Why does a chimney deteriorate?

[sågare]

Probably the poor fitting at the top and the time?
We tore down to stones that weren't loose.
Would love to hear if anyone knows approximately how much a mason charges to build up again. Have reclaimed large bricks in stock. Going for a plastered exterior.

 

[yonna]

I had the top of the chimney repointed, but that was many years ago. The bricklayer, as far as I remember, didn't charge much for the actual work, so the number of working hours was acceptable. The major cost was the scaffolding to the roof, both the rental and the setup and takedown.