Roof Leadwork and Flashing Services
Lead Roof Repair and Replacement in Liverpool
Leadwork protects some of the most vulnerable areas of a roof, including chimney junctions, valleys, adjoining walls and roof penetrations. When flashing becomes loose, split, damaged or displaced, rainwater can enter beneath the surrounding tiles or slates.
Roofer & Builder provides professional lead roof repairs and replacement across Liverpool, Merseyside, Wirral and surrounding areas.
Our experienced roofers inspect defective leadwork, identify the likely source of water ingress and recommend a suitable localised repair or replacement.
Keeping Roof Junctions Secure and Watertight
Lead flashing creates a weather-resistant junction between roofing materials and adjoining surfaces such as chimney stacks, walls, valleys and roof windows.
Over time, leadwork can become damaged by incorrect installation, restricted movement, failed fixings, building movement, storm damage or disturbance during other roofing work. Lead can also be removed or damaged through theft.
A local repair may be suitable where the defect affects a limited area and the surrounding lead remains serviceable. Where the existing material is extensively split, poorly detailed or missing, replacement may provide a more reliable solution.
We inspect the leadwork alongside the adjoining tiles, slates, masonry and roof structure before recommending the work required.
Lead Sheet Codes: Choosing the Right Thickness
In short: roofing lead is graded by code, and the higher the code, the thicker and heavier the sheet. Using the right code for each detail, and fixing it in sensible lengths, is what lets leadwork move with changes in temperature without splitting.
| Code | Approx. thickness | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Code 3 | 1.3 mm | Soakers hidden beneath tiles or slates where a roof meets a wall |
| Code 4 | 1.8 mm | Step and cover flashings, soakers and smaller exposed details |
| Code 5 | 2.2 mm | Aprons, back gutters, roof valleys, wider or more exposed flashings and small bay roofs |
| Code 6 and above | 2.65 mm upwards | Larger flat and bay roofs, box and parapet gutters, and heavier-duty or heritage work |
These are general uses rather than fixed rules. The size of each piece, how exposed the roof is and how the lead has to be shaped all affect the choice, and a heavier code is often specified on exposed chimneys and valleys.
How Lead Flashings Should Be Fixed
When leadwork fails early, the cause is often how it was fitted rather than the lead itself. Good leadwork generally includes:
- flashings turned into a raked-out mortar joint, held with lead wedges and then pointed, rather than stuck to the face of the wall
- pieces kept to sensible lengths, with overlapping joints, so each piece can expand and contract on its own
- clips along free edges in exposed positions, so wind cannot lift and fold the lead back
- a coat of patination oil on new lead, which helps prevent white staining washing onto the surfaces below while the lead weathers
Self-adhesive flashing tape and sealant are useful as a temporary measure to keep water out until a proper repair can be made, but they do not replace correctly dressed lead. Our guide to lead flashing repair explains the different flashings found on a typical roof.
Lead Repair & Replacement
Our Leadwork Services
Lead Flashing Repairs
We repair loose, split and displaced lead flashing around roof junctions, adjoining walls and other vulnerable areas. We also assess the surrounding roof covering to identify any related defects.
Chimney Leadwork
Damaged step flashing, cover flashing or back gutter details around a chimney can allow water into the adjoining roof. We repair and replace defective chimney leadwork where required.
Lead Valleys and Channels
Roof valleys and channels carry significant volumes of water between roof slopes. We inspect damaged, split or poorly detailed lead and recommend appropriate repair or replacement.
Bay and Flat Lead Roofs
We undertake repairs and replacement work on suitable lead-covered bay windows, porches and smaller flat roof areas, including the adjoining edges, upstands and drainage details.
Lead Welding and Repairs
Where appropriate, lead welding and carefully formed replacement sections can be used to repair defined areas without unnecessarily replacing all the surrounding material.
Missing or Stolen Leadwork
Missing lead can leave roof junctions exposed to water ingress. We can provide temporary protection where practical and advise on permanent replacement using lead or a suitable alternative system.
How It Works
How We Approach Lead Roof Work
Inspect the Existing Leadwork
We assess the visible condition of the flashing, joints, fixings, valleys, upstands and surrounding roof materials.
Identify Why It Has Failed
We look for splits, movement, poor detailing, damaged masonry, failed fixings and defects within the adjoining tiles or slates.
Recommend Repair or Replacement
We explain whether a localised repair is suitable or whether the affected section of leadwork should be renewed.
Complete the Agreed Work
Our team will complete the repair or replacement, reinstate the surrounding roof materials and leave the work area tidy.
Why Us
Why Choose Roofer & Builder?
Liverpool-Based Roofers
We are based in the Liverpool area and provide lead roof repairs throughout Merseyside, Wirral and neighbouring locations.
Roofing and Chimney
Leadwork often connects with roof tiles, slates, chimney masonry and other roof details. We assess the complete area rather than treating the flashing in isolation.
Repair and Replacement
We undertake localised lead repairs, replacement flashing, chimney leadwork, valley repairs and work to smaller lead-covered roofs.
Careful Roof Detailing
We consider joints, fixings, overlaps and movement of the material when recommending an appropriate solution.
Clear Advice and Quotations
We explain the likely cause of the problem and provide a clear quotation before completing the agreed work.
Emergency Assistance
Urgent help is available where missing or suddenly damaged leadwork is allowing water into the property.
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FAQs
Lead Repair & Replacement FAQs
What are the signs that roof leadwork has failed?
Common signs include damp around a chimney breast, water staining near an adjoining wall, visibly loose flashing, splits in the lead, lifted edges and missing sections. The surrounding masonry or roof covering may also contribute to the leak.
Can damaged lead flashing be repaired?
Yes. Localised splits, loose sections and defined areas of damage may sometimes be repaired. Replacement may be more appropriate where the material is extensively damaged, incorrectly installed or has already received several unsuccessful repairs.
Why does roof leadwork split or move?
Leadwork can fail where sections are incorrectly sized, fixed too rigidly or unable to accommodate natural movement. Storm damage, building movement, damaged masonry and disturbance during previous roof work can also cause problems.
Can you replace lead stolen from a roof?
Yes. Missing leadwork should be addressed promptly because exposed roof junctions can allow significant water ingress. Temporary protection may be possible before a permanent replacement is installed.
Can an alternative to lead flashing be used?
Suitable lead-free flashing systems are available for some roofing applications. The correct option depends on the type of junction, roof covering, exposure and property. Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas may also be subject to additional requirements.
How much does lead flashing repair or replacement cost?
The cost depends on the location and extent of the damage, the amount of material required, roof access and whether surrounding tiles, slates or masonry also need attention. We will provide a quotation after assessing the work required.
Why is there white staining running down from my new lead?
Freshly fitted lead forms a white carbonate on its surface when it first gets wet, and rain can wash this onto the brickwork, tiles or glass below. It stops as the lead weathers to its usual dull grey. Applying patination oil when the lead is fitted reduces the problem, and marks on surrounding surfaces can usually be cleaned off.
What are the pros and cons of lead-free flashing?
Lead-free flashings are lighter, quick to fit on some details and have no scrap value, which makes them less of a target for theft. Lead, on the other hand, can be shaped more freely into complex details, has a long track record on traditional roofs and may be expected on period or listed buildings. The choice can be made detail by detail rather than for the whole roof.
How can I reduce the risk of lead theft?
Lead on low, easily reached roofs, such as bay windows, porches, flat roofs and outbuildings, is most at risk. Options include a lead-free alternative in vulnerable areas, marking the lead with a forensic marking product, better lighting and removing anything that could be used to climb up. If lead has already been taken, report it to the police and your insurer and arrange temporary protection against the rain.
Areas We Serve
Lead Repair & Replacement Across Merseyside
From our base in Maghull we cover Liverpool and the surrounding towns. Find your local page:
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Head Office
Maghull Business Centre, 1 Liverpool Road North, Maghull, Liverpool L31 2HB
Opening Hours
Office: Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00
Emergency line: 24/7