Lead flashing failure is the single most common hidden cause of ceiling damp in Whipton’s post-war and 1960s 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 Whipton to the correct code specification. Call 01392 759 295.
Whipton’s post-war and 1960s housing carries chimney lead flashings installed at original construction — now 50–70 years old. Lead of this age in Exeter’s climate has typically developed fatigue cracking at fold points. The test is straightforward: we apply light pressure along the fold lines of the step flashings. Lead that cracks under this pressure is fully fatigued and warrants full replacement.
Disused chimney stacks on Whipton’s estate properties present a specific lead work scenario: the flashing system is still required to prevent water entry even where the flue is no longer in use. We carry out lead replacement on disused stack flashings across Whipton as a standalone job, combined with ventilated cap installation where the flue has been left open.
Code 4 lead (1.80mm) is the minimum specification for step and apron flashings on Whipton 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 Whipton lead work job.
Free survey and quote — no call-out fee, no obligation.
📞 Call 01392 759 295“Full lead replacement on our chimney in Whipton. 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