Wood fireplaces are being swapped out for their gas counterparts on a regular basis, but homes are still being constructed with brick and mortar chimneys. Chimneys add class and aesthetic appeal to most homes, which is why they are still included in many home designs today.

That said, we at Pointing Brickwork Brickpoint know from experience that no chimney lasts forever. If you have an older home and are considering chimney brick repairs in London, there are some clear indications that you should have the brick fixed sooner than later:

1. Damaged Mortar between Bricks

When clients ask us about chimney repair, we first advise them to look at the mortar joints. If they are damaged in any way, then it is a likely time for a repair or replacement. When our customers give us a call, we take a close look at the mortar that runs in between your bricking. From there, we are able to assess the level of damage and provide an educated layout of the work that needs to be done. If caught early on, brick repairs in London may only require some sophisticated tuckpointing.

2. Smoky Homes and Smelly Fireplaces

Throwing a log on your natural wood-burning fireplace should not cause an influx of smoke to enter your home (after all, isn’t that what a fireplace is for?). If you’re suffering from excess smoke or bad odours, this is a clear sign that your chimney is not working properly.

In the experience of our brick and chimney pros at Pointing Brickwork Brickpoint, it’s almost always due to the chimney lining. Trust us – a smelly chimney is the least of your problems. A damaged liner can become dangerous in a short period of time for the home and those who are currently within it. If your home isn’t filtering out the smoke, put out the fire and keep it out until you call a company that specialises in brick repairs in London.