Fao The Builder :)

[hc4361]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Home-and-Garden/Question1400808.html

[ummmm]

I should add as well that The Builder did advise me on how he should repair it. A few years back now :-)

[hc4361]

Thanks, Tambo, but I'd rather use local people. I had a quote today at £200 and I've another chap coming tomorrow.
But it's not always down to the price, is it?

[SlackAlice]

I guess this doesn't float your boat then

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31998405

[tamborine]

Agree, using locals give you some guarantee....mine now live here

[ummmm]

Slackalice...you naughty person! lol

[The Builder]

Ummm, I think I remember that. I hope it all went alright.

Hc. £200 is maybe a little low. What I mean is, re-pointing should ideally involve quickly raking out all previous pointing before adding new. Some folks think that they need only replace what's missing.

That may be ok, but it does mean the rest may fail later. Then you have the cost all over again.

[hc4361]

The first chap went up with his iPad and took photos of the chimney, his fingers in the chimney wall where the mortar had fell out, the garden growing behind the chimney and one cracked tile.
He said the ridge tiles were fine and didn't need work. He said he would grind all the old mortar out, blow it with compressed air and repoint; put a new 'top' on the chimney around the chimney pots; put bird guards in the pots; remove the garden and clean the area; clear any mess from the guttering; replace broken tile.

Today's chap didn't go up on the roof at all, said the ridge tiles probably needed rebedding (extra £100) and the felt at the guttering (?) might need doing as well, price not mentioned. I don't trust him to do a proper job. He said he would brush the mortar out.

[The Builder]

hc... I like the first chap already :o)

[hc4361]

Me, too. Proper business address and everything!