Pointing and repairing chimneys
Chimney repointing and chimney repair in south Nottinghamshire and north west Leicestershire
Chimneys are exposed to some of the harshest weather conditions on a property. Positioned high above the roofline, they face constant wind, rain, frost and temperature changes.
Over time, this exposure causes mortar to erode and bricks to deteriorate, leaving the chimney vulnerable to structural problems. When mortar joints fail or bricks become damaged, water can penetrate the chimney stack, leading to damp patches inside the home, internal staining, and in severe cases, instability that makes the chimney unsafe.
At Gladstone Pointing, we specialise in chimney repointing and chimney repair, ensuring your chimney remains secure, weather‑resistant and sympathetic to the character of your home.
Why chimney repointing is essential
Repointing becomes necessary when mortar has cracked, crumbled or fallen away. Gaps in the joints allow water to enter the chimney structure, which can freeze and expand during cold weather, causing further deterioration. Left untreated, this can lead to:
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Loose or spalling bricks
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Internal water ingress
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Damp patches on ceilings or chimney breasts
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Structural instability
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Increased future repair costs
Replacing degraded mortar with new mortar restores the chimney’s strength and protects your home from ongoing weather damage.
Our chimney repair and repointing services
We provide a complete chimney‑care service, including:
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Mortar repointing to restore weather protection and structural integrity
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Brick replacement or repair where frost damage or erosion has occurred
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Mortar colour matching to ensure repairs blend seamlessly with the existing chimney
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Traditional pointing styles matched to the age and character of your property
Every chimney is assessed individually so we can recommend the most appropriate repair method for long‑lasting results.
Local chimney repointing across south Nottinghamshire and north west Leicestershire
We offer chimney repointing and repair throughout South Nottinghamshire, including:
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West Bridgford
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Nottingham
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Beeston
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Bramcote
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The surrounding south Nottinghamshire villages
We also work across north west Leicestershire, providing the same high‑quality‑mortar repairs for brick and stone chimneys of all ages.
See the difference our work makes
To view examples of the masonry problems we can solve — and how our repointing services can restore and protect your brickwork — visit our portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions: chimney repair and pointing
1. How long does it take to repoint a chimney?
The time required to repoint a wall depends on the size of the wall, the condition of the existing mortar, and the level of preparation needed. As a general guide:
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1 hour per square metre to prepare the wall
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2 hours per square metre to remove old mortar
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2 hours per square metre to install new lime mortar
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1 hour per square metre to finish and brush back the joints
A typical chimney has around 6 metres square of brickwork. So would take five days to complete from start to finish.
2. How much does it cost to repoint a wall?
Costs vary depending on access, wall condition, brick or stone type, and whether any repairs are needed. I provide a full breakdown of my pricing structure on my blog
As a rough guide, using the 6m² example above and assuming no complications, the cost is typically around:
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£2,450 + VAT for the grinding out and repointing work
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Plus scaffolding, which is usually around £1,500 assuming a two storey Edwardian/Victorian house.
Every project is quoted individually after a site visit (and is broken down so you can make choices) so you only pay for the work your chimney genuinely needs.
3. Why is lime mortar better than cement for older houses?
Lime mortar is essential for older brick and stone buildings because it is softer, more flexible, and more breathable than modern cement. This makes it compatible with traditional materials such as:
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Soft Tudor, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian bricks
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Bulwell stone
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Sand‑based or porous stone
Here’s why lime performs better:
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Breathability: Lime allows moisture to evaporate naturally, preventing damp from becoming trapped inside the wall.
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Flexibility: Lime can expand and contract with the building, reducing cracking and long‑term damage.
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Protection: When rain hits a lime‑pointed wall, the lime absorbs the moisture first and releases it safely, protecting the bricks or stone behind it.
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Cement problems: Cement is too hard and too dense for older materials. It traps moisture, which can cause bricks to crack, spall or crumble—especially during frost.
For a full explanation, see my detailed blog post on why lime mortar is the correct choice for traditional homes.