The short answer
Roof leadwork covers the lead used to seal joints where a roof meets a chimney, wall, valley or abutment. Replacing lead flashing typically costs around £40–£70 per metre fitted, while a chimney re-flash commonly runs £200–£600 — rising to roughly £700–£1,000 once scaffolding is needed. Other jobs sit at different points: step flashing around £200–£700 and flat-roof flashing around £180–£900, depending on size and access. Two roofers usually work together at around £200–£300 a day, and many flashing jobs are done in a day or less. The main drivers are the metres of lead, the lead code, the height and access of the work, and whether scaffolding is required.
Leadwork is priced on how much lead is being replaced, how heavy a code it needs, and how hard it is to reach. The figures below are typical fitted prices for guidance, not quotations.
Typical UK costs
- Lead flashing (fitted)£40–£70 / metre
- Chimney re-flash£200–£600
- Chimney re-flash + scaffold~£700–£1,000
- Step flashing£200–£700
- Roofers' day rate (pair)£200–£300
What drives the price
- Metres of lead: you largely pay per metre of flashing or valley, so a long abutment or a full re-flash costs more than a short patch.
- Lead code: heavier codes (Code 5 and up) use more lead per square metre and cost more than Code 3 or 4 — see the lead codes page.
- Height & access: a two-storey or steep roof often needs scaffolding or a tower, which can add several hundred pounds.
- Condition: if mortar or timber behind the lead has failed, that repair adds to the leadwork.
| Job | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lead flashing (fitted) | £40–£70 / m | varies by code & access |
| Chimney re-flash | £200–£600 | single-storey, easy access |
| Chimney re-flash + scaffold | ~£700–£1,000 | two-storey or awkward stack |
| Step / flat-roof flashing | £200–£900 | depends on size |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sources: Checkatrade and MyJobQuote leadwork cost guides.
Why scaffolding moves the number
A large share of a leadwork bill can be access. On a single-storey extension a roofer may reach the work from a tower, but a chimney or abutment two storeys up needs a safe platform, and scaffold hire commonly runs £60–£150 a day on top of the leadwork itself. That is why the same chimney re-flash can be £200–£600 at low level but £700–£1,000 once scaffolding is added. It is worth asking for access to be itemised so you can see what you are paying for.
Want a clear leadwork quote?
We'll match you with a vetted leadwork roofer who inspects the lead, plans safe access, and quotes on a clear specification — metres, lead code and scaffolding all set out.
Frequently asked questions
How much does roof leadwork cost?
Replacing lead flashing typically costs around £40–£70 per metre fitted. A chimney re-flash commonly runs £200–£600, rising to roughly £700–£1,000 once scaffolding is needed. Step and flat-roof flashing usually fall between £200 and £900 depending on size and access.
Why is leadwork priced per metre?
Because most leadwork is a length of flashing, soaker or valley, you largely pay for the metres of lead used and fitted. A longer abutment or a full re-flash uses more lead and labour than a short repair.
What makes a leadwork quote more expensive?
More metres of lead, a heavier lead code, greater height needing scaffolding, and any repair to the mortar or timber behind the lead. Access is often the single biggest variable on a two-storey job.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific roof. They are guidance, not a quotation.