Why Lead Work Needs Specialist Attention
Lead is used wherever a roof meets something else – around chimneys, against walls, in valleys, around dormers and roof windows, and on small flat roofs and gutters. It can be shaped tightly into awkward junctions and, when it’s fitted well, it keeps water out for decades. It’s also where a lot of leaks start. When lead fails, the sign is usually a damp patch or stain on a ceiling or wall, often some distance from the real cause – so the roof covering gets the blame when it’s the lead that needs attention.
A leak around a chimney, wall or valley is very often a lead problem rather than a problem with the roof covering itself.
We repair and renew lead flashings, valleys and lead-lined gutters, and repair small lead roofs, so the leak is stopped at its source instead of patched over.
Lead Flashings
Flashings seal the joint between your roof and a chimney, wall, dormer or roof window. Over time the lead can lift or crack as it expands and contracts with the weather, wedges work loose, and the mortar holding it in the wall crumbles – letting water in behind it. Renewing the flashing and repointing the chase puts the joint right properly.
- Chimney, wall & abutment flashings
- Dormer & roof window flashings
- Soakers & step flashings
- Flashing chase repointing
Lead Valleys, Gutters & Small Lead Roofs
Valleys and lead-lined gutters carry a lot of water, so any split or worn patch soon becomes a leak. Small lead roofs on bays, porches and dormers need the right falls and movement joints to last. Where lead has cracked, torn or worn through, we repair it or renew it so the water runs away as it should.
- Valley lead renewal
- Lead-lined gutter repairs
- Cracked or split lead repairs
- Lead roofs on bays, porches & dormers
Our Lead Repair Services
Our Lead Repair Process
Leak Inspection
We trace where the water is really getting in – which is often not where the stain shows – checking the flashings, mortar chases, valleys and the lead itself from the roof.
Honest Recommendation
We tell you whether a local repair will do the job or whether the lead needs renewing, rather than suggesting more work than is needed.
Repair Or Renew
Failed or damaged lead is repaired or replaced, dressed and fixed properly, and any crumbling chase mortar is repointed so the joint is sealed.
Final Check
We check the finished work is sound, weathertight and left neat and tidy before we consider the job done.
Why Choose KJ for Lead Repairs?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my lead flashing has failed?
Common signs include lead that’s lifted, curling or visibly cracked, gaps where the lead meets the wall or chimney, crumbling mortar in the chase, and damp patches or staining on ceilings and walls near a chimney, valley or abutment. If you notice any of these, it’s worth getting the lead looked at before the damp spreads.
Why does lead crack or split?
Lead expands in warm weather and contracts in the cold. Over many years that movement can tire the metal, especially where a piece is too large or fixed too tightly. Poor detailing, loose wedges, crumbling mortar and failing timber boards underneath can all make it fail sooner.
Can lead be repaired, or does it need replacing?
A small split or a loose section can sometimes be repaired. Where the lead is badly cracked, worn thin or has pulled away from the wall, renewing it is the longer-lasting fix. We’ll tell you honestly which applies, rather than recommending more work than is needed.
Is the leak around my chimney a lead problem?
Very often, yes. The flashing where a chimney meets the roof is one of the most common leak points. Mortar joints and the stack itself can also be at fault, so we check all of it. Our Chimney Repairs page covers repointing and rebuilds.
Do you offer a guarantee on lead repair work?
Yes, all our lead work is guaranteed. Get in touch for the specific terms that apply to your job, as this can depend on the type and scale of the work involved.
How much do lead repairs cost?
Cost depends on how much lead needs repairing or renewing, how hard it is to reach, and the condition of what’s underneath. A small flashing repair costs considerably less than renewing a valley or a lead roof. We provide free, no-obligation quotes so you can get an accurate price for your property.
- Fully Insured
- 10-Year GuaranteeNew roofs
- 12-Month GuaranteeRepairs
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