Remove or Repair Chimney?

[Ferdinand]

I have a chimney which is dropping little bits of brick and mortar off. Photo:

 

 

Is it a better option to repoint, or to remove the stack and seal / ventilate the top appropriately? Originally the chimney had a cooking range below, then a gas flue installed, and is now unused since an electric fire is in the fireplace.

 

The place was built in 1850-ish. Access is a little tricky, since there is a leanto on the side, and a sun lounge at the back.

 

Can anyone give me an indication of what the costs would be for this? I'm guessing I am looking at approx £750 and maybe 2-3 man days.

 

Any thoughts are most welcome. I will be getting in a couple of quotes this week.

 

Cheers

 

F

[Carrerahill]

If it was me I would get some access & a harness and go and remove all the roughcast, and then deep rake out the joints and repoint it, then roughcast it. Or I would get a roofer/builder type to do the same if I was in the right mood. 

 

I would not get rid of a chimney. 

 

I think the costs you have provisioned are about right.