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Leadwork & chimneys

NFRC member roofers · Peterborough

Leadwork and chimney repairs in Peterborough

Lead flashings, valleys and chimney stacks are where most roofs start to leak. We repair and replace them properly, in the right code of lead and the right lengths, to last for decades.

Book a free roof check Call 0800 193 9030

What we do

Lead and chimney work done the traditional way

For houses, period properties and commercial buildings across Peterborough and the surrounding villages.

Chimney flashings

Step and cover flashings around chimney stacks replaced in lead, chased and pointed into the brickwork.

Lead valleys

Worn or split lead valleys replaced with the correct code and lap lengths.

Abutments & bays

Lead to walls, dormers, bays and porches, and lead-covered flat areas.

Chimney repointing

Weathered mortar raked out and repointed to stop water soaking into the stack.

Flaunching & pots

Cracked flaunching (the mortar cap) renewed, and loose pots and cowls secured.

Chimney rebuilds & removal

Unsafe or leaning stacks rebuilt above the roof line, or removed and the roof made good.

Know the signs

Signs your chimney or leadwork needs repair

Check from the ground with binoculars, and from the loft.

Book a free roof check

Damp or stained chimney breasts inside
Lifted, split or missing lead around the stack
Mortar joints that look eroded or sandy
Cracked or missing flaunching around the pots
A visible lean in the stack
Water stains around roof windows or dormers

Expert guide

Why lead and chimneys fail, and how we fix them properly

Chimneys stand above the roof and take the full force of wind and rain, and the joint between stack and roof is a natural weak point. Many “roof leaks” are actually chimney leaks.

Lead done right lasts a lifetime

According to the Lead Sheet Training Academy, correctly installed lead sheet can last over 80 years, and over 100 years for heavier codes. Lead fails early when it is installed wrongly: pieces that are too long split as they expand and contract, so flashings should generally be no longer than 1.5m. We use the right code for each job, keep to the recommended lengths and laps, and chase flashings properly into the brickwork rather than relying on sealant.

Common chimney problems

Failed flashings: lead that has lifted, split or been replaced with cement fillets.
Eroded mortar joints that let rain soak into the brickwork and show as damp on chimney breasts.
Cracked flaunching around the pots, letting water down inside the stack.
Open, unused flues that let rain in. Capping with ventilation solves this.
Leaning stacks, often from sulphate attack, which may need rebuilding.

Safety first

Chimney work is high-level work. The HSE reports that almost one in five deaths in construction involve roof work, so we always use proper access, either scaffold or a chimney access platform, never just a ladder.

How it works

From first call to signed-off roof

Inspect
We check the stack, flashings and lead from safe access, and from the loft for signs of water.
Fixed price
A written price listing the lead code, the work and the access needed.
Repair
Lead dressed, fixed and pointed; stack repointed or rebuilt as agreed.
Sign-off
Photos of the finished work and a 10-year written guarantee.

Guide prices

How much does it cost?

Typical prices, excluding scaffold unless stated. Most chimney work needs scaffold or a chimney platform, which we include in your quote. Every roof is different, so we always give a fixed, written price after a free roof check.

Get your fixed price

Up to 25% lessthan typical prices elsewhere (illustrative comparison*)

Job	Upsize guide price	Typical elsewhere*
Replace chimney lead flashings	£400 – £1,050	£500 – £1,300
Repoint a chimney stack	£340 – £900	£400 – £1,100
Renew flaunching and secure pots	£290 – £700	£350 – £900
Replace a lead valley	£700 – £1,700	£900 – £2,100
Rebuild a chimney above roof line	£1,700 – £4,600	£2,100 – £5,750
Cap an unused chimney	£170 – £400	£200 – £500

*Illustrative figures only. “Typical elsewhere” shows prices around 25% higher than our guide prices, to illustrate how we compare. Guide prices include VAT and are not a quote.

Our work

Photos from recent jobs

Real photos from our own roofing jobs around Peterborough. No stock images.

Pantile roof at a rendered wall abutment with old lead flashing exposed for renewal — LeadworkLead abutment flashing renewal

Roof section relaid around a vent pipe with a new lead slate and breathable membrane — LeadworkVent pipe detail with lead slate

Standards & sources

What the regulations and research say

We work to current British Standards, HSE guidance and Building Regulations. Here are the sources behind the advice on this page.

RIBA Journal / Lead Sheet Training AcademyThe top ten dos and don’ts of rolled lead sheet
Flashings should generally be no longer than 1.5m. Correctly installed lead can last over 80 years, and over 100 years for heavier codes.
HSERoof work – Health and Safety Executive
Almost one in five deaths in construction work involve roof work. HSE advises treating every roof as fragile until a competent person confirms otherwise.
Planning PortalBuilding Regulations: work to an existing roof
Approval is needed for larger re-roofs, structural alterations, a covering with different fire performance, or one that adds 15% or more to the roof’s weight.

FAQs

Leadwork & chimneys: your questions answered

Can't see your question? Call 0800 193 9030 or send us a message.

How much does it cost to replace chimney flashing?

Replacing the lead flashings around a typical chimney stack usually costs £400–£1,050, plus access if scaffold is needed. The price depends on the stack size and whether repointing is needed at the same time.

How long does lead flashing last?

Correctly installed lead can last over 80 years, and over 100 years for heavier codes, according to the Lead Sheet Training Academy. Early failure is usually due to pieces that are too long, the wrong code or poor fixing.

What code of lead is used for flashings?

Lead sheet comes in different thicknesses, called codes. The right code depends on the job: flashings, valleys, gutters and flat areas each need a suitable thickness. We choose the code for each detail following the Lead Sheet Training Academy’s guidance.

Why is my chimney breast damp?

Common causes are failed flashings, eroded mortar joints, cracked flaunching or an uncapped flue letting rain in. Condensation inside a disused flue can also cause damp. An inspection will find which it is.

Does a leaning chimney need rebuilding?

Often, yes. A noticeable lean is usually caused by sulphate attack on the mortar and can become dangerous in high winds. We assess it and advise whether to rebuild or remove it.

Can I remove a chimney stack?

Removing the stack above the roof is often possible and is then roofed over. Removing chimney breasts inside affects structure and needs building regulations approval, and party wall rules may apply.

Do you need scaffolding to repair a chimney?

In most cases, yes. Safe access is a legal requirement for work at height. Small jobs can sometimes be done from a chimney access platform or roof ladder; we include access in every quote.

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Areas we cover