Repointing and rebuilds
Failing mortar raked out and repointed. Where the brickwork has moved or shattered, the top of the stack is taken down and rebuilt.
Bristol chimneys
A leak near a chimney is usually the chimney.
Chimney stacks take a beating. They sit at the highest, most exposed part of the roof, and the mortar and lead around them wear out long before the tiles do. Most of the persistent leaks we see on Bristol homes trace back to a stack: cracked lead flashing, crumbling pointing, a lifted or missing pot, or lead that was never dressed properly around the abutment in the first place.
We repoint, rebuild, re-flash, cap and safely remove chimney stacks across Bristol. On mid-terrace properties we handle the access and the party-wall considerations carefully, and we always leave the site tidy at the end of each day.
Chimney jobs, big and small.
Most chimney work falls into one of these.
Lead flashing renewal
The joint between the stack and the roof is a lead detail. When it cracks or lifts, the leak looks like the roof but it's the lead. Replaced properly with the right code lead.
Capping and safe removal
Unused chimneys can be capped with a ventilated cap to stop rain but let the flue breathe. Or removed entirely down to below the roof line for a clean finish.
What's included in a chimney job.
One quote for the whole job, no add-ons after we start.
- Scaffold access organised and included in the quote.
- Old mortar raked back to sound work, not just skim-coated.
- Matching mortar mix for older stocks, so repairs blend in.
- Lead flashing renewed with correct code lead where needed.
- Bird guards or ventilated caps fitted on capping work.
- Dust sheets used inside where flue work risks debris falling.
- Site left tidy at the end of every day.
Signs your chimney needs attention.
Most chimney problems show themselves before they cause real damage inside.
- Bits of mortar or brick appearing on the ground below the stack.
- Damp patches on the chimney breast wall inside the house.
- Lead flashing visibly curled, cracked or missing.
- Chimney pot cracked, tilted or missing altogether.
- Vegetation growing out of the top of the stack.
- Recent survey report flagging the chimney as at end of life.
Chimney repair questions, answered.
How do I know if the chimney is the source of my leak?
If the damp patch appears near a chimney breast, or on a ceiling directly beneath one, the chimney is the most likely culprit. We can inspect it and confirm before quoting for repair.
Can you remove a chimney I never use?
Yes. A chimney can be taken down to below the roof line and the roof made good over the top, giving you a clean finish and one less thing to maintain. Structural sign-off may be needed depending on the property.
What if the chimney is shared with my neighbour?
Most mid-terrace stacks are shared. Where work affects the party wall or the neighbour's side of the stack, notices under the Party Wall Act may apply. We'll advise you on when that's needed and help you understand the process. TODO(client): confirm whether Albion handles Party Wall notices on the customer's behalf.
Do I need scaffolding for chimney work?
For most chimney jobs on a Bristol terrace, yes. Cherry pickers can work on some detached properties. Scaffold is included in the quote so there's nothing to sort separately.
Will you provide photos for my insurance?
Yes. Before and after photos plus a written summary suitable for an insurer are provided as standard on any chimney repair.
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes. As Confederation of Roofing Contractors members (No. 8523), we can offer a 10-year Insurance-Backed Guarantee on chimney rebuild work. Repointing and flashing carry our own workmanship guarantee, set out in the quote.
Recent projects across Bristol.
Chimney giving you trouble?
We'll come out for a look and tell you honestly whether it's a small fix or a rebuild.