Lead flashing failure is the single most common hidden cause of ceiling damp in Pinhoe’s 1960s and 1970s 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 Pinhoe to the correct code specification. Call 01392 759 295.
Pinhoe’s mixed housing stock creates two distinct lead work contexts. The older village properties near Church Hill carry original Victorian lead that is now at or past end of service life. The 1960s and 70s estate properties carry lead from the original construction — now 50–60 years old — that has fatigued through thermal cycling and frequently shows stress cracking at fold points and the sealant at masonry interfaces.
Lead step flashing failure on Pinhoe’s estate properties is the most frequent single lead call type we receive in EX1. The pattern is consistent: code 3 lead installed in the 1960s at the chimney abutment, now cracked at the bend points, admitting water that appears as internal damp at the chimney breast. Full replacement in code 4 with stainless clip fixings resolves the issue permanently.
Code 4 lead (1.80mm) is the minimum specification for step and apron flashings on Pinhoe 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 Pinhoe lead work job.
Free survey and quote — no call-out fee, no obligation.
📞 Call 01392 759 295“Full lead replacement on our chimney in Pinhoe. 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