The Property

Custom Lead Chute Detail – York, North Yorkshire

This project involved the formation of two custom lead chute details to a single ply flat roof on a private residential dwelling on the outskirts of York. The main flat roof covering was completed by GNR Roofing Services, with The Lead Lads engaged to provide the specialist lead outlet details.

Although the leadwork element was relatively small, the detailing was important. Flat roof outlets and chutes are critical points in any rainwater system because they must move water away from the roof covering quickly and safely. Poorly formed outlet details can lead to standing water, staining, overflow, edge failure or moisture tracking back into the roof build-up.

The finished details were formed using Code 5 rolled lead sheet and 3mm stainless steel sheet metal to create a robust discharge point from the flat roof. The lead was dressed and welded to suit the outlet arrangement, creating a clean, durable and purpose-made chute detail.

Why a Custom Lead Chute Was Needed

The main roof area was formed in single ply, but the outlet points required a more bespoke and durable solution. Standard outlet trims are not always suitable where the roof edge, fall direction and drainage route need a purpose-made detail. In this case, two custom lead chutes were formed to help manage water discharge from the flat roof.

Lead is well suited to this type of outlet work because it can be dressed, shaped and welded around complex junctions. When combined with a rigid stainless steel former, it provides a strong and tidy detail that can deal with water flow, movement and exposure at the roof edge.

Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach

This project was completed using a standards-led approach focused on accurate outlet formation, robust material selection and clean integration with the surrounding flat roof system.

• BS 6915 informed the lead sheet detailing and fixing approach.
• BS EN 12588 governed the rolled lead sheet material specification.
• Lead Sheet Association guidance informed welding, dressing, fixing and outlet detailing principles.

The key principle with a lead chute is that the detail must guide water away cleanly without creating weak points at the roof edge. The chute must be rigid enough to hold its form, dressed neatly into the surrounding roof area and detailed so that water cannot track behind the leadwork.

Specification of Works

Preparation and Removal

• Flat roof outlet positions reviewed before lead chute formation.
• Drainage route and discharge points checked against the single ply roof layout.
• Working areas prepared around the roof edge and outlet positions.
• Stainless steel former requirements confirmed for each chute detail.
• Leadwork set out to suit the outlet size, edge position and water flow direction.

Substrate and Support

• Outlet zones prepared to receive the custom chute details.
• 3mm stainless steel sheet metal used to provide a strong former beneath the lead.
• Lead support and edge details aligned with the surrounding flat roof system.
• Fixing positions prepared to allow secure installation without compromising water flow.

Leadwork Installation

• Two custom lead chute details formed to suit the flat roof outlet positions.
• New chute coverings formed using Code 5 rolled lead sheet.
• Lead dressed over the stainless steel former to create a rigid discharge detail.
• Welded joints formed where required to maintain continuity through the chute.
• Lead flashings dressed neatly into the surrounding outlet area.
• Copper nails used in suitable locations for secure and compatible fixing.
• Chute edges formed to encourage clear discharge away from the roof.
• Finished details checked for alignment, water flow and weathering performance.

Finishing and Protection

• All welded and dressed leadwork checked on completion.
• Outlet areas cleaned down following installation.
• Completed chute details inspected for water discharge, fixing security and finish.

The Materials

This project used a small but important group of specialist materials, selected to create strong and durable lead outlet details from the flat roof.

• Code 5 lead
• 3mm stainless steel sheet metal
• Copper nails
• Lead welding materials
• Lead-compatible fixing materials

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.