Leadwork & Flashing

Lead needs to be the right thickness for where it's used, cut to the right length so it can expand and contract, and dressed neatly so water runs off rather than collecting. Too long a piece and it can buckle and split; too thin and it wears out early.

Where lead meets brickwork, it should be tucked into the mortar joint, wedged and pointed in. Where it meets tiles, it should be dressed down tight so wind can't lift it. Done properly, there's no need for sealant at all.

Valleys need particular care. They carry water from two slopes at once, so any weakness shows up quickly. Debris and moss collecting in a valley can push water sideways under the tiles, which is why we clear and check them as part of any leadwork job.

Velux and other roof windows usually come with their own flashing kits, but these are often fitted poorly or have aged. We'll check how yours was fitted and put it right.

Leadwork often sits alongside other jobs, such as chimney repairs, extension roofs or re-roofs. If we're already on your roof for something else, it's worth asking us to look at the lead at the same time. You'll get photos either way, so you can see its condition for yourself.