Specialist Leadwork Services

Expert Lead Roofing and Flashing Services

Lead has been the material of choice for weatherproofing critical roof junctions for centuries, and for good reason. When installed correctly by experienced tradespeople, lead provides an unmatched combination of durability, malleability and weather resistance that no modern substitute can fully replicate. At Henleys Roofing Ltd, our team has over 14 years of hands-on experience working with both traditional sand-cast lead and modern machine-milled lead sheet, enabling us to tackle everything from straightforward flashing replacements to intricate heritage restoration projects.

We understand that leadwork is one of the most skilled disciplines in roofing. Every joint, welt and bossed detail must be executed with precision to ensure a watertight seal that will last for decades. Whether you need stepped flashings along a chimney stack, cover flashings at an abutment, or apron flashings at the base of a wall-to-roof junction, we carry out each installation to Lead Sheet Association best practice standards using Code 4 and Code 5 lead as appropriate for the application.

Our Leadwork Services Include

• Stepped flashings – precision-cut and dressed lead stepped into mortar joints along chimney stacks and abutment walls to shed water away from vulnerable junctions
• Cover and apron flashings – weathertight lead coverings installed where roof slopes meet vertical walls, parapets and other penetrations
• Lead valley gutters – hard-wearing lined valleys formed between adjoining roof slopes, designed for long-term water channelling without leaks
• Lead flat roofing – fully welted and bossed lead sheet roofing for flat and low-pitch areas such as bay tops, porch roofs and dormer cheeks
• Lead dressing around penetrations – neat, watertight detailing around soil vent pipes, flue terminals, rooflights and other roof penetrations
• Replacement of old cracked lead – removal of fatigued, split or corroded leadwork and replacement with new lead sheet to restore full weathertightness

Traditional Craftsmanship, Modern Standards

Our roofers are trained in traditional sand-cast lead techniques as well as working with modern machine-milled lead sheet. Sand-cast lead is often specified for listed buildings and conservation areas where an authentic appearance and traditional material composition are required. For the majority of domestic and commercial applications, we use high-quality machine-milled lead sheet manufactured to BS EN 12588, selecting the correct code weight for each specific detail. Code 4 lead (1.80mm thickness) is our standard choice for flashings, while Code 5 lead (2.24mm thickness) is used for flat roofing, valley gutters and areas subject to greater thermal movement or mechanical wear.

Lead is one of the few roofing materials that, when properly installed, can achieve a service life of 100 years or more. However, poor installation is the most common cause of premature lead failure. Cracking caused by thermal fatigue, inadequate provision for expansion, undersized bays and incorrect fixings all lead to expensive remedial work down the line. By choosing Henleys Roofing, you benefit from a team that understands the material science behind lead and applies that knowledge to every detail. We ensure correct bay sizes, appropriate clip spacings and properly formed joints so that your leadwork performs reliably for generations.

When Should Leadwork Be Replaced?

If you have noticed cracking along the folds of existing lead flashings, splits appearing in lead valleys, or gaps where lead has pulled away from mortar joints, it is likely time for a replacement. Patching old lead with sealant is only ever a short-term measure and can mask underlying problems. Our team will carry out a thorough inspection, advise on the most cost-effective solution, and provide a clear, detailed quotation with no hidden costs. We are equally comfortable working on a single chimney re-flash as we are lining an entire parapet gutter on a large commercial building.