Water seeping through mortar

[pmx_super]

During the torrential rain a month or so ago I heard dripping in the loft. When I went into the loft to investigate I found water seeping through the mortar of the chimney breast, which had made the mortar soften in patches to the extent that I could dig it out with my finger.

I haven't had any trouble since, and it was only in the absolutely worst of the recent rains. Did half the country experience the same, or is this indicative of a problem, and if so what might be the problem? The external pointing on the chimney is looking a bit tired...

 

[Nige F]

The mortar is probably lime and is soft anyway . We had rain down our (bungalow) chimney too Just fit a simple "Chinaman`s Hat" cowl to keep rain out - unless the flue is in use - then point up later, in the sunshine