Chimney Repairs
If there is an existing chimney breast present in your home it will need to be swept thoroughly and then lined with a flex liner so a solid fuel appliance can be installed (existing gas liners left in the flue after a gas fire has been removed is not appropriate) lining the chimney helps the stove operate more efficiently.
The image below shows signs that the chimney is in need of re-pointing and re-stabilizing. The wind and rain is eroding the concrete coating and the exposed brickwork has evidence of loose mortar and the brickwork itself is crumbling. This chimney is in need of repair to stop it deteriorating further. Eventually the risk is the chimney eventually falls damaging the roof and passers by. Inspections and small repairs undertaken early will prevent larger, more expensive repairs if left.
M West Roofing & Building Services can perform all of the above services and more to keep your chimney in tip-top shape.
We can also remove chimneys and chimney breasts if necessary. If the chimney is not being used, and perhaps the attic is to be converted into a living space, then it makes sense to remove the chimney for the extra space.
Ridges and Verges are in constant need of attention! You must make sure they are repaired and protecting your roof, they take huge beatings during the winter times and birds pick away at them during the summer. These new additions will provide support and protection to your roof and house.
The chimney above shows the deterioration of the mortar, and the need for re-pointing. As the weather takes its toll on the chimney causing the mortar to crack and crumble, the brickwork will then become unstable and could fall if left. Re-pointing at an early stage would prevent this from happening! The roof and the left is new and the one on the right is in good condition, even the ridge tiles have been maintained. The chimney, though if left could damage both roofs and anything on the ground level, whether it is vehicles or people walking by. Safety comes first, and a little maintenance today could stop an expensive bill if left untouched. Call us if you need to have your chimney inspected.
Pointing refers to the exposed finish of mortar joints in facing brickwork. For many years we have been developing effective solutions in these various skills with a common purpose and shared vision to enable us to achieve the sensitive restoration of our homes.
Chimney Repairs
Over time, the weather erodes the mortar, and the natural movement of the building, leading to cracking, crumbling mortar. This will eventually cause the brickwork to become unstable. In some cases, it can lead to the chimney becoming so unstable it could fall and damage the roof and anything beneath or near to the property. To prevent further damage it is better and cheaper to re-point the chimney and secure it, than leave it and let it deteriorate and cause bigger problems and more expensive repairs.
Roof Verge Repairs
Wet mortar is used when the existing mortar between tiles and bricks breaks apart. This sometimes leaves a gap where water can get under the tiles. Birds and rodents can also burrow in and make their nest under the tiles. Roof verges also need to be checked for loose mortar, again birds and other small animals/insects may gain entry to the roof space and any rain water may also enter the roof space causing further damage.
Our re-pointing and mortar replacement services will prevent this damage.
We remove any loose mortar and replace with new mortar to secure any roof verges, ridge tiles or re-point chimneys.
We also provide a dry roofing system upgrade service, which has many more advantages than the old mortar systems.
Check it out on our Dry Verge-Ridge page.