Chimney repairs across SussexRepointing, leadwork, flaunching and structural repairs
We investigate chimney leaks and weathering as a complete roof-junction problem—brickwork, mortar, pots, flaunching, lead flashings, back gutters and surrounding tiles or slates.
- 20+ years’ experience
- £10m public liability insurance
- In-house scaffolding
- Family-run
Repair the route water takes—not just the first visible crack
A damp mark near a chimney does not automatically mean the brickwork is the only fault. Wind-driven rain can enter through open mortar joints, cracked flaunching, failed lead, a blocked back gutter or disturbed tiles and then travel before it becomes visible indoors.
Sussex properties bring different details: rendered stacks on coastal terraces, stock brick and clay tiles on period homes, flint walls, natural slate and exposed inland roofs. We assess the construction and condition of the individual chimney before recommending a local repair, a larger rebuild or further investigation.
If the property is in Brighton and Hove, our Brighton chimney repairs page explains the service in that area. This page covers our wider East and West Sussex service.
Common faults we inspect and repair
The correct scope depends on where the defect begins, how the flue is used and whether the surrounding roof covering also needs attention.
Repointing & masonry
Removing loose or failed mortar to a suitable depth and renewing the joints with a compatible specification. Spalled or unstable bricks can be replaced where repairable.
Flaunching repairs
Renewing cracked or poorly formed weathering around chimney pots so water sheds away instead of sitting at the top of the stack.
Lead flashings & soakers
Repairing or renewing the apron, stepped flashings, soakers and back gutter details that weather the junction between chimney and roof.
Pots, cowls & terminals
Securing or replacing suitable terminals. Active gas or solid-fuel appliances may also need advice from the appropriately registered specialist.
Rendering & weathering
Removing unsound render and renewing the external finish where rendering is appropriate for the stack and the original construction.
Partial or full rebuilds
Taking down and rebuilding defective sections when isolated patching would not adequately address unstable, badly weathered masonry.
Where chimney leaks and failures commonly begin
These diagrams show the main external components we assess. They are explanatory only; the construction of your roof and flue may differ.
Anatomy of a pitched-roof chimney
The weathering details have to work as one system.
A successful repair may involve more than one labelled component. Renewing mortar alone will not correct a failed roof junction.
Typical rain-entry routes
Visible damp and the entry point are not always directly aligned.
A drone view can help identify high-level defects, but hands-on access may still be needed to assess fixings, material condition or structural stability.
The recommendation should follow the chimney’s condition
We explain the practical scope in a written quotation. The following is a guide, not a diagnosis without inspection.
Local repair
Often considered where deterioration is contained and the remaining stack is stable.
- Isolated repointing
- Selected brick replacement
- Local flashing correction
Partial or full rebuild
May be more appropriate where masonry, joints or the chimney head have failed extensively.
- Unstable upper courses
- Widespread brick damage
- Poor previous alterations
Removal or reduction
An option for some redundant stacks, subject to structure, weathering and any required approvals.
- Roof made good correctly
- Internal support considered
- Planning and Party Wall checks
Different chimney details need different repairs
These three photographs from our existing project archive show distinct treatments rather than repeating the same job.
A clear route from inspection to repair
Tell us what you have noticed
Send the property address, where damp is visible and any photographs by WhatsApp or email.
Inspect the relevant details
We assess the chimney, roof junction and accessible surrounding areas. Drone photographs may help where suitable.
Receive a written quotation
The agreed scope, materials, access requirements and any qualifying guarantee are set out clearly.
Coordinate safe access
Where scaffolding is required, our in-house team can plan it with the roofing work and include it in the quotation.
Complete the specified repair
We address the agreed masonry, flaunching, terminals, leadwork and roof details rather than disguising a fault.
Finish, clean and record
We clear the working area and provide completion photographs where practical and available.
Call the Sussex number closest to your property
All routes reach Bespoke Roofing & Renovations Ltd. You can also send roof and chimney photographs by WhatsApp for an initial review.
Check our current company credentials
Follow the official profile links to verify Bespoke Roofing & Renovations Ltd with the Federation of Master Builders and to view the company’s Checkatrade profile and reviews.
We are a family-run roofing and construction company with more than 20 years’ experience and £10 million public liability insurance.
Federation of Master Builders
Bespoke Roofing on Checkatrade
Sussex chimney repair FAQs
What commonly causes a chimney leak?
Possible causes include failed flaunching, open mortar joints, porous or damaged masonry, defective flashings or soakers, a blocked back gutter and disturbed surrounding tiles or slates. Condensation and internal flue issues can also produce damp, so the visible mark alone is not a complete diagnosis.
Can a chimney be repointed without rebuilding it?
Yes, where deterioration is confined to the joints and the bricks and stack remain sufficiently sound. If bricks are extensively spalled, loose or unstable, a partial or full rebuild may be the more suitable specification.
Does every chimney repair need scaffolding?
No. Access depends on roof height, pitch, position, surrounding ground and the work involved. Where a scaffold is needed, our in-house service allows the access and roofing work to be planned together and priced in the written quotation.
Can you fit or replace a chimney cowl?
We can deal with external pots, cowls and caps as part of appropriate chimney work. The correct terminal depends on whether and how the flue is used and ventilated. Work connected to a gas or solid-fuel appliance may require the relevant registered specialist.
Can you attend an urgent chimney leak?
Same-day attendance may be possible depending on current availability, weather and safe access. Temporary measures are not always possible at height or in severe weather, so please call and describe the situation.
Are chimney repairs guaranteed?
Qualifying chimney work receives the written workmanship guarantee stated in the quotation. Its duration and coverage depend on the agreed repair, materials and existing construction, so we confirm this before work begins.
Do you work on listed or conservation-area properties?
We can assess traditional chimney and roof details, but listed building consent or planning requirements may affect alterations, removal or materials. The property owner should establish the approvals required before relevant work proceeds.
Which parts of Sussex do you cover?
We work across East and West Sussex, including Brighton and Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Horsham, Pulborough and many surrounding towns and villages. Use the regional numbers above or the contact page to confirm availability for your postcode.
Related roofing and access services
Tell us what is happening around your chimney
Send the property address, a description of the problem and photographs where available. We will explain the appropriate next step and provide a written quotation after the necessary assessment.