Specialist Chimney Repointing for Edinburgh & the Lothians

Chimney repointing is essential maintenance for traditional Scottish homes, period properties and detached houses with exposed masonry stacks. Over time, wind, rain, frost and temperature changes can erode the mortar between bricks or sandstone blocks. Once those joints begin to fail, water can enter the stack and the surrounding roof structure.

Chimney Fix Services provides specialist chimney repointing in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian, including EH9, EH10 and EH13, as well as North Berwick, Gullane and surrounding areas. Based at 3 North Greens, Edinburgh, we combine local knowledge with heritage-focused workmanship.

We are a family-run business and a division of Roof Fix Services Limited. Our under-one-roof service covers chimney sweeping, inspections, mortar repairs, stone and brick repairs, flaunching, cowls and associated chimney maintenance.

Our work is carried out with architectural integrity in mind. For traditional sandstone chimney stacks, cement is never used for repointing. We use suitable lime mortar systems selected for the age, exposure and construction of the property.

What Is Chimney Repointing?

Chimney repointing is the careful removal of loose, cracked or deteriorated mortar from the joints between bricks or stones, followed by the installation of new compatible mortar.

It is different from simply covering the surface of a wall. Proper chimney mortar repairs require the failed material to be removed to a sound depth, the joints cleaned and the new mortar compacted correctly. This helps restore weather resistance while allowing traditional masonry to breathe.

On an Edinburgh sandstone chimney, the mortar should generally be softer and more permeable than the stone. A hard cement-rich mix can trap moisture, accelerate frost damage and contribute to sandstone spalling. That is why material selection is a critical part of heritage craftsmanship.

Where chimney flashing also requires attention, we specify durable Code 4 or Code 5 lead where appropriate. Inferior alternatives such as flashband or bitu-mastic may offer a short-term appearance of repair but are not equivalent to properly installed leadwork.

Close-up of deteriorated chimney masonry requiring structural repair

Signs Your Chimney Pointing Is Failing

Arrange an inspection if you notice any of the following:

  • Crumbling, powdery or missing mortar between bricks or stones.
  • Deeply recessed or visibly open joints.
  • Damp patches, staining or salts around the chimney breast indoors.
  • Loose bricks, cracked sandstone or fragments falling onto the roof.
  • A bulging, leaning or visibly unstable chimney stack.
  • Cracks around chimney pots, flaunching or coping stones.
  • Moss or vegetation growing from open joints.
  • Water entering near the roof-to-chimney junction.
  • Spalling, flaking or layered damage to the face of the sandstone.

A stack does not need to be visibly leaning for repairs to be important. Deteriorating mortar can allow water into the core of the chimney, where damage may remain hidden until it becomes more extensive.

For homeowners, early repointing is an investment in property value. It protects the building’s fabric, preserves the appearance of a period home and can prevent the cost and disruption of more substantial chimney stack repairs later.

Our Chimney Repointing & Stack Repair Process

Every chimney is assessed according to its materials, condition and access requirements. Our typical process includes:

  1. Inspection and assessment
    We examine the stack, pots, flaunching, coping, roof junctions and visible masonry. Photographs and CCTV may be used where the flue or internal condition needs further investigation.

  2. Identifying the original construction
    Edinburgh’s traditional properties may use sandstone, brick, lime mortar or a combination of materials. The repair approach must respect the existing construction.

  3. Careful removal of failed mortar
    Loose or unsuitable mortar is raked out carefully, avoiding unnecessary damage to the arrises of the stone or brick.

  4. Preparation of the joints
    Dust and debris are removed, and the masonry is prepared so the new mortar can bond correctly. Porous stone may require controlled dampening before application.

  5. Lime mortar repointing
    Suitable lime mortar is pressed firmly into the joints and finished to match the character of the property. Cement is never used for our traditional chimney repointing work.

  6. Stone and brick repairs
    Where individual units are cracked, loose or severely eroded, we assess whether they can be repaired or need careful replacement.

  7. Associated chimney repairs
    We can also assess flaunching, chimney pots, cowls, lead flashing and weathering details. This gives customers one coordinated service rather than having to manage multiple contractors.

  8. Final inspection and advice
    We explain what has been completed and identify any future maintenance requirements.

Fresh lime mortar also requires appropriate protection while it cures. Exposed chimney stacks face particularly challenging weather conditions, so timing, curing and protection are important to the long-term durability of the work.

Chimney Repointing Is Different from a Chimney Sweep

A chimney sweep removes soot, tar, creosote and other deposits from the flue. Repointing repairs the external masonry joints and helps protect the structural envelope of the chimney.

The two services often work together. A sweep may identify damaged pots, loose masonry, damp or unsafe access conditions, while a repair inspection may indicate that the flue requires cleaning before the chimney is returned to regular use.

Annual Chimney Sweep

An Annual Chimney Sweep Edinburgh service is the primary maintenance task for homeowners with open fires, wood-burning stoves or multi-fuel appliances. Chimney Fix Services is NACS certified and provides a NACS certificate for every sweep.

Prices from £85 + VAT.

Minimum recommended frequencies depend on fuel and usage. Wood-burning appliances may require sweeping every three months while in use, coal fires at least twice per year, and smokeless-fuel appliances at least annually. Always consider the appliance manufacturer’s instructions and insurance requirements.

Open Fire maintenance

Open fireplaces in period properties can accumulate soot and tar quickly, particularly when burning wood or coal. Our service includes sweeping, visual checks and reporting of relevant defects.

Prices from £85 + VAT.

Log/Wood burner servicing

We are familiar with premium appliances, including Aga, Charnwood and Clearview stoves. We can sweep and assess the chimney system, while installation and complex stove hardware work is completed exclusively through a HETAS-approved installer. Chimney Fix Services itself is not HETAS registered.

Prices from £85 + VAT, subject to appliance type and service requirements.

Multi-fuel stove care

Multi-fuel appliances require suitable fuel, correct operation and regular cleaning. We check accessible components and report concerns that may affect safe use.

Prices from £85 + VAT.

If a specific job is not a 100% fit for our expertise, we will say so and recommend another trusted professional without naming or promoting unsuitable providers.

Pricing, Access & Booking Information

Chimney repointing and chimney stack repairs are assessed individually because cost depends on height, access, the extent of failed mortar, scaffolding or roof access requirements, and whether stone or brick replacement is needed.

  • Annual Chimney Sweep: prices from £85 + VAT.
  • Initial repair assessment: prices from £85 + VAT where applicable.
  • First-time property-owner CCTV check: from £40 + VAT in addition to the standard sweep price.
  • Peak-season call-outs: during September to February, free site visits are not offered. A standard call-out/CCTV assessment fee applies.
  • Birds’ nest removal: from £150 + VAT, plus £50 per additional hour.
  • Bird nest removal with a supplied and fitted cowl or bird guard: guide prices from £250 + VAT.

If a birds’ nest is discovered during an online-booked chimney sweep and cannot be removed during that appointment slot, the full annual sweep booking fee is still charged.

March to August is the ideal booking window for easier appointment availability. September to February is our peak season, so advance planning is strongly recommended.

Please do not book an online appointment if parking near the property is impossible. In EH1–EH3, parking restrictions, permits, suspended bays and parking charges may affect access and may result in additional costs. We do not serve tenement properties in EH1, EH2 or EH3.

Chimney Fix Services has more than 70 five-star Google reviews and over 350 Edinburgh Trusted Trader reviews, reflecting our focus on reliable, professional workmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a chimney be swept?

As a minimum, wood-burning appliances may need sweeping every three months when in use, coal fires at least twice yearly, and smokeless-fuel appliances annually. The correct interval depends on fuel, usage and manufacturer guidance.

Is chimney repointing the same as chimney sweeping?

No. Sweeping cleans the flue internally. Repointing repairs the external mortar joints, brickwork or sandstone. Both may be needed to maintain a chimney safely.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

A missed appointment or late cancellation may incur a charge under the booking terms. Please provide accurate access, parking and appointment information when booking.

Do you charge for parking in EH1–EH3?

Parking charges, permits, restrictions or access-related costs may apply. Do not book online if suitable parking or access is impossible. We do not serve tenement properties in EH1, EH2 or EH3.

What if my stove inspection fails?

Any defect or safety concern will be explained and recorded. We will not describe an appliance as safe to use where a material issue remains unresolved. Installation and complex stove hardware work is handled through our HETAS-approved installer.

Can you remove birds’ nests?

Yes, subject to safe access and the condition of the nest. Removal starts from £150 + VAT, plus £50 per additional hour. With a cowl or bird guard supplied and fitted, guide prices start from £250 + VAT.

Do you provide certificates?

Yes. Chimney Fix Services is NACS certified and provides a NACS certificate for every sweep. Structural repair work is documented separately according to the scope of work.

Book Chimney Repointing Edinburgh

Protecting a traditional chimney is not simply a cosmetic exercise. Correct mortar, careful workmanship and coordinated maintenance help preserve your property’s architectural integrity and value.

To book 24/7 with online prices & Diary, visit https://www.rfr.bz/f22ad3a or call 08007723259. Website: thechimneyfixservices.co.uk

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