Flaunching – Chimney Flaunching Repair & Replacement Services
Flaunching is the mortar or concrete finish around chimney pots at the top of a chimney stack. Its purpose is to secure the chimney pots and create a sloping surface that directs rainwater away from the chimney.
Over time, chimney flaunching can crack, deteriorate, become loose or separate from the chimney pots, potentially allowing water to penetrate the stack. Repairing damaged flaunching can therefore be an important part of chimney and roof maintenance.
Through FraserBond.com, homeowners, landlords and property managers can explore chimney, roofing and property maintenance services.
What Is Chimney Flaunching?
Chimney flaunching is normally formed around the base of chimney pots on the chimney stack.
It performs two important functions:
- Helps secure chimney pots in position
- Creates a slope that sheds rainwater away from the pots and chimney structure
Good flaunching should have an appropriate fall rather than allowing water to collect around the chimney pots.
What Does Flaunching Look Like?
Flaunching is the raised, sloping mortar or concrete surface visible at the very top of many traditional chimney stacks.
A typical chimney arrangement is:
Chimney Pot → Flaunching → Chimney Stack → Roof
Because it is exposed to rain, wind, frost and temperature changes, the material can gradually deteriorate.
Signs of Damaged Chimney Flaunching
Common signs that flaunching may require attention include:
- Visible cracking
- Crumbling mortar
- Loose sections
- Gaps around chimney pots
- Water collecting on the chimney top
- Loose or unstable chimney pots
- Damp around the chimney
- Pieces of mortar falling from the stack
Some deterioration is difficult to see from ground level, so a roof or chimney inspection may be necessary.
Why Does Chimney Flaunching Crack?
Flaunching is continuously exposed to the weather.
Deterioration can result from:
- Age
- Frost
- Repeated wetting and drying
- Temperature changes
- Poor original workmanship
- Movement within the chimney
- Inappropriate materials
- Long-term weather exposure
Once cracks develop, water can enter them and potentially accelerate deterioration.
Flaunching Repair
Minor deterioration may sometimes be suitable for localised repair.
The contractor will need to determine whether the existing material remains sufficiently sound for a repair to provide a durable result.
A typical process may involve:
Inspection → Remove Loose Material → Prepare Surface → Repair Flaunching → Finish Appropriate Falls
Simply covering severely deteriorated material with another thin layer may not address the underlying problem.
Chimney Flaunching Replacement
Where the existing flaunching is extensively cracked, loose or deteriorated, complete replacement may be more appropriate.
Replacement generally involves removing defective material and forming new flaunching around the chimney pots.
The finished surface should provide suitable falls so rainwater drains away rather than pooling around the pots.
Flaunching and Chimney Leaks
Damaged flaunching is one possible cause of water penetration around a chimney, but it is not the only one.
A leaking chimney may also involve:
- Defective flashing
- Damaged pointing
- Cracked masonry
- Chimney-pot problems
- Defective chimney caps
- Roof-covering defects
A proper inspection should identify the source of the leak before repair work begins.
Flaunching vs Chimney Flashing
Flaunching and flashing are different parts of the chimney.
Flaunching is located at the top of the chimney stack, around the chimney pots.
Flashing is installed where the chimney meets the roof, helping prevent water from entering at that junction.
A chimney leak can involve either component—or another part of the roof or stack.
Flaunching and Chimney Repointing
Flaunching should also be distinguished from repointing.
Repointing involves renewing deteriorated mortar joints between bricks or masonry.
A chimney may require:
- Flaunching repair
- Repointing
- Flashing repair
- Brickwork repairs
or a combination of these works.
Loose Chimney Pots
Deteriorated flaunching can affect the stability of chimney pots.
A visibly loose or leaning chimney pot should be inspected promptly because falling masonry or pots can present a serious safety risk.
The surrounding flaunching and chimney structure should be assessed rather than simply repositioning the pot without investigating why it became unstable.
Flaunching on Older Properties
Older and period properties may require particular care when chimney repairs are undertaken.
The appropriate repair material should take account of the existing masonry and construction. In some traditional buildings, compatibility with historic materials can be important.
A roofer or chimney specialist experienced with older buildings can assess the appropriate repair method.
Flaunching During Roof Repairs
If scaffolding is already being erected for roofing work, it can be useful to inspect the chimney at the same time.
The contractor may check:
- Flaunching
- Chimney pots
- Pointing
- Brickwork
- Flashing
- Chimney caps
- Nearby roof coverings
Addressing several defects while safe access is already available may reduce the need for additional access work later.
Flaunching for Landlords
Landlords and property managers may need chimney repairs where inspections identify deterioration or where tenants report damp and water penetration.
Services can include:
- Chimney inspections
- Flaunching repairs
- Chimney repointing
- Flashing repairs
- Chimney-pot repairs
- Roofing maintenance
Keeping records and photographs of completed external repairs can also assist with ongoing property maintenance.
How Much Does Flaunching Cost?
The cost of chimney flaunching depends heavily on the property and access requirements.
Factors include:
- Chimney size
- Number of chimney pots
- Condition of existing flaunching
- Repair versus complete replacement
- Chimney height
- Roof accessibility
- Scaffolding requirements
- Additional brickwork or pointing repairs
Access can represent a significant part of the total cost, particularly on tall or difficult-to-reach London properties.
Do You Need Scaffolding for Flaunching?
Scaffolding or another suitable access system may be required because flaunching is located at the top of the chimney.
The appropriate access method depends on:
- Building height
- Roof design
- Chimney location
- Scope of work
- Site conditions
Roof and chimney work should be undertaken using suitable working-at-height precautions.
Choosing a Flaunching Contractor
When selecting a roofing or chimney contractor, consider:
- Chimney repair experience
- Roofing experience
- Insurance
- Proposed repair method
- Materials to be used
- Access arrangements
- Written quotation
- Waste removal
- Guarantees where offered
For a leaking chimney, ask the contractor to inspect the whole chimney and surrounding roof area rather than assuming the flaunching is automatically responsible.
Chimney Flaunching in London
Flaunching repair in London can be required on Victorian and Edwardian houses, terraces, converted properties, apartment buildings and other buildings with traditional chimney stacks.
London's varied building stock means access and repair requirements can differ substantially from one property to another.
Through FraserBond.com, property owners and managers can explore chimney repair, roofing and property maintenance services.
How Fraser Bond Can Help
Through FraserBond.com, homeowners, landlords and property managers can explore services relating to:
- Chimney flaunching
- Flaunching repairs
- Chimney repointing
- Chimney repairs
- Roof repairs
- Roof surveys
- Lead flashing
- Guttering
- Property maintenance
Need Chimney Flaunching Repaired?
Cracked or deteriorated chimney flaunching can allow water penetration and may eventually affect the stability of chimney pots.
A professional inspection can establish whether a local repair is sufficient or whether the existing flaunching should be removed and replaced.
Visit FraserBond.com to explore chimney flaunching and roofing services.
