How We Inspect Chimneys in Solihull
Chimney inspection in Solihull starts from the roof slope — we check the lead flashing at the base of the stack, the condition of the pointing on all four faces, the crown and pot seating, and any visible spalling or movement in the brickwork. On Solihull’s 1930s and 1950s detached and semi-detached with post-war suburban extension, the most common findings are hip tile failure on 1930s stock and flat roof failures on extension stock. We report in plain language and quote before any work starts.
Repointing vs Rebuilding — How We Decide for Solihull Chimneys
Most chimney stacks on Solihull’s 1930s and 1950s detached and semi-detached with post-war suburban extension need repointing rather than rebuilding. We use NHL lime mortar on Victorian and 1930s brickwork — never Portland cement, which causes accelerated spalling on period brick. A full rebuild is only recommended where the stack has moved, the core brickwork has failed, or where repointing would be more expensive than a clean rebuild. We’ll give you an honest assessment.
Lead Flashings and the West Midlands Thermal Cycle
Lead flashing failure is one of the most common chimney repair calls across Solihull. The thermal cycling in West Midlands’s climate — cold wet winters followed by warm summers — works the lead over decades, eventually causing lap joint failure at the abutment. We re-lead using code 4 or 5 lead as appropriate, correctly dressed and wedged into the mortar joint to last another generation.