Riverside humidity accelerates mortar decay on cowick chimney stacks — repointing frequency higher than more sheltered exeter suburbs. We carry out chimney surveys, repointing, lead flashing replacement and structural repairs across Cowick with lime mortar and correct lead code specification throughout. Free survey. Call 01392 759 295.
Chimney repair work in Cowick covers the full range of common conditions on victorian and post-war stock: mortar joint failure requiring repointing; lead flashing replacement where step, apron or back gutter flashings have fatigued through Devon’s thermal cycling; chimney pot displacement or cracking; and structural stack movement where the masonry itself has deteriorated. We survey all four conditions on every chimney assessment in Cowick.
Riverside humidity accelerates mortar decay on cowick chimney stacks — repointing frequency higher than more sheltered exeter suburbs. Victorian riverside terraces and post-war semis with exe riverside humidity accelerating moss growth and timber decay. The correct mortar specification for Cowick’s victorian and post-war chimney stock is hydraulic lime (NHL 2 for sheltered positions, NHL 3.5 for exposed faces). Cement mortar on pre-1900 masonry causes spalling and water penetration at mortar-to-brick interfaces — we use lime mortar as standard on all Cowick period chimney work.
Lead code specification matters for Cowick chimney flashing replacement. Code 4 (1.80mm) for step and apron flashings. Code 5 (2.24mm) for back gutters where standing water is present. Stainless steel clips on all exposed flashing faces — mortar tuck alone does not prevent thermal expansion from opening the joint. We apply patination oil to all new lead on Cowick installations as standard.
Free survey — no call-out fee, no obligation.
📞 Call 01392 759 295“Chimney repointing in Cowick. Lime mortar specified correctly. No more damp in the bedroom.”
“Full lead replacement. Back gutter included in the scope. Correct, thorough approach.”
“Code 5 back gutter, code 4 step and apron. They explained the specification. Professional.”
Repointing from £150. Full lead replacement: £700–£1,400. Free survey. Call 01392 759 295.
Yes — lime mortar (NHL 2 or 3.5) is standard on all pre-1900 Cowick masonry. Cement mortar causes spalling on period brick.
Code 4 for step and apron flashings. Code 5 for back gutters. We specify these as standard on all Cowick chimney lead work.
Always — the back gutter is the most frequently overlooked element and is typically at the same age and condition as the step flashings.
Visible mortar loss, white calcium staining on the stack face, and internal damp near the chimney breast after rainfall are the main indicators.
Yes — disused stacks still require weather-tight flashing. We carry out lead replacement and cap installation on disused stacks across Cowick.
10-year workmanship guarantee on all chimney work. Call 01392 759 295.
No call-out fee. No obligation. Local Exeter roofers who turn up when they say they will.
01392 759 295