Expert Chimney Repairs And Repointing in Looe, Cornwall

Most homeowners only notice a problem when they find bits of grit or mortar in their fireplace, but by then, the damage is often well underway. Repointing isn't just about making the chimney look tidy; it's about protecting the very core of your home. In Looe and the surrounding villages like Polperro and Widegates, many older properties require traditional lime mortar. Using modern cement on old stone can actually cause more harm than good, as the stone needs to 'breathe'. I take the time to rake out the old, failed mortar by hand and replace it with the correct mix for your specific building. It’s this attention to detail that prevents 'spalling'—where the face of the brick or stone starts to flake off—saving you from a much more expensive rebuild down the line.

Is there a mysterious damp spot on the wall next to your chimney breast? More often than not, the culprit is the lead flashing. This is the waterproof seal where the chimney stack meets your roof tiles. If the lead has cracked or the 'soakers' have slipped, rainwater will find its way in. I'm an expert in leadwork and flashing, from installing new lead aprons to repairing complex step flashings. I also keep a close eye on the 'flaunching'—that’s the concrete cap at the very top of your chimney. If that’s cracked, water sits in the gaps and freezes, widening the cracks until the whole thing becomes unstable. I can secure loose chimney pots, install bird guards to keep the gulls out, or fit cowls to stop those annoying downdrafts during a storm.

One of the biggest headaches with chimney repairs is the cost of scaffolding just to have a look at the problem. To save you time and money, I offer advanced drone roof surveys across the Looe area. It’s a brilliant way to get high-definition photos of your chimney stack, leadwork, and guttering without anyone having to leave the ground. It means I can show you exactly what’s wrong—whether it's a slipped slate or a crumbling mortar joint—and provide a transparent, accurate quote based on hard evidence. It’s particularly useful for those tall, hard-to-reach stacks on Victorian terraces where a ladder just won't cut it. It gives you total peace of mind before any work even begins.

When you call Devon and Cornwall Roofing, you aren't dealing with a faceless national company or a pushy salesperson. You're talking directly to me—the person who will be up on the roof doing the work. As a sole trader, my reputation in Cornwall is everything. I take immense pride in being reliable, turning up when I say I will, and leaving your property spotless once the job is finished. I’m fully covered by Public Liability Insurance, so you know your home is in safe hands. From minor repointing in Pelynt to full chimney restorations in Liskeard or Saltash, I provide honest advice and fair pricing. If your chimney is looking a bit worse for wear, don't wait for the next big storm to cause a leak. Give me a call on 01392 542323 for a no-obligation chat and a free quote.