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Project Duration
This lead bay and canopy transformation project was completed in around 5 days.
Project Location
Leadwork Services
The Lead Lads provide specialist leadwork services for bays, canopies, flashings and traditional roof detailing.
Leadwork Project Details | The Lead Lads ®
The Property
Lead Bay Window and Decorative Door Canopy – Hull, East Yorkshire
This project involved upgrading the lead bay window roof coverings and decorative entrance canopy to a residential property in Hull, East Yorkshire. Unlike many of our heritage projects, this property dated from approximately 1980 and provided an opportunity to improve the visual appearance of the front elevation through more decorative and technically detailed leadwork.
The existing bays had become visually dated and lacked the character and detailing often associated with traditional lead bay roofs. Our client wanted to create a stronger architectural feature by introducing additional timber rolls, welted panels and improved lead detailing.
Although relatively straightforward structurally, projects such as this show how carefully designed leadwork can significantly improve kerb appeal and create focal points across a front elevation.
Why the Original Leadwork Needed Replacing
The original coverings had become tired and visually flat in appearance. Whilst still functional, the design lacked detail and failed to contribute positively to the wider appearance of the property.
Rather than a like-for-like replacement, this project focused on introducing more traditional leadworking techniques and improving the visual quality of the roof areas.
Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach
This project followed a standards-led approach using traditional leadworking methods and detailing principles.
- BS 6915 informed installation principles and detailing.
- BS EN 12588 governed rolled lead sheet specification.
- Lead Sheet Association guidance informed bay sizing, fixings, timber rolls and movement allowances.
The existing substrate required only minor modification, allowing us to redesign and install more decorative lead coverings while ensuring the finished roof areas remained durable and standards compliant.
Contact us about leadwork More leadwork resources and guides The leadwork LinkSpecification of Works
Preparation and Removal
- Access established to bay and canopy roof areas.
- Existing lead coverings removed.
- Substrate inspected and altered where required.
- Existing roof geometry measured and set out.
- Areas prepared for installation.
Substrate and Support
- Existing deck retained with minor alterations.
- New timber rolls installed.
- Exterior plywood prepared where required.
- Building paper installed beneath lead coverings.
Leadwork Installation
- New coverings formed using Code 5 lead sheet.
- Additional welted panels introduced.
- Decorative hip details incorporated.
- Timber roll detailing formed to both bays.
- Bossed lead corners shaped carefully.
- Stepped flashings integrated into masonry.
- Copper and stainless steel clips installed.
- Patination oil applied after completion.
Finishing and Protection
- Leadwork checked for continuity.
- Surrounding areas cleaned down.
- Completed work inspected before handover.
The Materials
- Code 5 lead
- Copper clips
- Exterior-grade plywood
- Patination oil
- Stainless steel clips
- Wood core rolls
What This Project Teaches About Lead Bay Roof Design
Lead roof coverings do not need to be purely functional. Carefully designed detailing can transform ordinary roof areas into important architectural features.
This project demonstrates how timber rolls, welted panels and traditional detailing techniques can improve appearance whilst still following recognised leadworking standards.
Property Owner Takeaways
- Leadwork can improve kerb appeal.
- Traditional detailing creates visual interest.
- Timber roll details add depth and character.
- Correct detailing improves long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use Code 5 lead?
Code 5 is commonly used on bay roof applications and decorative details.
Can leadwork improve appearance?
Yes. Traditional detailing can transform simple roof areas.
What are timber rolls?
Timber rolls create raised joints that allow movement and improve appearance.
Why use patination oil?
Patination oil helps reduce surface staining during early weathering.
Can old bays be redesigned?
Yes. Existing details can often be upgraded and improved.
How long will lead last?
Correctly detailed leadwork can last for many decades.
