Can The Lead Lads supply materials as well as installation?

Yes. In addition to installation services, The Lead Lads also operate The Lead Shop, which supplies lead rolls, fixings, patination oil and guidance.

Can The Lead Lads quote from photographs and drawings?

In many cases, yes. Clear photographs, dimensions, sketches and drawings help assess whether guide pricing or a formal quotation can be provided.

The Lead Lads | Flashing Specialists

Lead Flashing Installation

Q: Do The Lead Lads install chimney weathering details?

Yes. The Lead Lads undertake chimney packages including aprons, side details, stepped cover work, soakers and back gutters.

Lead flashing installation for chimneys, abutments, parapets, dormers and roof junctions, carried out by specialist leadwork contractors.

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The Lead Lads Services

Lead Flashing Installation, Repair and Replacement

Lead flashing installation protects vulnerable roof junctions from water ingress. It is used where roof coverings meet chimneys, walls, parapets, dormers, upstands and adjoining structures.

At The Lead Lads, we install, repair and replace lead weathering details across domestic, commercial, ecclesiastical and heritage buildings. Our work includes chimney flashing packages, step details, apron flashings, cover flashings, soakers, back gutters and roof-to-wall abutments.

This page explains how these details work, where they are used and why correct setting out, code selection, fixing and thermal movement matter. It also links to material supply through The Lead Shop.

Useful resources include the lead flashing order page, rolled lead sheet, lead weight calculator, leadwork fixings and The Lead Handbook.

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What Is Lead Roof Flashing?

Lead roof flashing forms a durable waterproof junction between different parts of a building. It is commonly used at chimneys, wall abutments, parapets, pipes, upstands, dormers and other vulnerable roof interfaces.

Lead remains one of the most effective materials for these details because it is durable, flexible, corrosion resistant and capable of being formed neatly around complex shapes. When properly designed and fitted, it can perform for many decades.

Common Flashing Types

Apron flashings: used at the lower edge of chimneys, dormers and wall junctions.
Step flashings: chased into brick or stone joints to follow a pitched roof slope.
Cover flashings: protect upstands, soakers and underlying weathering details.
Soakers: concealed pieces beneath slates or tiles at abutments.
Back gutters: formed behind chimneys and upstands to divert water safely.
Parapet flashings: used to weather raised walls, copings and upstand junctions.

Why Proper Detailing Matters

Although the finished detail can look simple, proper installation requires careful setting out, correct lead code, suitable fixing, chase formation, pointing and allowance for thermal movement.

A poorly detailed interface may split, pull away from the wall, leak at the chase or direct water into the roof structure. Good leadwork is not just a strip of material — it is a complete weathering detail.

Apron Flashings

Weathering the lower edge of chimneys, abutments and rising wall junctions.

Lead Flashing Stepped - theleadlads.co.uk

Step Details

Traditional stepped weathering chased neatly into brick or stone joints.

Chimney Work

Complete chimney packages with aprons, soakers, cover details and back gutters.

Specialist Flashing Work by The Lead Lads

We undertake weathering details as part of a wider specialist leadwork service grounded in proper setting out, workmanship and material use.

Installation Services

Our work ranges from straightforward abutments to more involved chimney packages, stepped interfaces, back gutters, parapet details and roof edge junctions.

These details are often among the most critical components of a roof covering because they protect the areas where water is most likely to penetrate. A failed junction can lead to damp ingress, timber decay and avoidable repair costs.

Types We Install

Apron details are commonly installed where a roof slope meets a chimney stack or higher wall. They weather the front edge and must be dressed correctly onto the roof covering below.

Stepped details are used where a roof abuts masonry on a slope. They are chased into mortar joints in sections, creating a traditional weathering detail.

Back gutters are formed behind chimney stacks and upstands where water must be diverted safely around an obstruction.

Soakers are concealed individual pieces placed beneath adjoining slates or tiles at an abutment. They are commonly formed in Code 3 lead.

Cover details protect the upper edges of soakers, upstands and abutments. They are commonly used with stepped work, parapets and vertical interfaces.

Why Correct Workmanship Matters

These details should never be judged purely on appearance at the point of installation. Long-term performance depends on code selection, sizing, chase depth, wedging, pointing, movement allowance and careful dressing onto the surrounding roof covering.

Materials and Supply

Exposed roof weathering is typically formed using Code 4 lead or Code 5 lead, depending on the detail and exposure. These gauges provide a useful balance between malleability and durability.

For concealed elements such as soakers, Code 3 lead is often appropriate. For heavier or more exposed details, Code 5 or heavier material may be required.

The Lead Shop supports material supply for competent installers, trade buyers and clients planning works, including:

Standards and Best Practice

We approach leadwork in line with recognised principles, including Leadwork Standards and BS 6915. Movement, support, fixing and detailing must all be considered properly.

For wider guidance, explore Lead Roofing, The Ultimate Lead Roofing Guide and Lead Roofing Projects.

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Lead Roof Flashing FAQ

What is lead roof flashing used for?

Lead roof flashing is used to weather vulnerable roof junctions, including chimneys, wall abutments, parapets, dormers, upstands and pipe penetrations.

Does it wear out?

Yes. Over time, it can deteriorate through age, repeated thermal movement and fatigue. Splits may develop, fixings may loosen and gaps can open at the interface with masonry.

When should it be replaced?

Replacement may be needed if the detail has split, slipped, detached from its chase, degraded significantly or is clearly allowing water ingress.

What is Code 4 lead used for?

Code 4 is a common gauge of rolled sheet used in exposed weathering applications. It is identified by a blue label, is approximately 1.80mm thick and weighs around 20.41kg/m². You can buy Code 4 lead online here.

What code should be used?

The correct code depends on the detail. Code 3 is commonly used for soakers, while Code 4 and Code 5 are widely used for exposed applications. Heavier codes may be required for larger or more demanding details.

Can you supply materials as well as installation?

Yes. In addition to installation services, we also operate The Lead Shop, which supplies lead rolls, fixings, patination oil and guidance.

Can you quote from photographs and drawings?

In many cases, yes. Clear photographs, dimensions, sketches and drawings help us assess whether guide pricing or a formal quotation can be provided.

Do you install chimney weathering details?

Yes. We undertake chimney packages including aprons, side details, stepped cover work, soakers and back gutters.

Need Materials or Installation?

We supply lead materials online and undertake specialist leadwork across Yorkshire and beyond.

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The Lead Lads

#ProperLeadwork

Providing proper leadwork services to trade and public. Our mission is simple: deliver high-quality leadwork across a range of sectors in rolled lead sheet at a price that is fair, reasonable and proportionate to the skill, detailing and care involved.

Roof weathering details should always be considered in proper context. If you need advice on a chimney package, abutment, back gutter, parapet detail or wider leadwork scheme, contact us and we will review your enquiry.

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