Chimney and Leadwork in Sussex and Surrey

Chimneys and roof junctions are exposed to rain, wind and changing weather throughout the year. Over time, mortar joints, flashing, leadwork and other components can deteriorate and allow water into the property.

Find My Roofer provides chimney repairs, leadwork, flashing repairs and roof junction work across Sussex and Surrey.

Whether you have noticed a leak around a chimney, damaged flashing, loose mortar or deterioration around the roof, we can assess the problem and explain the appropriate repair.

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Chimney Repairs

Chimneys can develop a range of problems as they age.

Weather exposure can gradually affect mortar joints, brickwork, flashing and other parts of the chimney structure.

Common chimney problems include:

Deteriorated mortar joints
Cracked or damaged mortar
Loose or damaged flashing
Water entering around the chimney
Damaged chimney pots
Damaged chimney coverings
Weathered brickwork
Structural deterioration
Moss and vegetation growth
Storm damage

The appropriate repair depends on the condition and construction of the chimney.

Lead Flashing Repairs

Lead flashing is commonly used around chimneys, roof junctions and other areas where different parts of a building meet.

Its purpose is to help prevent rainwater getting through vulnerable junctions.

Over time, lead flashing can become:

Loose
Split
Cracked
Damaged
Displaced
Poorly sealed
Deteriorated around joints

Failed flashing can be a significant cause of roof leaks.

If you have damp or water appearing around a chimney, the flashing should be checked as part of the investigation.

Chimney Flashing

The junction between a chimney and roof requires careful weatherproofing.

If the flashing has failed, rainwater can enter around the base or sides of the chimney and travel into the roof space.

Signs of a possible chimney flashing problem include:

Damp around the chimney
Water appearing in the loft
Ceiling stains near the chimney
Deteriorated flashing
Cracked mortar around flashing
Visible gaps
Water entering during heavy rain

Our Roof Leak Detection page provides more information about identifying the source of roof leaks.

Repointing Chimneys

The mortar between bricks can deteriorate over time due to weather exposure.

Where mortar joints have become damaged or eroded, repointing may help restore the condition of the chimney.

However, repointing should not be used as a substitute for dealing with other problems such as failed flashing or structural movement.

The chimney should be assessed as a complete system before deciding what work is required.

Chimney Weather Damage

Chimneys are exposed to the weather more than many other parts of a building.

Wind, rain, frost and temperature changes can gradually contribute to deterioration.

Older chimneys can be particularly vulnerable if mortar joints, brickwork or flashing have already begun to fail.

If you notice loose masonry, damaged mortar or other visible problems, it is worth having the chimney checked before the condition worsens.

Chimney Leaks

A chimney can be responsible for water entering a property even when the roof covering itself appears to be in good condition.

Water may enter through:

Failed flashing
Damaged mortar
Cracked masonry
Damaged chimney coverings
Defective roof junctions
Deteriorated pointing

The source of the leak should be identified before repair work is carried out.

Leadwork Around Roofs

Lead is used in many areas of traditional and modern roofing.

Depending on the property, leadwork may be found around:

Chimneys
Roof junctions
Abutments
Valleys
Roof edges
Dormers
Extensions
Other changes in roof level

Damaged or poorly maintained leadwork can allow water into the roof structure.

Where leadwork has failed, the correct repair depends on the location, condition and construction of the roof.

Chimney Repairs and Roof Repairs

Chimney problems and roof problems often overlap.

A leak around a chimney may initially appear to be a general roof leak, while damaged roof flashing may actually be the cause.

This is why we look at the surrounding roof as well as the chimney itself.

Our Roof Repairs service covers a wider range of roofing problems across Sussex and Surrey.

Should Chimney Flashing Be Repaired or Replaced?

This depends on its condition.

Minor problems may sometimes be repaired, while extensively damaged or deteriorated flashing may require replacement.

Factors to consider include:

The extent of the damage
The age of the existing flashing
Whether water is entering the property
The condition of surrounding mortar
The construction of the chimney
Previous repair work

The aim is to provide a suitable repair rather than repeatedly patching the same problem.

Storm-Damaged Chimneys

Strong winds and severe weather can cause damage to chimneys and roof junctions.

You may notice:

Loose flashing
Damaged mortar
Missing components
Cracked masonry
Movement
Water entering the property

If a chimney appears unstable or has suffered significant damage, avoid approaching or attempting to repair it yourself.

A professional assessment should establish what work is required.

For urgent storm-related roofing problems, see our Emergency Roof Repairs page.

Chimney and Leadwork Across Sussex and Surrey

Find My Roofer provides chimney and leadwork services across a wide area of Sussex and Surrey.

Areas we can cover include:

Crawley
East Grinstead
Horsham
Haywards Heath
Burgess Hill
Brighton and Hove
Worthing
Redhill
Reigate
Leatherhead
Guildford
And surrounding areas

If you are unsure whether we cover your location, send us the property postcode and details of the problem.

Our Approach to Chimney and Leadwork

A chimney leak is not always caused by one obvious defect.

We consider the complete area around the chimney and roof junction.

Our approach is to establish:

WHAT is damaged?

WHERE is water entering?

HOW has the problem developed?

WHY has the existing weatherproofing failed?

WHAT repair is likely to provide the most sensible solution?

This helps avoid treating only the visible symptom while leaving the underlying problem unresolved.

Roofing Projects and Case Studies

Our Roofing Projects and Case Studies section will show examples of actual roofing work as the project library develops.

Where appropriate, this can include chimney repairs, flashing work, roof leaks and other roof-junction problems.

Photographs of real projects can help show the condition before work and the completed result.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney and Leadwork

1. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHIMNEY IS LEAKING?

Damp patches around the chimney, water entering the loft, ceiling stains and visible deterioration around flashing or mortar can all indicate a possible chimney leak.

2. WHAT CAUSES CHIMNEY LEAKS?

Common causes include failed flashing, deteriorated mortar, damaged masonry, defective roof junctions and damaged chimney coverings.

3. CAN YOU REPAIR LEAD FLASHING?

Yes. Where appropriate, damaged lead flashing can be repaired or replaced depending on its condition.

4. DOES DAMAGED CHIMNEY MORTAR NEED REPOINTING?

It may. If mortar joints have deteriorated, repointing may be appropriate, but the chimney should also be checked for other problems.

5. CAN A CHIMNEY CAUSE A ROOF LEAK?

Yes. The junction between a chimney and roof is a potential point for water ingress if flashing, mortar or other weatherproofing has failed.

6. SHOULD I REPLACE OR REPAIR CHIMNEY FLASHING?

That depends on the extent and condition of the damage. Minor defects may be repairable, while extensively deteriorated flashing may need replacing.

7. CAN YOU DEAL WITH STORM-DAMAGED CHIMNEYS?

Yes, subject to the condition and safety of the chimney and the work required.

8. DO YOU COVER CHIMNEY AND LEADWORK IN SUSSEX AND SURREY?

Yes. Find My Roofer provides chimney, flashing and leadwork services across Sussex and Surrey, subject to the location and project requirements.

9. CAN YOU INVESTIGATE A LEAK AROUND MY CHIMNEY?

Yes. If you are experiencing water ingress around a chimney, we can assess the roof and chimney junction to help identify the likely cause.

Need Chimney or Leadwork Repairs?

If you have leaking chimney flashing, damaged leadwork, deteriorated mortar or water entering around your chimney, it is worth dealing with the problem before further water damage occurs.

Tell us where the property is located and what you have noticed.