Small details that stop serious leaks
Movement allowed for
We size and form sections with natural expansion and contraction in mind.
Adjoining materials checked
We inspect masonry, slates and tiles around the lead detail as well.
Water guided outwards
We form laps and junctions to shed rain over the covering below.
Keep water out where roof surfaces meet
Leadwork protects some of the roof's most exposed changes and junctions. You will find it around chimney stacks, abutments, valleys, penetrations and changes in level. Splits, lifting edges, failed mortar joints or poor overlaps can direct water beneath nearby slates or tiles. We inspect how the lead connects with masonry, coverings and drainage paths before deciding what needs attention. A repair has to shed water in the right direction, not simply cover the most obvious crack.
Allow lead to move without opening gaps
Lead expands and contracts as temperatures change. Sections and joints need to be formed so this natural movement doesn't pull the detail apart. Serviceable material may sometimes be re-dressed or locally repaired, while badly split, poorly sized or heavily worn details may need replacement. We distinguish between the lead itself and faults in the adjoining mortar or covering. Careful integration is particularly important at chimneys and stepped abutments, where several small laps work together.
Frequently asked questions
Can split leadwork be repaired locally?
Sometimes. We assess the size and position of the split, the condition of the surrounding lead and the reason it failed. Local work may suit a serviceable detail, while repeated splitting or badly formed sections can make replacement more reliable.
Why does leadwork lift away from a wall?
Movement, failed fixing or deteriorated mortar can loosen an edge. We inspect how the lead is secured and how it overlaps the roof covering. The repair may involve the joint, the lead section or adjoining masonry rather than simply pressing it back.
Do you handle leadwork around chimney stacks?
Yes. We work on lead details at chimney junctions, including areas where flashings and soakers meet masonry and roof coverings. We also check nearby slates, tiles and pointing because several faults can produce a similar damp mark.