Leadwork & Flashing

Lead flashings, leadwork and chimney flashings are a common area for water penetration often caused by the need for lead to be able to expand freely to allow for movement, shrinkage in the cold and expansion with the heat. When lead is fixed into position and cannot move freely, this will ultimately cause the lead to crack or split.

Lead can sometimes be repaired by welding another piece of lead to it, however this is very precise work using a cool flame and is a lot harder to do than steel welding. Lead welding must be carried out by a one of our lead work specialists, as not all roofers are able to do this competently. As a temporary measure, we can fix a tear or leak with flashband – a very thin strip of aluminium tape covered in bitumen on one side which can then be heated onto the repair for additional adhesion – but this is only a temporary repair.

Although lead is expensive and the prices do always seem to be going up, once a replacement has been made in new lead this should last 100 years; so it is better to do the job properly and replace it as soon as possible before any lasting damage is caused to the roof or structure.

View our leadwork slideshow

Complete Roofing will be pleased to assist clients and contractors with projects from concept to completion with design advice being an integral part of our service.

We can provide a specialist installation service to main contractors, architects and private clients throughout the UK.

Contact us for your FREE no obligation survey and quotation.