Chimney Repairs Limerick — Stop the Leak Before It Spreads

Common warning signs include crumbling mortar joints, cracked or loose flaunching (the cement that holds the chimney pots), damp patches on the chimney breast inside the house, loose or missing lead flashing at the base of the stack, or visible gaps in the brickwork. If you can see white staining (efflorescence) on the outside of the stack, water has been getting in.

Any of these signs are worth getting looked at before the damage spreads to the roof structure below. If you are unsure, our free chimney inspection will give you a clear answer.

Flaunching is the sloped mortar bed at the top of the chimney stack that holds the chimney pots in place and sheds rainwater away from the stack. Over time, frost, UV and the freeze-thaw cycle crack and loosen this mortar. Once it starts to break up, pots can tilt or become loose, water gets into the stack, and the damage accelerates.

Repairing or renewing the flaunching is one of the most common chimney jobs we carry out across Limerick. It is also one of the most cost-effective repairs — catching it early avoids far more expensive structural work later.

Repointing means carefully raking out the old, weathered mortar between the bricks and filling it with fresh mortar. The bricks themselves stay in place. Rebuilding (or partial rebuilding) is needed when the bricks are spalled, cracked, or the mortar joints are so far gone that the stack has become structurally unstable.

We always try repointing first where the brickwork is sound — it is a far less disruptive and less costly job. We will never recommend a rebuild just to increase the price of a job.

Yes. Lead and aluminium flashing is what seals the junction between the chimney stack and the roof covering. It is one of the most common causes of a damp chimney breast inside the house. We cut, form and dress new lead flashing to the correct profile — step or soaker depending on the roof type — and seal it properly into the mortar joints.

If the flashing has just lifted or cracked at the edge, we can often re-dress and reseal it without a full replacement. We assess this on site and give you an honest recommendation.

The cost depends on what needs to be done and the height and access requirements of the stack. A straightforward repoint or flaunching repair costs considerably less than a full stack rebuild or new lead flashing installation. Scaffold or ladder access requirements also affect the price.

We provide a free, no-obligation quote after assessing the chimney — there are no call-out fees. For a broader picture of what roofing work costs in Ireland, see our guide on roof repair costs in Ireland.

No. A damaged stack, cracked flue liner, or compromised flashing can allow smoke, carbon monoxide or sparks to escape into the roof space or living area. Carbon monoxide in particular is odourless and colourless — you would not know until it was too late.

If you have noticed any signs of damage, we strongly advise not using the fireplace until the chimney has been properly inspected and any repairs completed. Get in touch and we will arrange an assessment promptly.

Yes. A cowl or rain cap prevents rainwater from entering the flue, reduces downdraught and stops birds nesting in unused chimneys. If you have a fireplace you no longer use, we can also fit a capping slab over the pot to seal the flue from above while still allowing some ventilation. This significantly reduces damp from a defunct chimney.

Cowl fitting is one of the quickest, most cost-effective chimney jobs we do — and it makes a real difference to both damp and heating bills.

Most single-stack repairs — repointing, flaunching renewal, cowl fitting or flashing work — are completed in a day. More extensive work such as a partial stack rebuild takes two to three days depending on the height and scope.

We let you know exactly what to expect when we carry out the free assessment, including how long it will take and whether you need to be at home during the work.