Chimney or flashing repair in the UK
Re-leading or replacing chimney flashings — one of the most common roof leak sources.
Typical UK cost range
£350–£1,500
National baseline. City-specific ranges are adjusted for local labour and access costs on the city pages below. See the full UK cost guide for the methodology and the factors that move a quote.
What the job involves
Chimney flashings are the metal (usually lead) sheets that seal where the chimney stack meets the roof surface. They are the single most common leak source on UK pitched roofs because the stack moves slightly with thermal expansion and the flashings fatigue over decades.
A proper re-lead job chases out the existing lead from the mortar joint, dresses new code-4 or code-5 lead around the stack, and bedded it back in with fresh mortar. Shortcuts — silicone over old failing lead, for example — are not durable.
What changes the price
- Stack size and whether all four faces need re-leading.
- Scaffold requirement (almost always for chimney work above the first floor).
- Whether the brick pointing underneath is also failing and needs repointing.
- Whether the cowl and pot are sound or need replacing at the same time.
Timeline: Usually 1–2 days on site plus scaffold hire time.
Pick a city for local pricing
Each city page has adjusted cost ranges, local context, and the roofers in our directory that cover it.
Major English cities
Other English cities
Northern Ireland
Get three quotes for chimney or flashing repair
Tell us about the job once and we pass the brief to suitable roofers in your postcode. Free, no obligation, no pressure.
Start my quote requestCommon questions
How long should new lead flashing last?
Code 4 or 5 lead flashing, properly dressed and bedded, has a service life of 60–100 years on a UK domestic chimney. The failure mode is usually the mortar bed, not the lead itself.
Can I use silicone or flashing tape as a cheaper option?
Those products have a place for temporary repairs and for flat surfaces that don’t flex, but they’re not a long-term substitute for dressed lead on a chimney. A good roofer will quote the proper repair and explain why.
Related guides
Independent rankings — no pay-to-rank. See Methodology, Complaints & corrections.