Lead flashing failure is the most common cause of persistent roof leaks on Tunbridge Wells period properties. Sandstone stacks requiring lime mortar is the primary accelerant in Tunbridge Wells. We replace chimney aprons, step flashings, valley lead and dormer junctions — Code 5 as standard on all exposed positions. Free diagnosis visit. 5 miles south from Tonbridge.
Lead flashing work in Tunbridge Wells requires correct specification — Code 3 on an exposed Tunbridge Wells chimney fails within 10 years. We specify correctly by default.
The apron flashing — front face of the chimney — takes the highest weather loading in Tunbridge Wells. Code 5 (2.24mm) minimum. Welted joints on all lap positions. Correctly chased into the mortar joint above.
Step flashings up the chimney sides in Tunbridge Wells require soakers under each tile course and correctly-overlapping lead steps above. We install to Lead Sheet Association specification throughout.
Open valley lead on Tunbridge Wells properties — Code 4 minimum, Code 5 on steep-pitch high-flow valleys. Welted cross-joints every 1.5m maximum. Correctly lapped under tile courses.
Dormer cheek and apron flashings on Tunbridge Wells properties require careful dressing to the dormer frame and underlying tile. Failure at dormer flashings is common on 1970s-90s extensions throughout Tunbridge Wells.
If you have a persistent leak in Tunbridge Wells that has not been correctly diagnosed, we carry out an on-roof investigation and identify the flashing or tile cause. Free investigation with any repair booking.
We specify the correct lead code for every position — Code 3 is too thin for exposed work anywhere in Tunbridge Wells. Every quote states the lead code and joint method. If a quote doesn't — ask.
Lead flashing failure in Tunbridge Wells is accelerated by sandstone stacks requiring lime mortar. The housing stock — Victorian and Edwardian villas and terraces — means the majority of lead work we attend in Tunbridge Wells is on pre-1940 properties where the original flashing specification was modest and has not been upgraded since.
The most common pattern on Tunbridge Wells properties: Code 3 flat-lapped lead installed 10-15 years ago is now splitting at lap joints and admitting water that tracks to a ceiling drip remote from the actual entry point. The correct fix is Code 5 with welted joints and a correctly chased top edge — this lasts 40 years in Tunbridge Wells's conditions rather than 10.
Call 0173 224 1138 for a free, no-obligation survey and written quote. We cover Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area from our Tonbridge base.
Typical price ranges. All quotes are free, written and fixed-price. Call 0173 224 1138.
| Job Type | Typical Cost | Timescale |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney apron — Code 5 | £280–£480 | Half–full day |
| Full chimney system — Code 5 throughout | £600–£950 | 1–2 days |
| Valley re-lead — Code 5 (per metre) | £150–£250 | varies |
| Dormer apron + sides | £450–£850 | 1 day |
| Flashing re-chase + re-secure only | £150–£300 | Half day |
| Leak investigation + report | Free with repair booking | 1–2 hrs |
"North-facing chimney flashing failed twice in eight years. They specified Code 5 with welted joints — explained why previous repairs had failed. Three winters, completely dry."
"Valley re-lead on a period property — previous lead was Code 3 and had only lasted nine years. New lead in correct Code 5 with welted seams. Completely watertight."
"Persistent leak above the landing — three roofers had looked, none found the source. These found a failed step flashing in 20 minutes on-roof. Fixed same day."
Sandstone stacks requiring lime mortar accelerates lead failure in Tunbridge Wells. Code 3 flat-lapped lead in exposed positions fails within 10-15 years. Code 5 with welted joints lasts 40+ years. We specify correctly as standard.
Code 5 (2.24mm) minimum on apron and step flashings. Code 4 on soakers. Code 5 or 6 on back gutters. We state the code in every written quote.
Yes — free leak investigation included with any repair booking. We inspect on-roof, identify the source, and quote the repair at the same visit. Call 0173 224 1138.
Chimney apron: £280–£480. Full chimney system: £600–£950. Valley re-lead: £150–£250/metre. Free written quote on 0173 224 1138.
If the lead has split at lap joints or is pulling from the chase, repair may extend life. If it is undersized (Code 3 on an exposed position), the correct fix is replacement in Code 5. We diagnose on-roof before quoting.
Code numbers refer to lead weight per m²: Code 4 is 1.78mm thick, Code 5 is 2.24mm. Code 5 is the minimum for apron and step flashings on Tunbridge Wells exposed chimney positions. Code 3 — commonly installed — is too thin for sustained weather loading and fails within 10–15 years.
10-year written workmanship guarantee on all lead work we carry out in Tunbridge Wells. Correct specification is also the best long-term guarantee — Code 5 with welted joints lasts 40+ years.
No call-out fee. No obligation. We serve Tunbridge Wells from our Tonbridge base.
0173 224 1138 ✉ Email Us