Leaking Chimney badly repaired. #londonroofsurveyor

Chimneys built in the past were indeed constructed with a greater emphasis on longevity and durability. The large strip details, or overhangs, were not merely aesthetic; they served the practical purpose of shielding the chimney from water. The overhang acted as an effective barrier, directing rainwater away from the chimney stack, thus preventing water ingress that could lead to internal dampness, structural damage, and potential health hazards from mould and mildew.

In restoring or repairing a chimney, it's vital to not only correct current issues but to prevent future problems. This involves a comprehensive approach to chimney repair, ensuring that all components, including the flashing, flaunching, mortar joints, and chimney crown, are in good condition. Flashing is another critical aspect of a well-sealed chimney. It provides a watertight junction between the chimney stack and the roof. If the flashing is damaged or improperly installed, water can easily seep into the home, which can lead to a leaking chimney.

Moreover, the chimney crown, which is the top element of a chimney, must be properly constructed with a slope that diverts water away from the flue and onto the roof. Cracks or imperfections in the chimney crown can also allow water to enter and cause damage. Regular inspections and maintenance can prevent these issues from arising and extend the life of the chimney.

In conclusion, the craftsmanship involved in chimney repairs is not something that should be lost over time. The technology and techniques exist to ensure that chimneys are not only functional but also enduring features of a home. Skilled chimney repair specialists understand the importance of each detail, from the correct application of flaunching with a drip edge to the precise installation of flashing and a well-constructed chimney crown. Homeowners should be vigilant in maintaining their chimneys, seeking out professional assessments and repairs to protect their homes from the costs of repaires.

[thesaltycabbage]

Love the fact they've made a little vally around the pot so the water just puddles there or more likely just runs into the chimney

[MtDpdrtk]

I saw a someone signing their awful flaunch and it had cracked from the point where they signed it.

[lsa]

Every chimney stack ive ever built has a full dpm covering the full stack around 75mm above where the ridge of the roof breaks. Thats how i was taught and not had a single stack leak. If your expecting the mortar finish on the top to prevent water ingress it will always get through into the house eventually.

[PatrickSwayzeOnDbol]

Absolutely Shocking !!
If you know, you know....

[cornishmafia]

I'm a chimney builder. The flaunching is shocking. apart from the fact they haven't even sponged it, it's too flat which won't let water run plus it looks like they've used rapid cement which is no good for flaunching!

[andujunior]

For future reference or if you geg a call back, check if the water is coming in from the inside or outside of the chimney stack. If it's the inside it is indeed the flaunch failing, which it clearly already has anyway so you should repair it and definitely add a drip, if it's the outside of the chimney stack check how it's joined into the rest of the roof, looks like a green mineral flatroof, possibly that singly ply stuff? If it's green mineral felt make sure there is aead ragoll around the chimney and that it is sealed in with leadmate or leadseal all round and that it hasn't separated from any surfaces as well as making sure the felt goes ateast 4 iches up the chimney and the lead 4 inches over that.

[OldestYoungenInGuidePost]

I fixed one for a friend of mine, I painted the pot with primer slurry and emptied the rest of it into the concrete batch that I had made for it, I had cut the pot at the bottom so it was slightly bigger than the chimney hole and I could reach in and bench the cement inside and the dry primer slurry helped it stick to the pot very well and it also help’s it harden quickly, I’m a landscaper,
I’ve seen work like this and it’s been done by a certain type of person who was probably shown how to do it by someone else who was also useless and that’s how it continues 🧐

[Randomlifestuff]

Usually use a good slate drip method all the way round bed it on then flounch the top, just needs a drip edge to divert water from chimney and wall 🤘

[garyhyndman]

Or a coping or capping stone/slab with a capillary channel on it.

[murraylonsdale]

well .. a drip detail would be lovely yes, but needs ample slate or tile to be carried up there .. in practice the stack will get wet anyway in the rain and the top of stack is such a small area that a drip detail is barely worth worrying about and most customers are tight when it comes to spending on anything that can't be appreciated from the armchair 😅

[bobholmes]

@steveroofer, just to clarify, why _'used to use'_ creasing tiles? What are creasing tiles? What is a drip detail? I've just had my chimney flaunching re-done, second time in a year (scaffolding still up), and I've noticed that a ledge that used to be there, visible on neighbouring houses, is not there any more. Do you service Cambridge?

[mrspankyuk]

Don't think you need to keep looking! 😂

[johnbowmer]

The top side of the flaunching isn't weathered either, allowing rainwater to sit in there - some of it will get between the pots and the mortar

[Utubeisazzho]

Angle grinder cut in you relief. Copper flashing in that void. Seal fold seal

[simonworman]

At least it is not the cast concrete Helipad that some builders feel they need to construct. Creasing tiles are a nice detail but 2 seperate drip courses of brickwork far better. Two coat flaunching built up with bronk( rubble) to a fair height. If your chimney should catch fire, fireman Sam is able to break it away easily but cast concrete or paving slabs present a bit of a problem!

[ssss-dfqz]

Lovely bit odd capillary action there i bet. Literally being sucked in.

[ryanolden]

Did you find out what caused the water ingres to ghis chimney stack? As we are having the same problems with ours.

[bobjit]

So what are you saying then because there isn’t a creased tile on the chimney the stack will now get wet when it rains .

[Jim-sls]

We apply two layers torch on. Problem sloved

[TheYohtube]

Better to offset the brick work correctly and create a drip detail that way. The flauncher would only be a flue fitter probably...