Lead flashings are the most common source of water ingress on Exeter’s older properties. When lead fails, it’s almost always because it was installed incorrectly or has reached the end of its service life. We cut, dress and install lead properly — correct codes, correct profiles, no sealant-only shortcuts.
Lead work in Exeter covers step flashings, aprons, back gutters and valleys, from 400 to 1,400 pounds. We use Code 4 and Code 5 lead with stainless fixings and patination oil as standard. NFRC-registered, 10-year guarantee, free survey. Call 01392 759 295.
Lead flashings appear at every critical junction on a roof — where the roof plane meets a chimney stack, where a roof meets a parapet wall, in valleys between two roof pitches, and at dormer window abutments. These are the points that shed water from the roof surface and direct it into the gutter system. When lead fails at any of these points, water enters the building directly.
The most common lead job on Exeter’s Victorian and Edwardian properties is step flashing replacement at chimney stacks. A correctly installed step flashing consists of individual lead soakers woven into each tile course, with a code 4 or 5 lead cover flashing dressed into the chimney mortar above. Sealant-only repairs to failing step flashings are a temporary fix at best — we replace the lead properly.
Valley lead in Exeter’s Victorian stock is frequently 60–100 years old and approaching the end of its natural life. Lead valleys must be installed with correct lapping, correct fixings, and adequate width to handle Devon’s rainfall volumes. Undersized or incorrectly lapped valleys overflow in heavy rain — a common problem on properties with original Victorian valley details.
Victorian and Edwardian properties in central Exeter frequently have parapet walls and flat roof sections with complex lead work. We assess and replace parapet cap flashings, drip edges and gutter linings to current standards, ensuring correct fall and drainage away from the building.
Chimney abutment, soakers and cover flashing
Full valley liner replacement, correctly lapped
Lead back gutter behind chimney stack
Lead soakers to slate or tile steps
“Chimney flashing had been sealed with mastic by a previous roofer. Failed within a year. These guys stripped it all back, cut and dressed new lead properly. Dry since.”
“Victorian valley had been leaking for three winters. Lead was original and had fatigued through in two places. Replaced the full valley length. No issues since.”
“Lead work on a parapet flat roof section at the rear. Very careful, correctly detailed. The flat roof had been leaking since we moved in and now it's completely dry.”
Step flashing replacement at a chimney abutment typically costs £280–£600 in Exeter. Valley lead replacement is £400–£900 depending on valley length. Lead soakers on a full set of steps can be £350–£700. All quotes are free and itemised before work starts.
Devon’s temperature variation — warm humid summers and cold damp winters — puts significant thermal stress on lead, causing fatigue cracking over time. Properties with chimneys that are no longer regularly used are particularly prone to flashing failure, as the warmth from an active flue previously helped maintain flexibility. Lead on north-facing roofs in damp Exeter locations typically fails faster than on south-facing equivalents.
Yes. For some applications — particularly on coastal or industrial properties where lead is more prone to corrosion — we use lead-substitute products such as Ubiflex or Wakaflex. These are code-compliant, long-lasting, and appropriate in certain situations. We recommend real lead for most standard applications as it remains the most durable and proven material.
Yes. For listed and curtilage-listed buildings in Exeter’s Cathedral Quarter and other conservation areas, lead work must match original profiles and weights. We specify appropriate lead codes and profiles, and understand the expectations of Exeter’s conservation team regarding like-for-like replacement.
Lead fails through thermal fatigue — it expands in summer heat and contracts in cold, and over time the metal cracks at folds and stress points. On Exeter's exposed rooftops this cycling is significant. Poorly dressed original lead from the 1960s–80s is the most common failure point we encounter across the city.
Lead sheet is graded by thickness. Code 4 (1.8mm) is standard for step and cover flashings. Code 5 (2.24mm) is used for valleys, parapet gutters and any situation with standing water risk. We specify the correct code for each application — under-specifying lead is one of the most common causes of premature failure.
Small cracks can sometimes be repaired with lead sealant. However, if the original lead is heavily fatigued, cracked at multiple points, or has been previously patched, full replacement gives a better long-term result. We advise on this honestly at the survey stage. Call 01392 759 295.
We identify the source of the leak and quote for a permanent fix. No sealant shortcuts.
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