Lead flashing failure is the single most common hidden cause of ceiling damp in Heavitree’s Victorian and Edwardian housing. When lead step flashings, aprons or back gutters fail, water entry is often wrongly attributed to broken tiles. We carry out free lead surveys and full replacement across Heavitree to the correct code specification. Call 01392 759 295.
Heavitree’s high chimney density makes lead flashing failure one of the most frequent repair calls we receive in EX1. The original Victorian lead on many properties — hand-dressed step flashings, bossed soakers, soldered back gutter joints — is now 80–120 years old and showing the characteristic stress cracking at fold points that indicates end of service life. We carry out full lead replacement using traditional dressing technique on Heavitree heritage properties.
The most common Heavitree lead failure pattern is simultaneous deterioration across all flashings on the same chimney stack: when the step flashings are fatigued, the apron and back gutter are at the same age and condition. We always inspect the full chimney lead installation rather than just the presenting failure point, and price the complete replacement in a single programme rather than returning to each element separately.
Code 4 lead (1.80mm) is the minimum specification for step and apron flashings on Heavitree chimneys. Code 5 (2.24mm) for back gutters where standing water risk is present. Stainless steel clips rather than mortar tuck alone on exposed faces. Patination oil applied to all new installations. These are the standards we apply as a matter of course on every Heavitree lead work job.
Free survey and quote — no call-out fee, no obligation.
📞 Call 01392 759 295“Full lead replacement on our chimney in Heavitree. No more damp in the bedroom. Should have done it years ago.”
“Step and apron flashings replaced in code 4. Back gutter included without being asked. Correct thorough approach.”
“Survey found the back gutter had failed silently. Full replacement, correctly dressed. Good thorough work.”
Step and apron flashings: £400–£750. Full chimney lead including back gutter: £700–£1,400. Free survey. Call 01392 759 295.
White calcium staining running from the chimney face, ceiling damp near a chimney breast after rain, or visible cracking at flashing fold points are the main indicators.
A single crack on sound lead can be sealed. Multiple cracks, previously patched lead, or lead over 50 years old warrants full replacement. Three patch repairs cost as much as full replacement.
Code 4 for step and apron flashings. Code 5 for back gutters. Stainless steel clips throughout. These are our standard specifications, not upgrades.
Always — the back gutter is the element most frequently overlooked and most prone to failure. We assess it on every survey.
40–60 years correctly specified and installed. Code 3 lead under-specified for the application fails in 15–25 years.
10-year workmanship guarantee on all lead work. Call 01392 759 295.
No call-out fee. No obligation. Local Exeter roofers who turn up when they say they will.
01392 759 295