Little Birch Cottage  " For some years, during periods of persistent heavy rain, we have suffered from sporadic incidents of water penetration in the main chimney. The fire place is in the oldest part of the cottage and the recess five feet wide and two feet deep. During the restoration of the cottage....., the recess was rendered and painted white and a wood burning stove and register plate fitted. The water Penetration was instantly obvious because the rain water collected on top of the register plate. These incidents were brief and it was a simple matter to treat and overpaint the staining. I assumed that it was the result of an inadequate cowl. In 2010 the water penetration was significantly worse.......I began to panic and knew I needed professional intervention. I found your advertisement in the Parish Magazine. I telephoned, not expecting any immediate responce. I was wrong. You arrived in the afternoon, carried out a detailed visual inspection and advised me that subject to a full investigation you were fairly certain that the problem lay with the juntion of the external stack and slate roof. You were also concerned about the junction between the stack and the masonry buttress which had been constructed in the seventies and extended from ground to just below eaves level. I was comforted by your friendly, forthright and professional approach.   ............you presented detailed sketches of the action proposed. .......Thus my original state of panic resolved itself into a surprisingly enjoyable experience.

Since then I have suffered no further water penetration and I am grateful for everything you did. I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone seeking building help. Please accept again my sincere thanks.

Yours sincerely,   Barrie Fenton.