We recently completed a full chimney rebuild at a traditional property on Ladysmith Road, Edinburgh, where the existing chimney had deteriorated beyond economical repair.
Due to long-term weather exposure and failing mortar joints, the safest and most durable solution was to strip the chimney back and rebuild using 100% new natural stone, carefully matched to the original.
The Condition Before Works
Before work commenced, the chimney showed clear signs of failure:
- Eroded and open joints
- Decayed sandstone units
- Failing watergates allowing moisture ingress
- Coping stones no longer providing effective protection
These issues are common on older Edinburgh properties and, if left untreated, can lead to internal damp, loose masonry, and safety concerns.
Our Chimney Rebuild Process
The chimney was fully stripped back to a sound level and rebuilt using 100% new St Bees natural sandstone, chosen for its durability and close visual match to the original masonry.
All stone was hand dressed on site to replicate the existing tooling, proportions, and character of the building — ensuring the finished chimney sits naturally within the original roofscape.
Key elements of the rebuild included:
- New St Bees natural sandstone, dressed to match the original
- Stainless steel dowels installed to securely tie masonry together and improve long-term structural integrity
- Traditional lime mortar repointing, allowing the chimney to breathe and perform correctly in Edinburgh’s climate
- New lead watergates, correctly detailed to shed water away from the masonry
- Coping stones capped and sealed, providing long-term protection against water ingress
All works were carried out in line with best practice for traditional stone buildings.
The Finished Result
The completed chimney now offers:
- A visually authentic finish, in keeping with the original property
- Improved durability and weather resistance
- Correct use of breathable materials for long-term performance
- A safe, structurally sound chimney built to last for decades
The transformation clearly shows the value of using proper materials and traditional techniques, rather than short-term patch repairs.
Chimney Rebuild Specialists in Edinburgh
We specialise in chimney rebuilds, stone repairs, and traditional masonry across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Every project is approached with the same attention to detail, using quality natural stone and time-proven methods.
If your chimney is showing signs of failure or water ingress, early intervention can prevent far more costly repairs later.