“Lead dormer cheeks are an important detail when it comes to leadwork.
The Lead Lads are well versed in providing lead cladding panels to any dormer.”
Lead dormer cheeks?
Lead cladding panels should be properly executed to ensure they perform as intended.
This brief guide aims to provide insight into how dormer cheeks should be fitted.
Importantly, as with all leadwork, they should be installed in accordance with BS6915:2001+A1:2014.
Let us explain a little more, and add a few pretty pictures to help…
It’s all about the base….
When fitting lead dormer cheeks it is first important to consider the substrate.
What they are fixed to will provide function and longevity to this important lead work detail.
A substrate to form a dormer cheek should be correctly formed using quality plywood at least 15mm thick.
Such substrates, provide a fast fixing point.
Further, understanding the difference between vented, cold construction, and warm construction is important.
Fore more information on substrates, check out our ultimate guide to leadwork.
What are welted panels?
Welted panels are fundamental to lead dormer cheeks.
They form the basis for effective thermal movement.
Without welted panels, lead dormer cheeks will fail.
Referred to as cladding panels, there are certain things that are fundamental to their installation.
Welted panels should have copper cleats inside them to provide rigidity to the material.
Code of lead
Lead cheeks for a dormer can be installed in code 4 or code 5 lead.
There are maximum lengths and sizes that apply to each code.
Commonly, lead dormer cheeks are formed using 600mm code 5 lead.
At The Lead Lads, we buy ours from one supplier who offer quality lead products.
Nailing patterns for dormer cheeks
Further, nailing patters should be limited to the head of each panel and not extend to the maximum widget of the panel.
Copper ringshank nails, 25mm x 3.35mm should be used to secure all leadwork, dormer cheeks are no exception.
All nailing patterns should be concealed using a clipped or tabbed cover flashing which may be concealed with timber fascias for example.
Why use lead for dormer cheeks or vertical cladding?
Lead is a superb means of weathering exposed roof areas.
Further, lead cheeks in welted panels offer an attractive solution.
Widely used in conjunction with a range of roofing materials from slates to tiles, lead cladding panels seldom look out of place.
Importantly however, lead cheeks for dormer details should always be executed correctly.
As important as the leadwork is the substrate below.
Our advice, consult an expert if you are considering using lead on a dormer roof or for cladding vertical cheeks.
Forming details btyween dormer side cheeks and jambs is likely going to be necessary.
When setting out the lead cladding on your dormer, it is important to consider how it will return around the front face and into the window reveals.
Welts can be used at this interface to form corner details.
Lead should be welded into the reveals and is likely to be up to 4 times thicker than the standard code thickness, so bear this in mind when considering window dimensions.
