Does this chimney really need repointing (photo)?

[BluebottleTrap]

Originally built in the 60s, a tradesman suggest I have it repointed, and replace the 60s roof tiles while I'm at it (which are in his words 'at end of life').

Do these jobs really need doing urgently? Or could it be left another 5 years or so. I have no roof leaks or other problems with the roof.

 

[stevie888]

Some of the pointing is a bit rough but you'll see a lot worse. The flashing is not perfect but not bad: If it's not leaking I would let well alone (and resist any urge to get the moss removed which would likely do more harm than good).

 

[Phil473]

Prevention is always better than cure, the problem with roofs is that the cost of prevention can be expensive and you'd be better off using the cash to completely replace the roof.

The chimney is permanent, and there would be no harm in having it re-pointed. I'm no expert but just above the flashing looks a bit weathered. What's the top of the chimney looking like?

You could just do the chimney for now, and if there is any sign of ingress consider getting the whole roof done (obviously if its a tile or 2, just replace them). Presuming the houses in your street have the same roof; what have they had done? Can you see many new roofs?

 

[Phil473]

Some of the pointing is a bit rough but you'll see a lot worse. The flashing is not perfect but not bad: If it's not leaking I would let well alone (and resist any urge to get the moss removed which would likely do more harm than good).

What harm would removing the moss potentially do? Genuine question.

Doesn't moss start to add additional weight to a roof, and clog up gutters? One of my neighbors has never removed the moss, the roof is starting to sag slightly. A lot more moss than pictured though.

Another neighbor also has a load of moss, their gutter keeps getting clogged.

 

[^woody^]

Just from the photo, or viewed from the ground, I'd give the chimney a medium-term rating of "within the next 10 years" for repointing. A lot can depend on the actual softness of the mortar not just that which is missing, and further deterioration tends to be accelerated once mortar erodes, not linear.

However, that dark patch 3/4 of the way up is a sign that the bricks are getting excess rain penetration - typically because of poor pointing or poor flaunching.

Also check which is the most weathered side and if not that one in the photo, is it worse? Also if the stack is leaning.

If the pointing is to be renewed, then likely the flaunching on top around the pot needs replacing too. So that's an extra cost, and if having it done. get the bloke to take photos of the old stuff removed and the new stuff applied. Going over the top is not acceptable.

The tiles have got a text-book life of 60-70 years, but that it notional and often are good for a long time past that. If the tiles are not cracked, or the interlocks broken, then you can wait until they deteriorate. Typically though, its the bitumen felt that is the issue, as these tiles naturally let some water through and rely on the felt. But the roof is not leaking now , again no need to rush into replacement.

Leave the moss. It does not need to be removed. Over the last few years, certain "traveling" roofers or suchlike have started to make roof jet-washing a thing, but its purely just a money-making thing, no other purpose.

If the stack is redundant, have it taken down when the tiles are replaced

 

[stevie888]

What harm would removing the moss potentially do? Genuine question.

Doesn't moss start to add additional weight to a roof, and clog up gutters? One of my neighbors has never removed the moss, the roof is starting to sag slightly. A lot more moss than pictured though.

Another neighbor also has a load of moss, their gutter keeps getting clogged.

Extra weight would be negligable! Gutter clogging a bit but the main worry is the roof being damaged by size 10 boots controlled by size 1 brains. As Woody says: a nice little earner for some cowboys.

 

[318Mike]

Id get it repointed and the flashing checked.
It's a tall chimney and there is cement missing at the bottom. Unpredictable weather, big wind, not what you need or what.
Mine is two pipe 4ft high and cost £600 to repoint 5years ago, which also included a full inspection of the whole roof by a professional company which has done all my families homes for decades.

Moss.
Moss will not grow unless it has something to feed on. Below a TV aerial is the most common. Why? Because it is where birds like to sit!
A long term solution is to move the aerial into the loft (no problems with my reception) this will stop the food supply causing the moss to slowly die, dry out and detach from the tiles. When dead the lumps of moss will be so light in weight the wind will blow most of it clean off the roof.

 

[aveatry]

Extra weight would be negligable! Gutter clogging a bit but the main worry is the roof being damaged by size 10 boots controlled by size 1 brains. As Woody says: a nice little earner for some cowboys.

Yes the jet washing scrubbing is not needed but I dont think there is anything wrong with removing the lumps of moss to stop it blocking your gutter I have some and heavy rain or hail can knock it off then gets washed down your down pipe.