Who Repairs Chimneys: Roofer, Builder, Specialist or Sweep

Chimney repairs are done by roofers and builders, and by a small number of chimney specialists who do nothing else. A roofer handles the lead, the flaunching, the pots and most repointing. A builder or stonemason rebuilds a stack. A chimney sweep cleans and inspects the flue and does not repair masonry. Which you need depends on whether the fault is at the roofline, in the stack or in the flue.

Match the trade to the fault, then check them.

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Rooferlead, flaunching, pots
Builderrebuilds and removal
Sweepthe flue, not the masonry

Who does what

Trade	What they do on a chimney	Ring them for
Roofer	Flashing, flaunching, pots, cowls, repointing, slates round the stack	Leaks and anything at the roofline
Builder or stonemason	Rebuilds, repointing in lime, brick and stone repairs, removal	A stack that has moved, or an old stone stack
Chimney specialist	All of the above, plus lining	Flue and stack problems together
Stove installer	Flue liners, cowls, connecting the stove	A stove going in
Chimney sweep	Sweeping, camera inspection, bird guards	Soot, tar, nests, a yearly clean
Structural engineer	The design to carry what's left when a chimney breast comes out	Removing a chimney breast

Six things to ask before you hire

Have you done this job on a house like mine? Ask for photos of one.
Are you insured for work at height? Public liability and employer's liability.
How will you get up there? Scaffold, tower or ladder, and is it in the price.
What mortar, and what metal? Lime on an old stack. Lead at the roof.
Will I get photos? Before and after, from the scaffold.
Is the price written, with VAT? A registered contractor charges 13.5% on repairs and gives a receipt.

Callers at the door

Chimneys are a favourite of cold callers, because you cannot see your own. Someone who knocks to say your chimney is dangerous, has a ladder on the van and wants cash today is not an inspection. Thank them, close the door, and have it looked at by someone you chose.

How we fit in

Tell us what's wrong and where you are. We pass your request to one chimney repair company that covers your county. They ring you, look at the chimney and give you a written price. One company, not a list.