The Property

Lead Covering to Stone Balcony – York

Rathbone House, formerly known as Moorlyn, is a distinguished Grade II listed Victorian property located at 292 Tadcaster Road in York. Built in the mid-19th century with later 20th-century alterations, the house reflects the architectural character and scale typical of substantial suburban residences from this period. Historic England recognises the building for its special architectural and historic interest, particularly its well-proportioned stone elevations, steeply pitched slate roof, prominent chimney stacks and symmetrical front façade.

One of the most notable features of Rathbone House is the pair of curved projecting bay windows positioned on either side of the main entrance. These elegant bays create a strong visual focus to the front elevation and are finished with distinctive curved lead-covered roofs, which require careful detailing and maintenance due to their shape and exposure. Combined with the central entrance porch, decorative balcony and dormer windows within the roof slope, these features give the property much of its character and contribute significantly to its listed status and overall architectural importance.

The lead covering to the stone balcony roof above the main entrance provides a waterproof barrier that protects the stone structure, decorative masonry and interior spaces below from water ingress. Proper detailing, including drips, upstands, welts and flashings around the brick piers, allows the lead to perform correctly and move naturally with temperature changes. On a Grade II listed building, this is especially important to prevent damage to the original historic fabric and preserve the building’s architectural character.

Why the Original Leadwork Needed Replacing

Before replacement, the old lead covering had failed through cracking, split joints, open laps, worn flashings or fatigue caused by movement and age. Common symptoms of failed balcony leadwork include water ingress, damp patches on ceilings and walls below, staining to stonework, moss growth and visible sagging or splits in the lead surface.

The lead covering likely failed due to age-related fatigue, poor detailing and restricted thermal movement. Cracking, split joints and failed flashings suggest the lead may have been over-fixed or installed with the wrong code, preventing natural expansion and contraction. Inadequate falls causing standing water, along with deterioration of the timber substrate beneath, would have increased stress on the covering and accelerated failure.

Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach

This project was completed using a standards-led approach focused on proper lead detailing, correct material selection and durable support beneath the finished covering.

• BS 6915 informed the design and installation of the fully supported lead sheet covering.
• BS EN 12588 governed the rolled lead sheet material specification.
• Lead Sheet Association guidance informed bay sizing, fixing principles, bossing, welting, corner formation and general good practice.

The lead balcony covering was replaced in line with BS EN 12588 and LSTA guidance using the correct lead code, typically Code 5 for this type of detail. The substrate must be dry, smooth and fully supported, with the new lead installed using correct drips, laps, upstands and fixings that allow for thermal movement and long-term durability.

Specification of Works

Preparation and Removal

• Carefully protect the stone balcony, entrance area, windows and surrounding masonry before works begin.

• Record the existing lead layout, falls, drips, laps, upstands and junction details before removal.

• Remove any loose fixings, sealants, mortar pointing and flashings without damaging the historic stonework.

• Strip the old lead covering in manageable sections, taking care around edges, corners and abutments.

• Inspect the exposed substrate for rot, damp, corrosion staining, poor support or defects before preparing for new leadwork.

Substrate and Support

• Remove any defective timber decking or failed support materials and replace with sound, treated timber construction.

• Install a minimum 18mm exterior-grade timber deck to provide a smooth, rigid and fully supported substrate.

• Lay suitable underlay, such as building paper to BS 1521 Class A, to isolate the lead from the substrate and allow thermal movement.

• Form correct falls, drips and edge support to prevent standing water and ensure proper drainage from the balcony roof.

Leadwork Installation

• Set out the new Code 5 lead bays, gutter runs, rolls, outlets, laps and perimeter details to suit the balcony layout.

• Fit Code 5 lead gutter linings with correct falls, drips and T-Pren expansion joints to allow movement.

• Form and dress Code 5 lead bays over the prepared substrate, incorporating wood roll details between bays.

• Install Code 5 lead flashings to all abutments, dressed into chases and sealed with Lead Mate sealant.

• Fit perimeter welted capping to the balcony edges, ensuring secure clipping and allowance for movement.

• Form the cornice leadwork with a clean drip edge detail to shed water clear of the stone face.

• Form new lead outlets to discharge water correctly from the gutter linings.

• Connect new downpipes to the outlets, checking alignment, falls and watertight junctions.

Finishing and Protection

• Apply patination oil to all new leadwork immediately after installation to reduce staining and improve appearance.

• Check all joints, flashings, outlets and sealants to ensure the covering is fully watertight and correctly finished.

• Protect the completed leadwork from foot traffic and following trades to prevent damage to the finished surface.

The Materials

This project used a straightforward but important group of materials, each chosen for a clear purpose within the balcony roof build-up.

• New Code 5 lead
• Wood core rolls
• Copper ringshank nails
• Lead sealant
• Patination oil

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.