Exeter’s Victorian and Edwardian terraces come with chimney stacks that need regular attention. Pointing on a chimney stack is typically the first thing to fail — and once it goes, water tracks down inside the stack and into the loft. We repoint, flash and cap chimneys across the city, including work in conservation areas requiring lime mortar.
Chimney repairs in Exeter cover repointing, lead flashing and structural work, from 150 pounds for repointing to 1,400 pounds for full lead replacement. We use lime mortar on period stacks and correct lead codes throughout. 10-year guarantee, free survey. Call 01392 759 295.
Exeter’s housing stock has a high proportion of properties with original chimney stacks — Victorian terraces in St Thomas and Heavitree, Edwardian semis along the Topsham Road corridor, and earlier properties in the city centre. Even where chimneys are no longer in use for heating, the stack remains part of the building envelope and must remain weathertight.
Devon’s wet climate accelerates mortar deterioration. The repeated cycle of saturation and freeze in winter causes pointing to crack and fall away, allowing water to enter the stack. On properties in Exeter’s conservation areas and on older stock, we specify and mix lime mortar to match the original, which maintains the breathability of the masonry rather than trapping moisture.
Step flashings and back flashings at the chimney-to-roof junction are the most common entry point for water on Exeter’s older properties. We cut and dress new code 4 or 5 lead correctly, with properly lapped steps and a sealed back flashing profile. Sealant-only repairs to failing lead flashings are not something we offer as a permanent solution.
The flaunching mortar at the crown of a chimney pot often fails before the stack pointing below it, allowing water to enter around pot bases. We re-flaunce, replace pots and cap redundant stacks with purpose-made ventilated covers that maintain air flow through unused flues while keeping rain out.
Full stack repoint including crown, lime mortar where required
New lead step and back flashing, correctly dressed
Flaunching repair or replacement, pot swap
Partial or full stack rebuild in matching brick or stone
“Victorian terrace in St Thomas. Damp in the upstairs bedroom had been traced to the chimney. They repointed the stack in lime mortar and replaced the lead flashing. Damp is gone.”
“Chimney stack rebuild on a listed cottage near the Cathedral. Very careful, sympathetic work. The conservation officer commented positively on the lime mortar specification.”
“Three redundant chimney stacks capped and all four remaining stacks repointed across our Edwardian house in Heavitree. Thorough job, no fuss, and the invoice matched the quote exactly.”
A standard chimney stack repoint in Exeter costs £300–£700 depending on the size of the stack and the extent of mortar deterioration. Full chimney rebuilds start from £800–£2,000. We include a free inspection and provide itemised quotes before work begins.
Yes, and we insist on it where appropriate. Many of Exeter's Victorian and Edwardian properties were built with lime mortar, and repointing with modern cement traps moisture inside the masonry, causing rapid spalling. We assess each chimney and specify the correct mortar mix for the building type.
Both are common causes of chimney-related leaks. Step flashings at the abutment between chimney and roof plane fail frequently on Exeter's older stock. Crown mortar can also crack and allow water to track down inside the stack. We inspect both before quoting so we fix the actual cause, not just one component.
Yes. We have experience working on listed buildings and properties in the Cathedral Quarter, Southernhay and other Exeter conservation areas. We understand the requirements for lime mortar, matching brick or stone, and the expectations of East Devon and Exeter City Council's conservation officers.
Visible mortar gaps, crumbling pointing, white salt staining on the brickwork (efflorescence), or damp patches on a chimney breast inside the house are all signs. We carry out free chimney surveys across Exeter and advise honestly on what's needed.
Lead flashing is the waterproof seal between the chimney stack and the roof slope. It fails through thermal cycling — the lead expands and contracts with temperature changes, eventually cracking at folds and stress points. Exeter's temperature range accelerates this on exposed roofs.
Yes — we fit ventilated purpose-made chimney caps on disused stacks. These prevent rain entry while maintaining air circulation to prevent condensation build-up in the flue. We never foam-fill chimneys.
Location-specific guides with local pricing, housing stock detail and common problems for each area we cover.
We survey from ground level or with drone if required. Full written quote before any work starts.
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