If you've ever had a roof leak and been told "the flashings have gone," you probably nodded along without really knowing what that meant. You're not alone — most homeowners have never heard of flashings, let alone understood why they're one of the most critical parts of any roof. Let's change that.
What Are Flashings?
Flashings are strips of material — usually lead — that seal the joints where different parts of the roof meet. Anywhere the roof surface meets a wall, a chimney, a skylight, a valley, or another section of roof, there's a potential entry point for water. Flashings cover these joints to keep the water out.
Common places you'll find flashings:
- Around chimneys — where the chimney stack meets the roof tiles
- Where a roof meets a wall — such as where an extension roof joins the main house wall (called an abutment)
- In valleys — the internal angles where two roof slopes meet
- Around skylights and roof windows — sealing the frame to the surrounding tiles
- At the base of parapet walls — common on terraced and commercial properties
Why Lead?
Lead has been used for roofing for centuries, and for good reason. It's incredibly durable — properly installed lead flashings can last 80–100 years. Lead is malleable, meaning it can be dressed (shaped) to fit complex junctions perfectly. It doesn't corrode, it withstands extreme temperatures, and it naturally develops a protective patina that resists weathering.
There are cheaper alternatives — zinc, aluminium, and adhesive flashing tapes — but none offer the same combination of longevity, flexibility, and reliability. For any critical junction on your roof, lead is the professional choice.
How Do Flashings Fail?
Despite lead's durability, flashings do eventually fail. Here's what we see most commonly across properties in Staffordshire and Cheshire:
Thermal fatigue. Lead expands in heat and contracts in cold. Over decades of thermal cycling, the lead can crack — particularly in long, unsupported runs. This is why proper installation includes expansion joints and step-work that allows the lead to move without cracking.
Poor original installation. This is the number one cause of flashing failure that we encounter. Lead that's been cut too thin, wedged into mortar joints without proper chase cutting, or simply laid flat without any dressing will fail much sooner than it should. We regularly replace flashings on properties in Stafford, Congleton, and Crewe that are only 10–15 years old because the original installation was substandard.
Mortar deterioration. Lead flashings are tucked into mortar joints in the brickwork and held in place with lead wedges. Over time, the surrounding mortar can erode, allowing the lead to slip out. Repointing around flashings is a straightforward repair.
Physical damage. Aerial installations, satellite dishes, and even painters leaning ladders against flashings can dislodge or damage them. If you notice your flashings have been disturbed, get them checked before the next rain.
Signs Your Flashings Need Attention
- Damp patches on internal walls where the roof meets a wall
- Water stains on ceilings near chimneys or skylights
- Visible gaps between the flashing and the brickwork
- Lead that looks cracked, lifted, or has pulled away from the wall
- Green or white staining on brickwork below the flashing line
If you spot any of these, it's worth getting a roofer to inspect the flashings. A repair at this stage is usually straightforward and cost-effective — typically £300 to £800 depending on the location and extent of the work.
The ArcLine Approach to Leadwork
At ArcLine Group, leadwork is one of our core skills. We use Code 4 and Code 5 lead sheet (the industry standard for flashings and valleys), cut and dressed on-site to fit your specific roof. We don't use adhesive strips, silicone, or pre-formed alternatives — we do it properly with traditional materials that last.
We cover all aspects of leadwork across Staffordshire and Cheshire:
- Chimney flashings (step, apron, back gutter)
- Abutment flashings (where roofs meet walls)
- Valley linings (lead-lined valleys between roof slopes)
- Flat roof detailing (upstands, drips, rolls)
- Skylight and roof window surrounds
Every leadwork job comes with our workmanship guarantee and is carried out by our own experienced team.
Get Your Flashings Checked
If your roof is leaking near a chimney, wall junction, or valley, there's a good chance the flashings are the problem. We provide free inspections and quotes across Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Congleton, Crewe, Nantwich and all surrounding areas. Call 01785 305 042 or request a quote online — we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
