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Chimney Experts

At BARL, we specialise in the rebuild, restoration, repair and maintenance of chimneys, particularly in the iconic Georgian and Victorian London houses. Our experienced team is equipped to handle every aspect of chimney care.

With a blend of traditional methods and materials to deliver unparalleled chimney services. Trust us to preserve the character and functionality of your chimney, making it a safe, functional and striking feature of your home

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Premier Chimney Experts

At BARL, we specialize in the repair, restoration, and maintenance of chimneys, particularly in the iconic Victorian London housing stock. Our experienced team is equipped to handle every aspect of chimney care, ensuring your chimney’s safety and efficiency.

Our Chimney Services:

  1. Chimney Flashings:  Providing skilled leadwork installations from step dressed flashings to Aprons and back gutters.
  2. Chimney Flaunchings: Ensuring a waterproof seal to protect your chimney and rebedding of pots.
  3. Chimney Rebuilds: Expert reconstruction for damaged or deteriorating chimney brickwork.
  4. Chimney Repair and Restoration: Comprehensive repair services to restore chimneys to their original state.
  5. Repointing of Chimney Stacks: Enhancing structural integrity and delivering  a traditional appearance.
  6. Chimney Inspections: Detailed assessments to identify and address any issues.
  7. Dismantling and Disposal of Chimneys: Safe and responsible removal services.
  8. Replacement of Chimney Pots and Cowls: Providing a range of options to suit your style and needs.

Why Trust BARL for Your Chimney Needs?

Vastly experienced in the rebuild and restoration of Georgian and Victorian Chimneys returning them to their original appearance and specification. BARL ensures that each chimney project is completed with the highest standards of workmanship and materials.

Testimonials

Complete Repointing of Rear Exterior
Replacement of two Roofs
I can’t recommend BARL highly enough. This was a significant project that involved repointing the entire rear house, replacing two roofs and repointing the pavers in the back garden. The repointing actually required a rebuild of the entire upper section of the house, which made this a large job. BARL were 100% professional, very neat and did an outstanding job of communicating the status of the project and why the works they were undertaking were necessary. At the end of the project there was nothing that was left undone- something I have never experienced with other builders. Worth every penny!
Anthony T
N7 - Verified Check-a-Trade Review
Brickwork and Roofing to Prevent
Leaks and Structural Defects
BARL were thorough and professional throughout every stage of the process. Communication was excellent from owners and onsite supervisors. The brickwork and roofing repairs were carried our to the highest standard of craftsmanship. The areas that were leaking internally have now dried up thereby solving long term problems. Builders were courteous and considerate throughout.
Philip J
E8 - Verified Check-a-Trade Review
New Roof
We needed a roof restoration for our Victorian terraced house which included new slate, parapet wall restoration, repointing of chimney stack, and replacing rooflights with new Velux windows. The end result is fantastic and we are very pleased with the quality of the work. David and Lee from BARL are straightforward and easy to work with. The team members doing the work were conscientious and hard working. If you need a new roof you can’t go wrong with BARL.
Brian B
E8 - Verified Check-a-Trade Review
Wall, brick and downpipe and waste pipe replacement
We needed emergency repairs on a wall that was leaking to the inside of the house. David came quickly to quote and was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, suggesting how the issue could be rectified with the least work and disruption. David’s brother Lee provided a clear description of the issues with photos and quotes. The team who completed the work were timely, courteous, skilled and always cleared up thoroughly. Comms were great throughout and David is clearly en expert. Would definitely recommend!
Chloe E
N1 - Verified Check-a-Trade Review
Repointing and Brickwork Repairs
BARL did an excellent job addressing a couple of issues highlighted in my recent building survey. David knew exactly what needed doing at the initial visit and took the time to explain the work that could be carried out. The job was done within timeframe expected and to high standard. Very professional, would recommend.
Catherine B
NW1 - Verified Check-a-Trade Review
Replacement of Two Flat Roofs
The work was completed efficiently, and the end result is excellent. The teams were polite and helpful, and worked extremely hard.
Anna H
N5 - Verified Check-a-Trade Review
Extensive Roof Removal and Replacement
BARL are knowledgeable, capable and very experienced roofers, who I highly recommend. BARL offer high-level customer service and competency. From day one, the BARL team were accessible, honest, and easy to work with. The highly skilled labourers were respectful, friendly, efficient and always tidied up at the end of the day. I am extremely happy with totally watertight, properly insulated and incredibly smart roofs. It was a pleasure to work with BARL. They know exactly what they’re doing.
Maya H
E5 - Verified Check-a-Trade Review
Remedial Brickwork on Exterior Wal
Felt very reassured by BARL, the work was to the highest standard, best builders I have come across in London. Would use them again for any work. - can’t recommend more.
Cal G
SE22 - Verified Check-a-Trade Review
GRP Cap on Flat Roof
Very happy with the work on our flat roof. BARL put a GRP cap on our leaky flat roof, and we’re very happy with the results, and the way the job was carried out. The quote was reasonable, work started/ finished on schedule, and they were pleasant to deal with throughout. I’m not a buildings expert but I do have some experience with trades and I saw how neat the job was at various stages. The boarding was cut and laid very accurately and the GRP layer is very neatly finished. And that bit of roof has stopped leaking! Thank you.
Jim C
E2 - Verified Check-a-Trade Review
Full Replacement Slate Roof
The work was completed in two weeks and the workers were polite and considerate. The site was kept clean and organised and frankly they were a joy to have around. The standard of work is excellent and they were completely professional throughout the job.
Simon S
N1 - Verified Check-a-Trade Review

FAQs

How often should a chimney be inspected?

Regular inspections, ideally annually, are recommended to ensure safety and efficiency.

What are the signs that my chimney needs repair?

Indicators include visible damage, leaks, or poor fireplace performance.

Can you work with historic or older chimneys?

Yes, we specialise in Victorian and older chimney restoration and repair.

Is chimney flashing important?

Absolutely, it prevents water infiltration and protects the chimney's structure.

What is involved in chimney repointing?

It involves renewing the external mortar joints to enhance stability.

How long does a chimney repair take?

It varies, but we strive for efficiency without compromising on quality.

Do you offer custom chimney pot replacements?

Yes, we provide a variety of chimney pot styles to match your home’s aesthetics.

When you notice deterioration to Flaunching, brickwork or flashings, you should arrange for a professional to inspect.

Indicators include visible damage or cracking to the flaunching, cracks or deterioration to brickwork, and deteriorated flashings to include dressing.

Yes, we specialise in Georgian and Victorian and older chimney restoration and repair.

Absolutely, it prevents water ingress into the building structure and creates a waterproof seal with the adjoining roof.

Raking out of deteriorated brickwork mortar pointing, conducting brickwork repairs and repointing with a new mortar joint.

It varies, but we strive for efficiency without compromising on quality.

Yes, we provide a variety of chimney pot styles to match your home’s aesthetics.

Google reviews

What London customers say about our brickwork & restoration work

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 33 Google reviews of Buildings and Restorations Ltd (BARL). Real feedback from homeowners, landlords and building managers across London.

4.8
★★★★★
33 Google reviews
  • ★★★★★

    “We’re so pleased to have had Lee, David, and the whole BARL team complete significant repointing, drainage, and roofing works on our building of flats. From diagnosing the issues to completing the work they were extremely diligent, communicative, and professional. The quality and finish of the work speaks for itself and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them or use them on future projects.”

    G
    Guy M.
    Google review · 2026
  • ★★★★★

    “We recently had our chimneys, roof and guttering redone by BARL, they were absolutely fantastic and surpassed our expectations. Lee, David, Tommy, Jim, Enrik, Adrian and Peter were reliable, knowledgeable, considerate and above all kept us informed and explained everything the did throughout the whole process. We've got a little baby and they even stopped work to allow us to put her to bed regularly. We'll be recommending them to everyone.”

    C
    Constantine S.
    Google review · 2026
  • ★★★★★

    “There are possibly cheaper ways to stop your house falling down, but I doubt there are better. The crew on site went out of their way to be diligent, tidy and respectful, which made living and working through a major works project so, so much easier than I had feared or expected. If you have an old London house falling down and the roof falling off, Barl are a good choice of people to call.”

    C
    Catherine W.
    Google review · 2025
  • ★★★★★

    “We recently had BARL install a new slate roof on our home, and once again, they exceeded our expectations. This was our second time working with them—the first being when they repointed our brickwork—and their consistent professionalism and expertise continue to impress us. From the initial site visit to the final inspection, David and his team were thorough, knowledgeable, and attentive to our needs. They patiently answered all our questions and guided us in selecting the best materials for our home. The team maintained a clean work environment, tidying up after each day's work, and the quality of their craftsmanship is outstanding. We highly recommend BARL to anyone seeking reliable and high-quality roofing services.”

    M
    Monica O.
    Google review · 2025
  • ★★★★★

    “Very skilled workmanship to restore wall of our Victorian house and to repair and restore our roof. Highly recommended.”

    M
    Martin W.
    Google review · 2025
  • ★★★★★

    “We recently had the pleasure of working with BARL for a complete roof renovation on our property, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. The project involved extensive work, including the repointing of our chimney stacks, installation of new lead loft boxes and windows, a complete restructuring, replacement of coping stones, and reinforcement of party walls. Every aspect of the renovation was executed with precision and care, showcasing BARL’s exceptional craftsmanship. From start to finish, BARL demonstrated outstanding customer service, always ensuring our needs and concerns were addressed promptly and professionally. The team was not only skilled and knowledgeable but also a delight to work with. Their attention to detail was evident in every facet of the job, transforming our space with a level of quality and dedication that exceeded our expectations. The craftsmanship speaks for itself – our roof is now a testament to both functional strength and aesthetic beauty. For anyone seeking a trustworthy and skilled team for roof renovations or any structural work, I can’t recommend BARL highly enough. Their work has not only enhanced the safety and durability of our property but has also elevated its overall appearance. We are grateful to have chosen BARL for this project and would not hesitate to work with them again in the future.”

    M
    Matteo D.
    Google review · 2025
  • ★★★★★

    “After extensive re-pointing work to the front of my property in London N1, I am more that satisfied with the end result. My property has a new lease of life whilst retaining original character. Excellent communication and professionalism throughout! Would highly recommend BARL to anyone!”

    J
    Joanne C.
    Google review · 2024
  • ★★★★★

    “I can't recommend BARL highly enough. This was a significant project that involved repointing the entire rear house, replacing 2 roofs and repointing the pavers in the back garden. The repointing actually required a rebuild of the entire upper section of the house, which made this a large . BARL were 100% professional, very neat and did an outstanding job of communicating the status of the project and why the works they were undertaking were necessary. At the end of the project there was nothing that was left undone - something I have never experienced with other builders. Worth every penny.”

    A
    Anthony T.
    Google review · 2024
  • ★★★★★

    “Truly excellent! BARL completed extensive brickwork and roofing restoration of our Victorian terrace house. It was a pleasure having the work completed by their team of specialist craftsmen who David holds to the highest standards with his daily inspections and guidance. A fully professional experience from the initial visit through to completion, with everything done as committed. We had some gutter issues following the torrential rains of recent weeks and contacted BARL. They responded very quickly, coming to inspect the following day and then resolving the issue a couple of days later. No delays, no fuss and everything sorted. Great after care experience, given that the original work was completed over a year ago.”

    D
    Donal O.
    Google review · 2023
Read all 33 reviews on GoogleCall 0800 130 3632Reviews shown as posted on our Google Business Profile.