Chim Chiminee

[douglas9401]

A largish piece of the render and roughcast has come adrift from our side of a shared chimney (semi detached, us homeowners, them council).
The piece is currently sitting intact on the roof and I was wondering if there is an effective and permanent way of re-attaching it to
a. Get a good colour match with the remaining and apparently sound finish
b. Save a bit of cash by not having the council turn up with their ridiculously inflated prices, scaffolding and a squad of about ten operatives all intent on out-smoking each other instead of working.

Ta

[gingejbee]

The Builder should be able to offer opinions on the work itself....my question would be ....who is going to do the work? and, are they happy about working at chimney level? I know that I wouldn't be!

[bookbinder]

If it was mine, I would try applying large amounts of Evostik, or something similar, and putting it back in place. Then I would get my sealant cartridge gun and fill in around the edges. It might work, but, if it doesn't, you would at least have tried.

[douglas9401]

I know what you mean, gingejbee. Doesn't look too bad till you're up there.
We have a couple of local guys we've used in the past for jobs up there but I want to know if it's at all feasible before contacting them.

[douglas9401]

I'm thinking along those lines myself, bookbinder but I'll wait till the pros get here with their specialist knowledge.
Thanks for taking the time to reply, you too gingejbee.

[The Builder]

Sorry, I've only just seen this, Douglas.

The short answer is yes, it can be re-attached. Simply drill a few holes in the piece, then rawlplug & screw it in place with a big dollop of PVA on the back.

Not many builders would be keen though. The reason being that, although that piece will stay put, it does make you wonder how sound the rest is.

First thing is to get up and have a close look. Assuming a regular 2-storey house with no conservatories etc to get in the way........... just a double ladder and a roof hook (ladder that hitches over the ridge).

It may be easier to patch with new render, but that would mean repainting the whole side of the stack.

Have one of your local guys shin up and take a look. He could most likely rawlplug and PVA it while he's there using a cordless hammer drill.

[johnny37]

Is the rendering in one piece? Should be possible to re-attach it using a specialisit good quality outdoor (UPV?) glue. However, to climb up there would need half a day's labour. re-rendering may not cost much more. The council may allow you to get it done and bill them for half. They would want quotes first.

[johnny37]

Sorry. I meant PVA!!!

[heathfield]

Rather than PVA, may I suggest using 'Sticks Like Sh*t' instead? I had front doorstep quarry tiles come loose after a severe frost, and used that to glue them back on. Worked a treat. That was quite a few years ago, and the repair is still sound. Also, PVA can deteriorate in wet conditions.

[douglas9401]

Many thanks all, if it ever stops raining in Bonnie Scotland we'll get a good look and get it done. :)