THE GREEN HOMES GRANT is a government scheme to give householders a voucher of £5000 to get energy saving home improvement work done.
Towards the end of August 2020 homeowners in England can apply for vouchers worth up to two thirds of the cost of hiring tradespeople.
IMPORTANT: ALL Work must be completed by TrustMark registered businesses only, which have also achieved PAS2030 2017 or higher certification.
Those on lower incomes can apply for a 100% grant up to £10,000.
The vouchers will be issued from the end of September 2020 and will be available until the end of March 2021.
more information available from https://www.gov.uk/apply-green-homes-grant
If you have noticed gaps in the mortar of your chimney’s brickwork or stonework, then you might want to consider getting it repointed. This involves filling in and repairing the joints, so that your chimney can continue to be as attractive, secure, functional and long-lasting as possible. Whether you own a period property with an original chimney stack, or a modern home with a contemporary-style chimney, repointing is an important part of your property’s upkeep, and should be carried out by a roofing professional. Here are some of the benefits of investing in repointing services for your chimney as part of your roofing maintenance.
Your chimney will last longer
Mortar joints can generally last for about 25 years, and, during this time, they have to endure constant changes in temperature and weather – from wind, ice and rain to extreme heat. Over time, this causes the mortar to dry out and crumble. Bricks, though, can last for more than 100 years. As such, repointing your chimney with new mortar means that you can extend its lifetime significantly, and make the most of the existing brickwork.
Save money in the long term
By repointing your chimney as soon as you notice any cracks, gaps or crumbling, you can spare yourself the hassle and expense of costly repairs further down the line. In the most extreme case, a chimney that has weak joints might collapse, meaning you have to invest in getting the entire feature replaced, as well as repairing any damage that it caused.
Ensure your chimney is completely secure
As the above scenario shows, a chimney that has crumbling or damaged mortar can pose a risk to the safety of your family and anybody walking past your property. By repointing your chimney, you can ensure it is completely secure and that there is no risk of it falling down or collapsing in high winds or storms.
Make sure your roof is waterproof
After your chimney has been repointed, a waterproof sealant is applied to the joints so that no moisture can get into the mortar. As well as protecting the joints, this ensures that unwanted water cannot enter your property, reducing the risk of damp patches on your ceilings.
Keep your chimney looking beautiful
Crumbling mortar can make your property look unkempt. Indeed, if your chimney is a period style, it might mean that you start to lose definition in its design. Repointing has many functional benefits, but it is also important for ensuring your chimney looks neat, presentable and attractive, and is a great way to bring out the distinctive details of your chimney.
