Chimneys on older Midhurst homes often leak at the pointing, flaunching, pots and lead flashing. Here is how to spot problems, what repairs involve and when to call a local roofer.
Common chimney leak points explained
Mortar pointing
Weathered mortar joints let rain and wind drive through the brickwork. On tall stacks this becomes worse in winter when frost opens hairline cracks. Repointing involves raking out failed mortar and packing fresh mortar so bricks can shed water again. On older brickwork, including Midhurst White bricks, we select a breathable mix that suits the age and exposure of the stack rather than a hard mortar that may trap moisture.
Flaunching at the chimney top
Flaunching is the strong mortar bedding that secures the pots on the crown of the stack and sheds water away from the flues. When it cracks or loosens, water tracks straight into the chimney, saturates the breast and can show as damp patches indoors. Repair means stripping out loose material, fixing pots securely, then rebuilding the flaunching with a fall to throw water off the crown.
Lead flashing and soakers
Where the roof meets the stack, step flashing and soakers keep water out of the junction and valleys nearby. Loose lead, slipped soakers or poorly chased joints are common causes of leaks on tiled and slate roofs. Repairs range from re-dressing and re-fixing lead to full renewal with the right code of lead, new clips and sealed chases. We check adjacent tiles, valleys and mortar fillets at the same time to avoid repeat visits.
Pots, cowls and caps
Cracked pots, perished cowls and loose fixings can let water and birds into flues. Resetting or replacing pots on fresh flaunching and fitting the correct cowl reduces rain entry and improves draught. If a flue is redundant, a ventilated cap helps keep water out while allowing airflow to prevent condensation.
Signs to watch for and simple checks
- Brown staining or blistering paint on the chimney breast or around the loft hatch
- Salt marks, musty smells or crumbling plaster near fireplaces
- Drips after wind-driven rain from the south or west
- Loose or rattling pots in high winds
- Lead flashing that looks lifted, split or out of the brick chase
- Moss build-up and debris holding water against the stack or in nearby valleys
Check from ground level with binoculars. Never climb on a roof without the right equipment. If you see cracked flaunching, missing pointing or flashing that has lifted, arrange an inspection. Temporary emergency repairs can be used to stop water ingress until a permanent fix is completed.
Local factors around Midhurst, Easebourne and Fernhurst
Midhurst sits in the South Downs National Park with the River Rother running through the valley. The mix of period cottages, townhouses and rural outbuildings means chimney details vary, often with handmade clay tiles, slate and older brickwork. Leaf fall from surrounding woodland can block gutters and valleys, holding water around stacks. Frost, valley mists and driving winds across the Downs test pointing, flaunching and leadwork. If your property is in Easebourne, Fernhurst or Petworth, similar conditions apply. In the historic core of Midhurst, careful repointing and neat leadwork help protect character as well as keep water out.
As your local Roofing Midhurst team, we repair chimneys on cottages and family homes with practical solutions that suit local materials and exposure. We can also clear gutters, check fascias and soffits, and assess nearby valleys so the whole roof sheds water properly.
Repair options and how we work
Every stack is different, so we start with a free inspection, free advice and a free no-obligation quotation. You will receive photos and a clear plan of work. If your roof is leaking, our 24-hour emergency roofing service can install a temporary cover, seal or lead repair to protect the interior while we schedule a permanent fix.
Typical chimney repairs include:
- Rake out and repoint chimney joints with a suitable mortar for the age of the brickwork
- Renew flaunching and reset or replace pots with secure fixings and appropriate cowls
- Replace or re-dress lead step flashing and soakers, chase and seal correctly, and treat new lead
- Repair adjacent tiles, valleys and ridge details to keep water flowing away from the stack
Our own trained team carries out the work, not subcontractors, with quality overseen by director Paul Watson from our Chichester-based head office at West Ashling Farm. We offer a Price Match Guarantee for like-for-like quotes. If access is tight, we will discuss safe options such as scaffolding or a mobile tower and keep disruption to a minimum.
When to call a roofer
Call straight away if water is dripping indoors, if plaster is crumbling rapidly or if you can see a loose pot. After storms, check for movement or missing lead. If you notice damp staining that keeps returning, arrange a survey. Ignoring early signs often leads to internal damage to timbers, ceilings and decorations.
We handle roof repairs, chimneys, leadwork and flashing, valley repairs, flat roofs on extensions and garages, new roofs, UPVC gutters, and fascias and soffits. That means we can solve the chimney leak and any related issues in one visit where possible.
For free advice or a free, no-obligation quote, call Midhurst Roofing on 01243 278007. If your roof is leaking, ask about the 24-hour emergency service.
FAQs
How long do chimney repairs take?
Small repointing jobs or a flashing repair can take a day. Renewing flaunching, resetting pots and replacing lead may take two to three days depending on access and weather.
Can you work on period cottages without damaging older materials?
Yes. We match mortar to the age of the brickwork and use neat lead details that suit clay tiles or slate. The aim is a durable repair that respects the look of the property.
Do I always need scaffolding for chimney work?
Not always. Some minor repairs can be done from a tower, but many stacks need scaffolding for safe, thorough work. We will advise on the safest, most cost-effective option.