5.051 Google reviews5.0 on Yell from 213 ratings
Chimney flashing repair in Brighton, in proper lead
Damp on the chimney breast after heavy rain is the classic sign of failed lead, and Sure Seal carry out chimney flashing repair in Brighton to seal that joint properly. Our 24/7 emergency line is open if water is already coming in.
Fix your chimney flashing
Pick the job. It takes about 30 seconds.
Or call 01273 115938. No deposit, no call-out charge.
5.0 on Google51 reviews, all 5 stars
5.0 on Yellfrom 213 ratings
Expert Roofer VerifiedEvery check passed, see our profileHow failed flashing gives itself away
Flashing problems show up inside the house long before most people look at the roof.
Lead lifting off the brickwork
Wind and frost work lead flashing out of its mortar joint. Once the top edge lifts, rain runs straight down behind it and into the roof.
Damp only after heavy rain
A damp patch on the chimney breast or ceiling that appears after wind-driven rain and dries out in between points to the flashing.
Cracked cement fillets
Many older chimneys have a cement fillet instead of lead. It cracks as the stack and roof move, and water runs straight through the gap.
Sealant or tape repairs
Silicone smeared along the joint or tape stuck over it is a stopgap. Both peel away in sun and frost and let the water back in.
Rotten battens by the stack
Wet, dark timber or stained felt beside the chimney in the loft means water has been getting past the flashing for some time.
Proper lead, dressed on site
We strip out the old lead, cement fillets and any sealant patches, then rake out the mortar joints ready to take the new flashing. Every piece of lead is cut and dressed on site to suit your chimney and roof pitch: soakers slipped under each slate or tile up the sides, step flashing over them, an apron across the front and a back gutter behind the stack to carry water round it.
Each piece is tucked into a mortar joint, held with lead wedges and pointed in, so the top edge cannot lift away from the brick. We use the right code of lead for each part, heavier where it handles more water, and finish it with patination oil so it weathers evenly and does not streak the roof below. Laps, not sealant, are what keep the water out.
- Old lead, fillets and sealant stripped
- Soakers under every course
- Step flashing wedged and pointed
- Front apron and back gutter
- Right lead code for each piece
- Patination oil to finish
Chimney lead on Brighton's slate roofs
On Brighton's Welsh slate terraces, the joint between chimney and roof takes a beating. Wind-driven rain off the sea hits the stacks side-on, and shared stacks straddling the party wall have long runs of flashing on both slopes. Decades of quick fixes mean many of them now wear cement fillets and silicone instead of proper lead. We put back what these roofs were built with: dressed lead, with soakers under the slates, done the traditional way.
New lead or a refix?
There are two proper ways to deal with a leaking chimney joint, and the state of the old lead decides which.
Full lead replacement
New soakers, step flashing, apron and back gutter, cut to fit, wedged into the brickwork and pointed. It is the permanent fix for split, thin or missing lead and for chimneys patched with cement or sealant.
Best for: Split lead, fillets and sealant bodges
Refix and repoint
When the lead itself is sound but has pulled out of the joint, we rake out, re-wedge and repoint it. It suits newer flashing that has simply worked loose in the wind.
Best for: Sound lead that has lifted
Reviews from real Sure Seal customers
Had Jamie and the team out sort a leak on my roof fast reliable and even cleaned up and took away the waste would highly recommend them and even beat a previous quote I had got
We had an issue with a leak coming from our chimney and on getting up there realised our flat roof had been installed poorly. Brendan was so professional throughout, talking us through everything and not pressuring us to make quick decisions regarding the repair. His team were very efficient and got the job done in 2 days. Brendan kept me updated throughout the job, sending photos of the work. His team left the place spotless, even washing down the roof on completion. Having had a few quotes from some rather suspect companies, these guys are so genuine and clearly take pride in doing the job well. Would recommend and call again if needed.
I had an excellent experience with Sure Seal Roofing & Gutter Ltd from start to finish. Their team was professional, reliable, and incredibly efficient. Communication was clear throughout the entire process, and they took the time to explain everything in detail, which I really appreciated. The quality of the work exceeded my expectations they were meticulous, fast, and left everything spotless when the job was done. It’s clear they take a lot of pride in what they do, and it shows in the results. I’m very happy with the outcome and would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for trustworthy and skilled roofing professionals. Thank you again for such a great experience
If you have any roofing work or repairs to be done, then look no further than Sureseal Roofing & Guttering. I have found William and his team to be responsive & professional. They were able to address all my queries and advise wherever necessary. Most importantly their standard of finished work measured upto what had been committed, as well as my expectations of high quality. I whole-heartedly recommend their work.
I had an issue with my roof. There was a slight leak. It turned out to be a major issue. I called multiple companies they were asking for substantial amount of money. Some of them even mention that I have to replace the whole roof but this company has turned up and sorted out with a very minor issues and Very cost efficient. I highly recommend them
I am extremely impressed with the fascias, soffits, and gutter cleaning service! The team was efficient, professional, and thorough, leaving everything spotless. My gutters are now functioning perfectly, and the fascias and soffits look brand new. Highly recommend this service to anyone looking for quality and reliable work. Great job!
What decides the cost of new lead
The width of the chimney, the parts that need new lead and the access decide the price. A narrow stack on one slope needs far less lead than a wide shared stack sitting astride the ridge. If battens or slates around the base have rotted from years of leaking, we show you the photos and include them in the price before we start.
What sets the price
- Width of the stack
- Soakers, steps, apron or back gutter
- Weight of lead needed
- Scaffold or roof access
- Rotten battens or slates at the base
- Repointing while the joints are open
No surprises: the price on your written quote is the price you pay. No deposit.
From your call to a finished job
Tell us what's wrong
Tap the problem, fill in the short form or call Jamie. We respond fast, and emergencies get a call-out 24/7.
Free drone survey
We put a drone over the roof and show you the photos, so you see exactly what we see.
Fixed written quote
One price for the job that's actually needed. No deposit and no call-out charge.
Done and cleared
We do the work, take every bit of waste away and leave the place spotless.
Chimney flashing questions
What is chimney flashing?
Chimney flashing is the lead that seals the joint between the stack and the roof. It is made up of soakers under the slates or tiles, step flashing up the sides, an apron at the front and a back gutter behind, each tucked into the mortar joints. Without it, rain runs straight down the brickwork and into your roof space.
What are the signs of leaking chimney flashing?
Look for damp on the chimney breast or ceiling near the stack after heavy rain, lead that looks lifted or loose, cracked cement where the stack meets the roof, and wet timber beside the chimney in the loft. If the stack is hard to see from the ground, our free drone survey shows every side of the flashing up close.
Can chimney flashing be sealed with silicone or tape?
Only as a stopgap. Silicone and flashing tape need clean, dry surfaces to stick, and they peel away from dusty brick and weathered lead after a season or two of sun and frost. They also hide the real problem while water keeps getting in underneath. If we seal a leak in an emergency, we come back and fit proper lead.
Why is lead used for chimney flashing?
Lead is soft enough to dress by hand into every step and corner of a chimney, heavy enough to stay put in high winds and tough enough to last as long as the roof around it. It does not rot, crack in frost or break down in sunlight. That combination is why it has sealed chimneys for centuries and still beats every substitute.
What is a chimney back gutter?
A back gutter is the lead tray behind the chimney, on the uphill side of the roof. Rain running down the slope hits the stack, and the back gutter catches it and carries it round the sides so it cannot pool behind the chimney. A missing, split or badly formed back gutter is one of the most common chimney leaks we find.
Damp patch by the chimney again?
Get the lead done properly once and stop repainting that ceiling.