Restore the weatherproofing around the chimney
Chimneys fail at the top and at the junction. Rusted caps, tired flashings and pointing that has let go are how water gets in. We restore that detailing - the cap, the metal, the junction - not the brickwork as a separate trade.
The chimney as a roofing problem, not a bricklaying project
A chimney punches through the covering. The cap on top, the flashing that turns the water, and the pointing at that junction are roofing work. When they deteriorate, you get leaks at the chimney breast, staining in the roof space, or tiles and sheeting that have moved where the roof meets the stack.
On a lot of Melbourne chimneys the first failure is the metal on top. A chase cover rusts through, the flaunching cracks, and rain tracks down the stack. Restoring that cap - preparing the metal, sealing it, and finishing it so it sheds water - is chimney roofing work. So is the flashing where the stack meets the covering, whether that covering is tile or metal.
This page is not a claim that we rebuild chimneys as structures, and it is not a specialist masonry service. If the stack itself needs rebuilding, that is a different job and we will say so rather than pretend a cap or flashing repair is a rebuilt chimney.
Signs the chimney may need roofing work
These may indicate the cap, the flashing or the junction needs assessment. They are not proof the stack itself has failed.
- A leak near the chimney Staining on a chimney breast, in the roof space around the stack, or on a ceiling that lines up with that part of the roof.
- A rusted or failing chimney cap Metal on top of the stack that has gone, or a cover that no longer sheds water cleanly.
- Deterioration around the chimney Pointing, flaunching or the junction looking tired, cracked or open where the roof meets the stack.
- Tiles or sheeting disturbed around the stack Slipped, broken or poorly seated covering in the courses that have been cut around the penetration.
- An old chimney that has been ignored The rest of the roof has had work and the stack is the detail that was left, now showing it.
What chimney roofing work can involve
The work is the weatherproofing: the cap, the flashing and the junction. How far it goes depends on what has failed - not on rebuilding the stack.
Typical work includes restoring or renewing the chimney cap, repairing or replacing flashings, making good the tiles or sheeting around the stack, and pointing the junction where the roofing meets the brick. Associated repairs to the immediately surrounding roof are included when they belong with that work.
A rusted cover that can still be prepared and sealed is restored. One that has gone too far is replaced. Maintenance - keeping the junction weatherproof on an otherwise sound roof - is appropriate where the stack is stable and the covering around it still has life.
If we get there and the chimney itself is moving, cracked through or needs rebuilding, we will tell you. That is outside what this service is offering, and it should not be hidden inside a flashing quote.
- Chimney inspected from the roof - cap, flashings and junction
- Chimney cap prepared and restored where the metal is still sound
- Flashings repaired or renewed where required
- Tiles or sheeting around the stack made good
- Pointing at the roof junction where it belongs with the work
- Clear advice if the stack itself needs more than roofing
The cap being restored, and the finished cover
These frames show chimney cap work on the roof. They are not a matched before-and-after of the same angle.
See the stack, then restore what belongs to the roof
If the stack needs more than roofing, that conversation happens before work starts.
Why choose Kestrel for chimney roofing work
Chimneys fail as roofing details more often than as structures. That is the work we are set up to do.
The cap, the flashings, the surrounding covering and the junction - the detailing that actually keeps water out.
A chimney leak is often found during other roof work. We would rather deal with it in the same visit than leave it.
If the stack needs rebuilding, we will say so. We will not dress masonry failure up as a flashing job.
Cover in place before we work around the chimney. One point of contact for the job.
Chimney work on residential roofs
Frames show a chimney cap being restored on the roof, and lead flashing where a brick stack meets slate.
Related roofing services
If this is close but not quite the work you need, these are the usual next pages to look at.
Questions about chimney work
If the answer you need is not here, call and ask. We would rather explain it than have you guess.
Need chimney roofing work?
Tell us what you have noticed around the stack. We will look at the cap and the junction, explain what is roofing work and what is not, and quote accordingly.