Chimney repointing & restoration Adelaide
We restore chimneys so they are safe, resists weather and built to last
We specialise in structural chimney work, including repointing, repairs, restoration, and rebuilds, preventing water damage and structural failure.
35+ years in the industry
Fixed quote after site inspection
Renovation specialist
About Adelaide Home Renovations
Adelaide Home Renovations is a licensed renovation specialist established in 1990. We focus primarily on structural chimney work across Adelaide, including repointing, repairs, restoration, and complete rebuilds of deteriorating chimneys. We also offer general renovation services such as plastering, carpentry, and alterations.
Please note: we don’t provide chimney cleaning services.
Why your chimney may be deteriorating and why you shouldn’t wait
Adelaide’s weather is hard on chimneys. Hot summers expand brickwork, winter rain penetrates mortar joints, and coastal salt accelerates deterioration in western suburbs. Most chimney damage isn’t visible from ground level until it’s serious.
Here’s what can happen when minor problems are left unattended and over time.
- Mortar joints crack and allow water entry
- Water freezes and expands inside brickwork, causing spalling and brick damage
- Structural movement begins, creating safety risks and expensive rebuilds
Contact us
Why choose Adelaide Home Renovations as your chimney specialist
- Over 35 years specialising in chimney restoration and repointing with experience in both modern and heritage homes.
- Licensed builder (SA BLD26650) ensuring all work meets South Australian building standards.
- Fully insured and safety compliant, including 20 million dollars public liability.
- Transparent pricing with an initial estimate followed by a fixed quote after inspection.
- Proven reputation supported by a 4.7-star Google rating and consistent customer satisfaction across Adelaide.
Three decades of chimney expertise across Adelaide metro areas
Since 1990, we’ve specialised in restoring and repairing chimneys the right way. We don’t treat chimneys as an add-on service; we view them as a natural part of our house renovation services. So we have spent 35+ years managing the techniques, materials, and methods required by Adelaide’s properties.
Deep heritage expertise
We specialise in Adelaide’s heritage chimneys and understand the specific challenges of pre-1960s brickwork, lime mortar requirements, and period construction methods. We know the difference between Edwardian, Victorian, and Federation-era techniques.
Material sourcing knowledge
We know which salvage yards stock period-correct bricks for heritage properties. We maintain relationships with suppliers like The Old Red Brick Company and local salvage specialists to source exact matches for your home’s era and style.
Colour matching precision
We’ve refined our mortar mixing over decades to match the exact colour, texture, and joint profile of aged Adelaide bricks. Every mix is custom-blended on site to blend seamlessly with your existing brickwork.
Expert diagnose
We understand how chimneys work structurally and can identify problems quickly. We know when simple repointing is enough and when more extensive structural repairs are needed for safety.
What our customers say about our chimney work
Over 35 years, we’ve restored hundreds of chimneys across Adelaide’s suburbs. Here’s what recent clients say about working with us.
“High quality work on 1904 plastered chimneys”
“I had 2 high 1904 plastered chimneys renovated. High quality work done and Geoff provided good explanations on what he was going to do before he started and also as the job progressed. No mess left behind, and work was done on time during difficult weather conditions (some rainy days). Geoff and Dylan highly recommended.”
Mark W. – North Adelaide
“Excellent communication and workmanship”
“Geoff and his son Dylan were very reliable, excellent communication pre and during the work and their workmanship was excellent. They bricked up an internal archway, removed and bricked up an old fire place and sealed the chimney. They also plastered and prepped the walls for painting and cleaned up mess and rubbish after each day. Highly recommend Adelaide Home Renovations.”
Matthew Rechner – Kensington
“Professional, reliable and affordable”
“I recently had my chimneys repointed by Adelaide Home Renovations. I am very pleased with the finished job that was done. Such a professional, reliable and affordable company. Thank you, Geoff and the team. I highly recommend them.”
Veronica Constable – Unley
The chimney problems we fix
Small faults spread fast when they’re left alone. Water tracks through weak points, smoke slips into rooms, and cold air robs heat from the house. Here are the common warning signs we look for during inspections.
Exterior warning signs
- Loose or crumbling mortar that opens gaps, allowing water into walls and ceilings
- White staining indicates moisture problems
- Spalling bricks, where the surface is flaking or crumbling
- Cracked chimney caps and failed flaunching that funnel wind and water into the roof space
- A leaning or wobbly stack is an immediate safety risk for people and property
Interior warning signs
- Water stains on ceilings or walls near the chimney that worsen after rain
- Leaking flashings leaving brown stains that keep spreading
- Smoke smells and cold draughts around the fireplace, pointing to gaps and failed seals
- Damp patches on the chimney breast inside the home
- Loose or crumbling plaster around fireplace openings
Our chimney services
Our chimney services at a glance
Most jobs start with repointing and repairs, and we also complete restorations, rebuilds, and fireplace work when needed. We handle every aspect of structural chimney work, including brick replacement and stitching, flashings, caps and cowls, flaunching, and heritage-safe methods.
Chimney repointing
Removing deteriorated mortar and repointing joints with colour-matched mortar to seal gaps, prevent water entry, and stabilise brickwork.
Chimney repairs
Replacing damaged bricks, repairing cracked areas, fixing flashings and flaunching as part of complete structural repairs.
Chimney replastering
Patching and renewing plaster surfaces around chimneys and fireplaces for clean, finished interiors that match existing walls.
Chimney restorations
Restoring older chimneys using heritage-safe methods, colour-matched mortar, matching period bricks, and careful jointing for heritage properties.
Partial and full rebuilds
When top courses or entire structures are beyond economical repair, we rebuild to match the original design while incorporating modern stability.
We also install and replace
Chimney cowls, flashings, caps, and flaunching to protect against leaks and improve draft performance.
Our chimney repair process, from inspection to completion
We follow a proven process with clear communication, on-time arrival, and high-quality workmanship you can count on.
1
Inspect and diagnose
You share photos of your chimney concerns; we review them and check satellite images for access considerations. If needed, we arrange a site visit to inspect the chimney in person and document all issues.
2
Scope and estimate
We assess safety requirements and access needs, coordinate with our scaffolding partner for complex jobs, and provide a detailed estimate outlining the scope of work.
3
Fixed quote via Tradify
After the site inspection, we prepare a detailed fixed price quote in Tradify. All access requirements, including scaffolding, materials, and labour, are included. No variations unless you request changes.
4
Accept the quote and schedule
You accept the quote in Tradify. We then schedule your job and confirm a start date that suits access and weather.
5
Safe access set up
On the start day, safe access is set up where required, safety systems are implemented, and gardens and paths are protected before work begins.
6
Repair and sign off
Repairs are completed to specification. We explain aftercare, clean up thoroughly, and ensure you’re completely satisfied with the results before final sign-off.
Heritage-safe chimney restoration methods
Older Adelaide homes deserve chimney work that respects their age and architecture. We restore brickwork, mortar, and finishes so each chimney keeps the character that makes heritage properties special.
Our heritage approach
Period brick sourcing
We source period-correct bricks from local salvage yards and specialty suppliers to match the tone, texture, and size of original brickwork. Each brick is hand-selected for colour consistency.
Mortar matching
Mortar is colour-matched on site using select sands and pigments. We match both colour and joint profile (weathered, struck, flush, or beaded) to blend seamlessly with existing work.
Lime mortar when required
Where heritage architects or engineers specify lime-based mixes, we use traditional formulations. However, we’re honest about the trade-offs: lime mortar is less weather-resistant in Adelaide’s coastal areas and requires more frequent maintenance than modern alternatives.
Traditional jointing techniques
We mirror original joint styles, depths, and tooling methods to maintain architectural authenticity throughout the restoration.
Discreet modern weatherproofing
Modern sealing and weatherproofing is incorporated beneath traditional finishes, so your chimney looks authentic while gaining improved weather resistance.
Recent chimney restorations across Adelaide
Semaphore: failed mortar and flue leaks
Repointed upper courses, renewed lead flashing, and reset chimney cap; ceiling staining stopped after the first rain test.
Kensington: spalled bricks and cracked flaunching
Replaced damaged bricks with salvaged matches, rebuilt top three courses, and installed stainless cowl; stack now structurally sound and matches heritage brickwork.
Unley: water entry at roof junction
Cleaned and sealed roof junction, fitted new lead flashing with proper overlaps; roof space stayed completely dry through winter.
North Adelaide: full heritage restoration
Sourced period Ballarat bricks, used lime mortar per architect specification, matched original struck joints; restored to original appearance with heritage approval and structural engineer sign-off.
Safety and professional access on every job
Your roof is assessed before work begins. We never compromise on safety, for our team, your property, or your family.
Safe access systems
We use professional scaffolding and personal harness systems when required. All scaffolding is set up and inspected before use.
Property protection
Gardens, paths, and paving are protected with boards and covers. We use drop sheets inside homes when working on fireplace areas.
Daily cleanup
Work areas are cleaned thoroughly each afternoon. Waste is removed from the site promptly, not left for you to deal with.
Difficult access planning
Fragile roofs, steep pitches, and complex access situations are discussed during the quoting stage to avoid surprises. We plan solutions before work begins, not during.
Servicing Adelaide’s inner, western & southern suburbs
We repair and restore brick chimneys across Adelaide, with particular expertise in older suburbs where heritage homes require specialist masonry knowledge.
Primary service areas
Kensington • Norwood • Unley • Goodwood • Hyde Park • Malvern • Parkside • Port Adelaide • Semaphore • West Lakes • Henley Beach • Grange • Prospect • Glenelg • Brighton • Hove • Marion • Seacliff • Hallett Cove • Reynella • Morphett Vale • Noarlunga • Aldinga • McLaren Vale
We also service Adelaide Hills, and northern suburbs.
Heritage-safe chimney restoration methods
Older Adelaide homes deserve chimney work that respects their age and architecture. We restore brickwork, mortar, and finishes so each chimney keeps the character that makes heritage properties special.
Full house renovations and repairs
Alterations, wall removal and installation, door and window framing, bathroom and laundry demolition and rebuild, structural carpentry, and brickwork repairs.
Solid plastering
Comprehensive solid plastering solutions including crack repair, exterior texture coatings, internal skim coating, and decorative finishes. We also handle all Gyprock installation, cornices, and plaster repairs.
Home & property inspections
Detailed building inspections covering roofing and fascias, guttering and drainage, walls and footings, plumbing and electrical systems. You receive a comprehensive written report with photos and accurate repair costings.
Frequently asked questions about chimney repairs
What is repointing, and when do I need it?
Repointing renews the mortar between bricks, so the chimney is weathertight and stable. You usually need it when mortar is loose, missing, or powdery and when you can see gaps along the joints. Repointing prevents water entry, stops bricks from loosening, and extends the life of your chimney by decades. Most Adelaide chimneys need repointing every 30-50 years, depending on exposure and original mortar quality.
Do I need a rebuild or will repointing fix it?
Repointing is suitable when bricks are sound and the stack is straight and plumb. A partial or full rebuild is safer when bricks are badly damaged, the stack has shifted or is leaning, or the top courses have failed structurally. We’ll assess your chimney during inspection and recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective solution.
How long does a typical chimney job take?
Most repointing and repair jobs may take a few days on site. A partial rebuilds can take 2-4 days. Complete rebuilds may take 3-7 days depending on height, access, brick supply, and weather conditions. We provide accurate timeframes in your quote and keep you informed if weather causes delays.
Do you work on heritage homes?
Yes. Heritage chimney work is a core part of our expertise. We use heritage-safe methods, including lime mortar mixes where required, sourcing period-correct bricks to match, replicating original joint profiles.
Do I need council approval for chimney repairs?
Minor repairs and repointing usually don’t require council approval. Partial or full rebuilds may require approval depending on your property’s heritage listing and the extent of work. We’ll advise you during quoting and can help guide you through the approval process if needed.
How much do chimney repairs cost?
Costs vary based on chimney height, extent of damage, access requirements, and whether matching heritage bricks are needed. We will provide a fixed quote after inspection, so you know exactly what you’ll pay before work begins.