Lead flashing failure is the single most common hidden cause of ceiling damp in Wonford’s post-war 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 Wonford to the correct code specification. Call 01392 759 295.
Wonford’s post-war stock carries lead work from the original 1940s–60s construction. This lead has been through 60–80 years of Devon’s thermal cycling and is typically showing widespread fatigue in our surveys of EX2 properties. The full flashing system — step flashings, apron and back gutter — should be replaced as a complete programme rather than individual elements, as all components are at the same age and condition.
Wonford’s tree canopy creates a secondary lead maintenance issue: debris accumulation in the back gutter behind chimney stacks. Leaves and organic matter in the back gutter hold moisture against the lead surface and accelerate the stress cracking process at the gutter base. We clear back gutters as part of every Wonford lead survey and recommend annual inspection of back gutter condition on properties with significant tree overhang.
Code 4 lead (1.80mm) is the minimum specification for step and apron flashings on Wonford 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 Wonford lead work job.
Free survey and quote — no call-out fee, no obligation.
📞 Call 01392 759 295“Full lead replacement on our chimney in Wonford. 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