I had a full chimney rebuild done by this crew, and it’s made a huge difference. Solid structure, beautiful finish. Great work all around.
Leadwork and Lead Flashing in Dorking and Surrey
Leadwork is where most leaks start: around chimneys, in valleys and where a roof meets a wall. We cut out tired or patched lead and dress new lead by hand, so it sheds water the way it should for decades.
Fixed written quotesDorking and 20 km aroundFree quotes
Lead is the one part of a roof that is still fitted the way it was a hundred years ago, by hand, and it is the part that gets patched with sealant most often. A chimney flashing that has pulled out of the mortar joint, a valley with a split in it, a back gutter choked with moss, or an apron that was never dressed properly in the first place will all let water in, and sealant only hides it for a season.
We cut the old lead out and replace it with new code 4 or code 5 lead, dressed into chased joints and properly lapped, with soakers under the tiles where they are needed. Valleys are relined, back gutters rebuilt and roof windows re-flashed. Done once, done properly, and it will see the roof out.
What is included
- Chimney flashings: stepped flashings, aprons, soakers and back gutters
- Lead valleys relined between two roof slopes
- Abutment flashings where a roof meets a wall or a neighbour's roof
- Lead around roof windows, vents and pipes
- Lead-welded details on dormers and parapets
- Old sealant patches cut out and the lead done properly
Signs your leadwork has failed
- A damp patch on the chimney breast or in the corner of a room against an outside wall
- Lead that has lifted out of the brick joint or is flapping in the wind
- A valley with moss, debris or a visible split
- Sealant, tape or bitumen smeared over the flashings, which means they were leaking before
- Green staining on brickwork below the flashing
- A leak that only appears in driving rain from one direction
How much does lead flashing repair cost?
Lead is priced by the metre and by the complexity of the detail. Re-flashing one side of a chimney is a small job; a full chimney with stepped flashings, soakers and a back gutter, or a long valley, is more, and most need a roof ladder or scaffold. We photograph the lead, tell you what has failed and quote a fixed price in writing.
Why not just seal it?
Sealant and flashing tape are a temporary fix at best. They crack within a season or two, trap water behind them, and make the proper repair harder when it comes. New lead costs more on the day and then lasts for decades, which is why it is the only way we do it.
What customers say.
5.0from 129 reviews on BarkThe roof on our extension had been leaking for months. They inspected, explained the issue, and handled the repair brilliantly.
William responded to my request on Bark to replace a slate tile within minutes, and was able to do the work the same day, good job, fair price and nice guy.
Had a new roof installed last week. Very professional job from start to finish. Everything feels solid and looks great from the street.
Good questions, answered.
Anything else, just ask. You speak to Will or Sam, not a call centre.
What code of lead do you use?
Code 4 for flashings and soakers, code 5 for valleys and gutters where there is more water and movement. Thinner lead is cheaper and is why some flashings split within a few years.
Can you re-flash a chimney without scaffolding?
Sometimes, from a roof ladder, if it is a single flashing on an easy roof. For a full chimney we use a scaffold tower so the work is done safely and properly.
How long does leadwork last?
Properly fitted lead regularly lasts 60 years or more. Most of the lead we replace failed early because it was too thin, not lapped or never chased into the wall.
Do you fix lead theft damage?
Yes. We replace stolen flashings and valleys quickly and can fit anti-theft fixings or discuss alternatives for roofs that keep getting targeted.
Need leadwork & flashings? Get a free quote.
Call Will and Sam or send a few details and we will come out, look at the roof properly and give you a fixed written quote.
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