PROJECTS
Chimney Repair and Re-flashing in Roughton, Norfolk
A major chimney repair on a bungalow in Roughton, near Cromer. Previous bodge repairs using expanding foam had failed, leaving the membrane torn, flashing compromised and water tracking into the roof space. Our team stripped everything back and rebuilt the chimney junction properly with new lead flashing and membrane.
Project overview
A major chimney repair on a bungalow in Roughton, near Cromer. Previous bodge repairs using expanding foam had failed, leaving the membrane torn, flashing compromised and water tracking into the roof space. Our team stripped everything back and rebuilt the chimney junction properly with new lead flashing and membrane.
Before – What we found during the survey
The homeowner had been dealing with damp patches on an upstairs ceiling for some time and had already had another company attempt a repair. When our team surveyed the property, we quickly found the source of the problem.
Around both chimney stacks, the roof membrane had torn and deteriorated, leaving visible holes where rainwater was tracking straight into the roof space. Worse still, a previous contractor had attempted to seal the chimney junction using expanding foam rather than proper lead flashing. The foam had failed completely, crumbling away and leaving the junction more exposed than before the so-called repair.
The mortar around the chimney base had also broken down, and debris had accumulated in the valleys and gutters surrounding the stacks. This was not a quick patch job. The entire chimney junction needed stripping back and rebuilding properly.
During – Stripping back the failed repairs
With scaffolding in place, our team carefully stripped back all the previous repair work and damaged materials:
Removed all expanding foam, failed sealant and old mortar from around both chimney stacks.
Stripped back the deteriorated membrane to expose the timber structure beneath, checking for any rot or structural damage.
Removed and replaced any damaged timber where the long-term water ingress had caused deterioration.
Cleaned out all valleys, gutters and drainage channels around the chimney area.
Prepared the brickwork for new flashing by raking out old mortar joints to the correct depth.
Stripping everything back revealed just how much damage the water had been causing behind the scenes. The expanding foam had actually made things worse by trapping moisture against the timber rather than keeping it out. This is a common problem we see with bodge repairs and is exactly why chimney work should always be done properly with lead flashing.
After – Properly flashed and fully weatherproof
With a clean, dry structure to work with, our team rebuilt the chimney junctions to a standard that will last for decades:
New code 4 lead flashing dressed and chased into the chimney brickwork on both stacks, creating a permanent watertight seal.
New breathable membrane installed and properly lapped around the chimney area, replacing the torn original.
All mortar joints re-pointed with a flexible, frost-resistant mix around the chimney base.
Tiles re-laid with correct gauge and overlap, ensuring no gaps for wind-driven rain to penetrate.
Full inspection and water test carried out before handover to confirm everything was watertight.
The homeowner now has a properly repaired roof that will protect the property for years to come, with no more damp patches on the ceiling. This project is a reminder that cutting corners on chimney repairs nearly always costs more in the long run. Expanding foam and sealant are not substitutes for proper lead flashing, and getting the job done right the first time saves both money and stress.
Project details
- Service
- Chimney Repairs & Re-pointing
- Location
- Roughton
- Completed
- April 2026
- Stages
- 3
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