Chimney Repointing — Battersea

Project Overview

British Builders was appointed to carry out external masonry, chimney and roof access works at a residential property on Ingelow Road in Battersea, London. The project focused on improving the condition of the chimney stacks, repairing defective mortar joints, addressing moss and organic growth, and checking roof areas around the chimney line.

The works were treated as a broader external access and masonry maintenance package rather than a small isolated repair. Safe access was arranged to the roof and chimney areas so the team could inspect the condition of the brickwork, identify defective pointing, replace isolated damaged sections and make good the affected areas.

The main chimney stack required repointing, including raking out defective mortar joints and reinstating them with suitable external-grade mortar. Moss growth was removed by hand from the chimney brickwork, followed by anti-fungal and biocidal wash treatment to help reduce future organic growth.

A second chimney stack was also inspected and repointed where required, with localised preparation and mortar renewal carried out to stabilise affected areas. Isolated damaged or spalled bricks were replaced where needed, helping restore the appearance and durability of the chimney and masonry surfaces.

Roofing checks were also included within the works. Broken roof tiles near the chimney were replaced where identified, while accessible flat roof areas were inspected and recorded. Sections of decking were removed where needed to allow access to the second flat roof for further assessment.

Scope of Work

• Safe access arranged to chimney stacks and roof areas
• Inspection of chimney brickwork, mortar joints and surrounding roof sections
• Raking out of defective mortar joints to the main chimney stack
• Repointing of main chimney stack using suitable external-grade mortar
• Hand removal of moss growth from chimney brickwork
• Application of anti-fungal and biocidal wash treatment to affected areas
• Localised repointing of second chimney stack
• Replacement of isolated damaged or spalled bricks where required
• Making good to repointed and treated masonry areas
• Replacement of broken roof tiles near chimney-adjacent areas
• Inspection of accessible flat roof areas and condition recording
• Removal of decking sections where required to access second flat roof
• Further assessment of second flat roof once access was achieved
• Removal of waste materials from site
• Final clean-down of accessible working areas

Challenges & Solutions

• Roof-level access — The chimney and roof areas required careful access due to their height and position. The team arranged safe access before beginning inspection, repointing and tile replacement works.
• Defective chimney pointing — Several mortar joints had deteriorated and required raking out before being repointed with external-grade mortar to improve weather resistance and stability.
• Moss and organic growth — Moss was present across parts of the chimney brickwork. It was removed by hand and treated with anti-fungal wash to help reduce future regrowth.
• Localised brick damage — Isolated damaged and spalled bricks were addressed where required, helping improve the condition of the affected elevations without unnecessary over-replacement.
• Roof tile repairs — Broken tiles near the chimney area were replaced to reduce the risk of water ingress around vulnerable roof sections.
• Limited flat roof access — Decking sections had to be removed to allow access to the second flat roof for assessment. No intrusive works were carried out to this area unless instructed separately.

Final Outcome

The chimney and roof access works improved the condition of the external masonry and roof-adjacent areas. Defective pointing was removed and renewed, moss growth was treated, damaged bricks were made good, and broken roof tiles were replaced where identified.

The accessible flat roof areas were inspected and recorded, with the first flat roof noted to be in good condition at the time of inspection. Access was also created for further assessment of the second flat roof, allowing the client to review any future requirements separately if needed.

By completing the works as a coordinated external masonry and roof access package, British Builders helped protect the property from further deterioration while improving the overall condition of the chimney stacks and surrounding roof areas.

Client Feedback

“British Builders completed the chimney, masonry and roof access works professionally. The repointing, moss treatment, tile replacement and access works were handled carefully, and the roof areas were left tidy and properly assessed.” – Client