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Project Duration
This traditional lead bay window project was completed in around 3 days.
Project Location
Leadwork Services
The Lead Lads provide specialist leadwork services for bay roofs, gutters, outlets, flashings and traditional roof details.
Leadwork Project Details | The Lead Lads ®
The Property
Lead Bay Window Roof – Colgate, York
This project involved the replacement of a lead bay window roof to a traditional bay-fronted Victorian terraced house in York. The bay window sits on the principal elevation and forms an important part of the property’s period character.
Consistent with many Victorian terraces, the bay roof is a small but technically important detail. It protects the window structure below, helps manage rainwater from the front elevation and contributes to the overall kerb appeal of the property.
The Lead Lads were engaged following a wider re-roofing project undertaken by GNR Roofing Services. Once the high-level roof works were complete, our team replaced the lead bay roof covering, formed a new timber gutter detail and installed a new Code 5 lead covering in four bays.
Why the Original Leadwork Needed Replacing
The original bay roof covering had reached the point where replacement was the best long-term option. Bay roofs often fail where old lead becomes fatigued, where gutters are poorly formed, where outlets block or where the substrate beneath the lead has started to deteriorate.
On a traditional terraced house, reinstatement must be carried out carefully. A poor replacement can affect both weather protection and the visual character of the front elevation. For that reason, the bay was re-boarded, insulated and fitted with a new timber gutter before the leadwork was installed.
Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach
This project followed a standards-led approach focused on durable support, correct material selection and traditional leadwork detailing.
- BS 6915 informed the installation of the fully supported lead sheet covering and gutter lining.
- BS EN 12588 governed the rolled lead sheet material specification.
- Lead Sheet Association guidance informed bay sizing, fixings, bossing, welding, timber rolls and outlet detailing.
The key principle was to create a traditional lead bay detail that could manage water properly while allowing natural thermal movement. This included Code 5 lead, wood roll detailing, stainless steel clips, a central expansion joint to the gutter lining and a fully welded lead spigot outlet.
Contact us about leadwork More leadwork resources and guides The leadwork LinkSpecification of Works
Preparation and Removal
- Existing bay roof inspected following completion of the high-level roofing works.
- Old lead covering and associated defective details removed.
- Existing bay roof prepared for new boarding and gutter construction.
- Working area protected around the front elevation and window structure.
- Bay layout set out for new lead gutter, four lead bays and outlet detail.
Substrate and Support
- New timber substrate installed to support the lead bay covering.
- Insulation installed above the bay where suitable within the build-up.
- New timber gutter formed to the bay roof.
- Wood roll details prepared to divide the main covering into four lead bays.
Leadwork Installation
- New gutter lining formed using Code 5 rolled lead sheet.
- Central lead expansion joint installed within the gutter lining.
- New Code 5 lead roof covering installed in four separate bays.
- Timber roll detailing formed to manage movement and provide traditional raised joints.
- New lead flashings installed to adjoining details.
- Code 5 lead apron formed with suitable clips and tabs.
- Fully welded lead spigot outlet formed to manage rainwater discharge.
- Lead dressed, bossed and clipped to provide a neat, durable finish.
Finishing and Protection
- Completed leadwork checked for clips, laps, outlet performance and weathering.
- Gutter lining and spigot outlet inspected for water flow.
- Finished bay cleaned down and reviewed before handover.
The Materials
This project used traditional leadwork materials selected to suit a Victorian bay roof with integrated gutter and outlet details.
- 18mm plywood
- Timber gutter sections
- Code 5 lead
- Lead expansion joint
- Stainless clips
- Wood rolls
If you are trying to understand which code of lead is right for a similar detail, our shoppable lead chart is a useful starting point. For broader product learning, see The Lead Handbook and our lead roofing guides.
The Lead & Materials Used By Us 🛒 Lead Weight Calculator
Skills Required
- lead dressing
- lead welding
- lead bossing
- joinery for leadwork
- forming lead outlets
What This Project Teaches About Victorian Lead Bay Roofs
Victorian bay windows often include small but complex roof details. The lead covering, timber gutter, expansion joint, apron and outlet all need to work together to protect the window below and preserve the appearance of the main elevation.
This project shows why a proper replacement should include more than the visible lead sheet. Re-boarding, insulation, gutter formation and outlet detailing all contribute to the long-term performance of the finished bay roof.
Property Owner Takeaways
- Traditional bay windows need sympathetic and technically correct leadwork.
- Gutter linings and outlets are critical parts of bay roof performance.
- Code 5 lead is well suited to many Victorian bay roof details.
- Replacing the substrate and leadwork together gives a stronger long-term result.
Related Lead Lads Resources
- Lead roofing projects
- Leadwork standards hub
- Leadwork services
- Shoppable lead chart
- Lead roll
- Leadwork fixings
Frequently Asked Questions
What code of lead is used on a Victorian bay roof?
Code 5 lead is commonly used, depending on the size, exposure and detailing of the bay.
Why does a bay roof need a gutter lining?
A gutter lining helps manage water at the rear or perimeter of the bay and directs it towards the outlet.
What is a lead expansion joint?
It allows the lead to move naturally as temperatures change, reducing stress and fatigue.
Why use wood rolls on a bay roof?
Wood rolls divide the lead into bays and create traditional raised joints that allow controlled movement.
What is a lead spigot outlet?
It is a formed lead outlet that discharges water from the gutter lining into the rainwater system.
Where can I buy lead bay roof materials?
You can explore lead roll, fixings, underlay and guides through the Lead Lads Shop.
