I think my chimney may be unsafe The chimney is often the least maintained part of the building. It is inaccessible, it is exposed to the severest elements externally, and it is attacked by sooty acids internally. If the flaunching is cracked water can penetrate the stack, and if the pointing is perished the same will happen. Water in the brickwork during the winter will freeze, expand and crack the chimney. If the acid deposits are excessive (for example if there has been a solid fuel stove using the flue) then the brickwork will have been corroded, and the structure weakened. If your chimney is leaning, or bent like a banana, or there are bricks damaged or missing, or you can see daylight through it, or smoke comes out of the sides of it, then it is possible that it may be unsafe. If you are concerned, contact the experts.

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