Where leadwork is used on a roof
Tiles and slates shed water well across an open slope, but anywhere the roof meets another surface there's a gap that needs sealing. That's the job of lead. On a typical Somerset house you'll find it in a few key places:
- Around chimneys — stepped flashings up the sides, an apron across the front and a back gutter behind the stack.
- At abutments — where a lean-to, extension or porch roof runs into a house wall.
- In valleys — the inward corners where two roof slopes meet and channel rainwater down.
- Around dormers and roof windows — sealing the sides and head of each opening.
Replacing lifted or cracked flashings
Over the years lead can be lifted by wind, pulled out of its mortar joint, or split from repeated heating and cooling. Once that happens, water finds its way behind it. We cut out the old pieces, rake out the joints, dress new lead to fit the shape of the brickwork or tiles, and point it back in securely. Where the surrounding tiles have been disturbed we refit them so the whole detail sits neatly.
Leadwork on re-roofs and chimney work
When we carry out a re-roof or new pitched roof, fresh leadwork goes in alongside the new membrane and battens — there's little sense putting a new covering on and leaving tired flashings in place. The same goes for chimney repairs: if a stack is being repointed or rebuilt, we renew the flashings at the same time so the stack and roof are sealed together.
Is your leak down to failed flashing?
A damp patch on a chimney breast, a stain on the ceiling near an outside wall, or water appearing only during heavy, driving rain are all signs that flashing could be the culprit. It's easy to mistake for a broken tile, which is why we check the leadwork as part of every roof repair visit. We'll show you what we find and explain whether a simple re-dress will do or the lead needs replacing.
Domestic and commercial
We work on houses, bungalows and extensions as well as commercial buildings across Somerset and Devon, up to around 50 miles from our Taunton base.
Book a visit
If you suspect your flashings or valleys are letting you down, get in touch for a free written quote. Photos of the area from the ground or inside the loft are always helpful when you first contact us.