Sulphate Attack and Damage to Chimneys.

Sulphate Attack and Damage to Chimneys

Sulphate attack is one of the most common problems affecting chimney stacks.

In older properties, sulphate attack is one of the most common problems affecting chimney stacks. The chimney stacks of most houses are exposed to the worst of the weather, by their very nature, and have been known to take the brunt of most storms and periods of rainfall. This can lead to damage to the brickwork, the pointing, the flashings, the flaunchings and the chimney pots. There is also a problem that can develop within the chimney flue itself that can lead to further damage, please read on.

Typically, when most fuels are burned in a chimney without a liner, hydroscopic salts are created which collect in the mortar between the bricks and which is responsible for the formation of hydroscopic salts. The salts, as their name implies, are capable of attracting moisture, which may be as a result of condensation inside a chimney stack, or moisture that may be absorbed from outside the stack. There is a time, when the salts will dry out, at which point they will crystallise within the mortar and expand, resulting in also an expansion in the width of the joint that has dried.

While the weather in this country is notoriously unpredictable, each location has its own prevailing wind. As a result, each side of a chimney can be in very different conditions and as a result, one side of a chimney will dry out faster than the others, resulting in more crystals forming on that side. Consequently, the stack will start to lean, almost as if blown by the wind, as a result of a greater degree of expansion to the one side.

However, the good news is that it’s not always the case that a leaning stack means it’s unsafe to use. There are no set rules when it comes to how much lean can be present in a stack, but generally, a lean of less than 1mm per 100mm of stack height is considered to be safe. One stack could sit at a greater degree of lean for many years while another stack could collapse right away regardless of how long it has been leaning.

In order to detect and understand the possible effects of sulphate attack at your new home, it is important to have a good Building Survey performed by an experienced and qualified property surveyor. The first thing that a surveyor should be able to do is to recognize the problem, to indicate the severity of the problem, and to suggest possible solutions. In the case of a less involved report, such as the RICS Homebuyer’s Report (HBR), you may not get much more information than the suggestion that the stack may be unstable. Within a Building Survey, further advice would be offered and provided, it is also important to be able to know how to resolve it as soon as possible.

Residential Valuations across Tyne and Wear

As RICS-registered valuers, we provide accurate, independent and professionally prepared building valuations across Tyne and Wear. Our valuations are carried out in accordance with current RICS standards and are suitable for a wide range of formal and statutory purposes, including:

Help to Buy and Shared Ownership
Probate and Inheritance Tax matters
Matrimonial or Divorce proceedings
Insurance Reinstatement Costings and assessments
Re-mortgaging and Independent Valuations
Independent Asset Valuations

All valuations are carried out to RICS standards, ensuring professionalism, accuracy, and reliability.

Why Choose Andrew James Property Surveyors in Tyne and Wear?

RICS-Accredited Expertise: Our reports and property valuations meet the highest professional standards.
Regional Knowledge: Based in the North East, our surveyors have extensive experience across Tyne and Wear’s varied residential property market, from period homes to modern developments.
Personal Service: Our surveyors maintain a small case load, so every client receives prompt attention and detailed care.
Post-Report Review Call: Every client benefits from a personal follow-up call with the surveyor to discuss findings and next steps.
Clear and Understandable Reports: No jargon – just transparent insights you can act on.
Impartial Advice: We work solely for you, our client.

Whether you are purchasing your first home, expanding your Tyne and Wear property portfolio, or preparing a property for sale, we provide the clarity and reassurance needed to make informed decisions.

GET A QUOTE NOW!

What Our Clients Say

“We chose Andrew James Property Surveyors based on their excellent reputation. In a very short timeframe after contacting them, they scheduled a Homebuyers Survey (Level 2) for a price we considered to be very reasonable. Within 5 days of completing the survey, they sent a detailed report that was easy to understand and clearly outlined the areas to focus on for us and our solicitors. I couldn’t have asked for a better service. Andrew James Property Surveyors is definitely a company I would recommend.”
— Mr Alan B

“Exceptional service. We booked to have a Level 3 survey and valuation done on a property we were hoping to purchase. Both the survey and valuation were very thorough and I felt like no stone was left unturned. Andy was amazing, calling the same day the reports were issued to help understand the conclusions, plus we knew we could call if we had any further queries. We felt like we were in very safe hands and that we’d really been looked after. What a great team! Will definitely use them again.”
— Jane Paterson

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a building survey?
Yes – even newer homes can hide issues that aren’t visible during a viewing. A professional survey gives you peace of mind and leverage in negotiations.

Which survey level should I choose?
For modern properties in good condition, a Level 2 Home Buyers Report is often sufficient. For older homes, listed buildings, or properties with extensions, a Level 3 Building Survey is recommended. We’re happy to advise on the best option.

Are your valuations accepted by lenders and official bodies?
Absolutely. As a RICS-accredited practice, all our valuations meet the required professional standards and can be used for official purposes.

How quickly will I receive my report?
We aim to deliver reports within five working days of inspection – and we’ll call you personally to explain the findings.

Pricing and Quotes
Every property is unique, so we provide tailored quotes based on the type, age, and location of the building. You’ll receive a clear, all-inclusive price before we begin, with no hidden fees. For an accurate quote, simply contact us using the details below.