The Lead Lads
Lead Roofing Guide
A practical lead roofing guide covering rolled lead sheet, lead codes, flashings, gutters, substrates, standards and proper leadwork best practice.
The Lead Lads
Our Lead Roofing Guide
The Lead Roofing Guide hub acts as a central index for our wider series of leadwork guides. It brings together the core topics, from rolled lead sheet and lead codes through to flashing installation, gutters, dormers, chimneys, heritage detailing and more complex leadwork.
Each section links to detailed articles, Leadwork Standards pages and practical shop resources. As a result, it becomes easier to learn, specify and source the right materials for proper leadwork.
Whether you are a homeowner, contractor, roofer, surveyor, architect or specifier, this page is designed to help you move quickly toward sound lead roofing advice, correct detailing and standards-led workmanship.
Alongside our articles, you can also explore the Lead Roofing Guides, The Lead Handbook, lead chart, lead weight calculator and leadwork fixings.
Get in Touch
Standards
Guidance linked to BS 6915, BS 6229, BS EN 12588 and LSTA principles.
Leadwork
Craftsmanship in rolled lead sheet, lead roofing and practical detailing.
Resources
Guides, services, standards and product support in one place.
Start Here
If you are new to leadwork, begin with rolled lead sheet codes, flashing installation and movement control. If you are specifying work, move next to the standards pages. If you need materials, browse the shop, guides and handbook. If you need installation support, contact The Lead Lads directly.
New to lead roofing?
Start with codes, movement and flashing details.
Buying materials?
Browse rolled lead sheet, fixings, guides and handbook resources.
Specifying work?
Review BS 6915, BS 6229, BS EN 12588 and LSTA guidance.
Need a contractor?
Send your enquiry to The Lead Lads.
Lead Roofing Guide Topics
Guide Navigation
- Fundamentals
- Gutters & Drainage
- Lead Roof Coverings
- Chimneys & Interfaces
- Heritage & Complex Geometry
- Standards & Specification
- The Lead Handbook
Fundamentals
- Rolled Lead Sheet Codes Guide — choosing the right code from 3 to 8 by detail and exposure.
- Lead Flashing Installation Guide — laps, chases, clips and movement detailed properly.
- Lead Chart — compare lead codes, thicknesses, weights and typical applications.
- Lead Weight Calculator — estimate handling weights before ordering and installation.
Need materials? Visit The Lead Lads Shop for rolled lead sheet, clips, fixings and leadwork accessories.
Gutters & Drainage
- Valley Gutters in Lead — falls, outlets and bay breaks to help prevent fatigue.
- Parapet & Box Gutters in Lead — sizing, drips, outlets and sumps that perform properly.
- Abutment Gutters in Lead — tie-ins, weeps and practical junction detailing for long-term weathering.
Roof Coverings
- Flat Roofs in Lead — substrate, underlay and bay layout for long service life.
- Bay Roofs in Lead — roll centres, drip heights and eaves return details.
- Lead Dormer Roofs & Cheeks — cheeks, secret gutters and head details that work in practice.
Chimneys & Interfaces
- Lead Soakers — code selection, gauge and step integration for tile and slate roofs.
- Chimney Back Gutters in Lead — stop ends, corners and practical water routes.
- Chimney Aprons & Lead Flashings — formed solutions at vulnerable roof junctions.
Heritage & Complex Geometry
- Lead Dormer Windows — decorative moulds, cheeks and interface junctions.
- Spire & Turret Roofing in Lead — setting-out, sequencing and detailing on complex forms.
- Ogee Domes in Lead — panels, seams and movement strategy.
- Lead Domes & Cupolas — cap plates, finials and ventilation considerations.
- Lead Cladding for Towers — vertical bays, fixings and wind-load awareness.
Façade Weatherings
- Lead Cornices & String Courses — drip details that help keep façades clean and dry.
- Lead Balustrades & Copings — movement, overhangs and fixing principles.
- Specialist Lead Detailing — bespoke weatherings, interfaces and formed lead details.
Conservation & Restoration
- Lead Detailing for Heritage Restoration — authenticity, documentation and practical repair principles.
- See Our Work: Project Gallery — recent projects, workmanship and detailing quality.
Standards & Buying
Every guide in the series sits alongside our wider standards content, including BS EN 12588, BS 6915, BS 6229 and LSTA guidance. Consequently, it becomes easier to move from learning into specifying, checking a detail or buying the right products.
When you are ready to buy, visit our Lead Shop. Alternatively, browse the Lead Roofing Guides or explore The Lead Handbook for a broader knowledge-led resource.
Take a look at some of our projects #properleadwork
Lead Roofing Guide Support Tools
This final support section brings together the most useful follow-on resources from the page, including FAQs, a practical checklist and direct links to standards, services, shop resources and technical references.
Need help fast?
Book a site visit or request a standards-led project review aligned with LSTA guidance, BS 6915 and BS 6229.
Send Your Enquiry Recent ProjectsFrequently Asked Questions
Which standards underpin a high-quality lead roof?
LSTA guidance provides practical workmanship and detailing direction. BS 6915 covers design and installation principles, while BS 6229 supports flat roof performance, including moisture, thermal and drainage considerations. Material selection links back to BS EN 12588 for rolled lead sheet.
How do I choose the correct lead code?
The correct code depends on the application, exposure, bay size and level of movement expected. Flashings, gutters, bays and roof coverings all behave differently, so code selection should always sit alongside good detailing rather than in isolation.
What are the basics of bay sizing and movement control?
Bay sizes need to stay within practical guidance, while laps, joints and fixings should allow thermal movement. Good movement control reduces the risk of fatigue, buckling and premature failure.
Which substrates work beneath rolled lead sheet?
Stable, smooth and suitable substrates such as exterior-grade plywood or close-boarded softwood are common beneath rolled lead sheet. The supporting build-up should also be reviewed as part of the wider moisture and ventilation strategy.
Where can I buy lead roofing materials?
You can browse rolled lead sheet, fixings, lead roofing guides, the lead chart and lead weight calculator through The Lead Lads Shop.
Key Terms
| Lead Roofing Guide | Practical best practice for the design, detailing and installation of lead roofs. |
| LSTA Guidance | Practical workmanship direction and typical leadwork detailing. |
| BS 6915 | Code of practice for leadwork design and installation. |
| BS 6229 | Flat roof performance, including thermal, moisture and drainage principles. |
Lead Roofing Guide Checklist
- Reference LSTA guidance, BS 6915, BS 6229 and BS EN 12588 where relevant.
- Select the correct lead code and keep bay sizes within practical guidance.
- Allow for movement through laps, joints, clips, fixings and interfaces.
- Confirm substrate suitability and any necessary separation layers.
- Review vapour control, ventilation and insulation within the wider roof build-up.
- Provide falls and drainage where gutters, outlets and flat roof details are involved.
- Use compatible products such as clips, fixings, underlay and patination oil where appropriate.
- Record workmanship and handover information clearly at completion.
Related Resources
The Series Of Knowledge
Summer Lead Roof Maintenance Guide | Heat, Expansion & Flashing Checks
The Lead Lads ® Lead Roof Guide Summer Maintenance Summer Lead Roof Maintenance Guide Summer [...]
22
May
May
The Lead Lads ® Launch UK Franchise Model to Raise Standards in Specialist Leadwork
Latest News The Lead Lads® Launch UK Franchise Model A controlled expansion designed to professionalise [...]
14
Apr
Apr
#Proper Leadwork: Spring Lead Roof Inspections—How to Spot Movement, Fatigue & Failure After Winter
The Lead Lads ® Lead Roof Guide Spring Inspection Spring Lead Roof Inspections — How [...]
27
Mar
Mar
Lead Roof Ventilation & Condensation: Warm vs Cold
#Proper Leadwork: Lead Ventilation & Condensation—Warm vs Cold Roof Strategies Interstitial condensation is one of [...]
12
Jan
Jan
Lead Ridge & Verge Detailing: Ridges, Verges & Abutments
#Proper Leadwork: Edge-to-Edge Detailing—Ridges, Verges & Abutments without Stress Ridges and verges frame the roofline. [...]
07
Jan
Jan
The Lead Lads
#properleadwork
Providing proper leadwork services to trade and public.
Our mission is simple: provide high quality services 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.
Use this guide to move from general lead roofing knowledge into proper specification, material selection, standards-led detailing and installation support.
Contact The Lads