The short answer
Repointing a chimney in the UK typically costs around £300–£1,000, with about £750 a common figure. A small, low chimney with easy access can be near the £300 mark, while a stack in the middle of a semi-detached roof needing scaffolding over the ridge can reach £1,000 or more. The biggest driver is access — most of the cost is getting safely up to the stack rather than the mortar work itself. Renewing the flaunching (the mortar bed at the top) usually adds a few hundred pounds, and lead flashing where the stack meets the roof runs roughly £400–£1,500 if it needs replacing at the same time.
Repointing means raking out crumbling mortar joints and refilling them. Price depends mainly on the chimney's size, its height and how it is reached. The figures below are typical for guidance, not quotations.
Typical UK costs
- Average repointing~£750
- Small, low, easy access~£300
- Semi-detached, mid-roof~£1,000+
- Flaunching renewalfew hundred pounds
- Lead flashing replacement~£400–£1,500
What drives the price
- Access: the bulk of a repointing cost is reaching the stack safely — a chimney over the ridge or on a tall property needs more scaffolding and time.
- Chimney size: a larger stack with more brickwork has more joints to rake out and refill.
- Condition: badly eroded or loose mortar takes longer to cut out and may reveal other repairs.
- Extras done together: flaunching, flashing or a few replacement bricks are often sensibly done in the same visit while the scaffold is up.
| Job | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney repointing (average) | ~£750 | size & access dependent |
| Small / low / easy access | ~£300 | minimal scaffold |
| Semi-detached, mid-roof | ~£1,000+ | scaffold over ridge |
| Lead flashing replacement | ~£400–£1,500 | often done at the same time |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sources: PriceYourJob and Checkatrade cost guides.
Why doing related work together costs less
Most of a repointing job is the scaffold and the time spent getting safely up to the stack. Because of that, it is usually worth pricing the flaunching, any lead flashing and a handful of replacement bricks at the same time — the access is already paid for, so adding the extra tasks while the scaffold is up spreads that fixed cost. If the mortar is failing, the flaunching and flashing are often near the end of their life too.
Want a clear repointing quote?
We'll match you with a vetted roofer or chimney specialist who inspects the stack and quotes on a clear specification — repointing, flaunching, flashing and scaffolding all set out.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to repoint a chimney?
Typically around £300–£1,000, with about £750 a common figure. A small, low chimney with easy access can be near £300, while a stack in the middle of a semi-detached roof needing scaffolding over the ridge can reach £1,000 or more.
Why is access such a big part of the cost?
Most of a repointing job is the scaffold and the time spent reaching the stack safely. The mortar work itself is a smaller share, which is why a tall or awkwardly placed chimney costs more even for the same brickwork.
Should I repoint and reflash at the same time?
Often yes. With the scaffold already up, adding flaunching, lead flashing or a few replacement bricks spreads the access cost — and these parts tend to wear out around the same time as the mortar.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific chimney. They are guidance, not a quotation.