimney repairs ourselves. Most of the problems we fix are ones we spot while sweeping, so you get the flue cleaned, checked and sorted in one visit. We show you what we have found, explain what needs doing and give you a price before we start. Dust sheets and an industrial vacuum stay down the whole time.
Chimney repairs we carry out
These are the repairs we are asked about most. If we find something while we are sweeping, we will show you and talk it through before anything is done.
Re-pointing
Loose or missing mortar between the bricks lets water into the stack. We rake out the old, crumbling joints and re-point them with fresh mortar so the brickwork is solid and weathertight again.
Chimney pot repair and replacement
A cracked or loose pot can let rain in and, in the worst case, come down in high winds. We re-bed loose pots and replace ones that are too far gone. If you need a cowl, rain cap or bird guard on top, we can fit that at the same time.
Chimney stack repairs
The stack is the part you see above the roof. We repair the damaged brickwork and mortar we find on it, so the problem stops where it is rather than spreading through the rest of the stack.
Chimney breast repairs
Inside the house, the chimney breast can show cracks, loose render or damage around the fireplace opening. We repair what we find and make sure the flue behind it is sound before you light the fire again.
Damp and leak advice
Damp patches on the chimney breast or ceiling usually mean water is getting in somewhere around the stack. We look for where it is coming from and tell you plainly what will fix it, whether that is a repair we can do or a job for someone else.
Finding hidden damage with CCTV
Some damage is inside the flue where you can't see it. A CCTV inspection runs a camera up the chimney to check the liner and spot cracks or gaps. Read more in our guide to CCTV chimney inspections.
Signs your chimney needs repairing
If you have noticed any of these, get the chimney looked at before you next light the fire. Our guide to the signs of a chimney blockage covers what to look out for inside the flue too.
- Crumbling or missing mortar between the bricks
- A chimney pot that looks cracked, loose or out of line
- Damp patches on the chimney breast or ceiling
- Water coming into the fireplace or stove
- Bricks flaking or breaking up on the face (spalling)
- A stack that looks like it is leaning
- Bits of mortar, brick or debris falling into the grate
- Smoke leaking out where it shouldn't during a smoke test
How a chimney repair works
No surprises and no pressure. Here is what happens when we come out.
We inspect the chimney
We sweep the flue, look over the stack, pot and chimney breast, and smoke test it to check it is drawing properly and not leaking. A standard sweep usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. If we need to see inside the flue, we can add a CCTV inspection.
We explain and quote
We show you photos of what we have found and explain what needs doing in plain terms. You get a price before any work starts, and nothing goes ahead until you are happy with it.
We carry out the repair
We do the agreed work, whether that is re-pointing, re-bedding or replacing a pot, or repairing the chimney breast. Dust sheets and an industrial vacuum stay down the whole time.
We check it again
Once the repair is done, we smoke test again to make sure the flue is drawing as it should and nothing is leaking, then tidy up before we go.
When it's not our job Some work, like rebuilding a whole chimney stack or replacing the lead flashing and roofing around it, is a job for a builder or roofer. If a job needs a builder or roofer, we'll tell you. We would rather say so plainly than take on work that isn't ours. We can still sweep, inspect and give you a clear picture of what we found. Not sure what is behind the problem? Read about creosote and why it is dangerous.
In our customers’ own words
Real reviews from homeowners we have swept for.
“Done the job and left the rooms spotless. You wouldn’t have known they’d been to clean our open fire and multi fuel stove.”
Steve R.
“Very professional, friendly, knowledgeable and made absolutely no mess.”
Nina W.
“The log burner is performing better than it ever did.”
John E.
“Checked my CO2 alarm, tightened the door handle on my burner and cleaned it all.”
Sally M.
“I was shocked at how much came out of my chimney yet my house was left all clean and tidy.”
Jackie D.
“Arrived early. Cleaning chimney and wood burner. Quick, clean, efficient and friendly.”
Jon K.
5.0 from 95 Google reviews
Here is what homeowners across Essex and Hertfordshire say about Sweep Sisters.
Chimney repair prices
Most repairs start with a sweep and inspection, so we can see exactly what is wrong before we price the work.
Standard chimney or stove sweep
From £95Full sweep, visual inspection, smoke test, clean-up and a sweeping certificate for your records.
CCTV flue inspection
From £75Added to a sweep. A camera run up the flue to check the liner and find cracks or damage you can't see from the fireplace.
Chimney repairs
QuotedPriced once we've seen the job, as every chimney is different. We confirm the price with you before any work starts.
Cowls and rain caps
QuotedPriced after we've seen the pot and flue. See our cowls and bird guards page for the options.
Prices are for a single flue. No hidden call-out fees. See all our chimney services or read our chimney sweep cost guide for Essex & Hertfordshire.
Where we work
We cover most of Essex and Hertfordshire. Not sure about your postcode? Send us a message.
Essex
- Chimney sweep Essex
- Chelmsford
- Brentwood
- Harlow
- Epping
- Hutton
- Loughton
- Theydon Bois
- Ongar
- Roydon
- Hatfield Heath
- Dunmow
- Stansted
- Newport
Hertfordshire
- Chimney sweep Hertfordshire
- Hertford
- St Albans
- Bishop’s Stortford
- Sawbridgeworth
- Little Hadham
- Saffron Walden
- Eastwick
- Hunsdon
Chimney repair questions
How do I know if my chimney needs repairing?
Look for crumbling or missing mortar, a cracked or loose pot, bricks breaking up, damp patches on the chimney breast or ceiling, or water coming into the fireplace. Bits of brick or mortar in the grate are another sign. If you're not sure, we'll check it properly when we sweep and tell you honestly whether anything needs doing.
Can you repair my chimney while you sweep it?
Often, yes. Most of the repairs we do are problems we find while sweeping. We'll show you what we've found and give you a price first. That way the flue gets swept, checked and repaired by the same people who found the problem.
Do you replace chimney pots?
Yes. We re-bed pots that have come loose and replace ones that are cracked or too damaged to save. We can also fit a cowl, rain cap or bird guard on top at the same time if your chimney needs one.
Why is there damp on my chimney breast?
Damp on a chimney breast usually means water is getting in somewhere, often through worn mortar, a damaged pot, an open pot letting rain straight down the flue, or around the stack where it meets the roof. We find where it's coming from and tell you what will fix it. If the cause is roofing or lead flashing, we'll tell you it needs a roofer.
Is a cracked chimney dangerous?
It can be. Cracks in the stack or pot let water in, and loose brickwork or a pot can come down in high winds. Cracks inside the flue can also let smoke and fumes escape where they shouldn't. Don't ignore it. Get it checked before you next use the fire.
Do I need a CCTV inspection before a repair?
Not always. Plenty of problems with the stack, pot or chimney breast can be seen without a camera. If we think there's damage inside the flue, a CCTV inspection lets us see the liner properly so we can give you the right advice. It costs from £75 added to a sweep.
Chimney advice from Sweep Sisters
Guides, prices and seasonal tips, pulled live from our blog.
Book a chimney repair visit
Tell us your town, what you burn and when suits you, and we will confirm a date and price.
- Phone0330 133 2121
- Areas coveredEssex and Hertfordshire
- HoursMon–Sun 8am–6pm · 24/7 emergency cover
Prefer to talk? Call 0330 133 2121 or email contact@sweepsisters.co.uk.