The Property

Lead Shop Front Canopy – Harrogate, North Yorkshire

This project involved the replacement and redesign of a lead shop front canopy across a small parade of three shops in one of Harrogate’s prestigious shopping areas. The canopy formed a highly visible part of the main façade, so both weathering performance and appearance were important.

The existing leadwork had failed and water was penetrating into each shop through the roof areas above the frontage. This meant the replacement could not simply be cosmetic. The detail needed to be redesigned to manage rainwater more effectively and provide a durable weatherproof covering.

The Lead Lads were engaged to remove the failed lead roof areas, redesign the canopy covering and install new Code 5 rolled lead sheet over a new support build-up. The finished detail improved the appearance of the shopfront while giving the building a more reliable roof covering.

Why the Original Leadwork Needed Replacing

The original canopy leadwork had deteriorated to the point where water was entering the shop units below. Shop front canopies are exposed to concentrated rainfall, wind-driven rain, footfall vibration from the building frontage and regular thermal movement. If the lead is poorly detailed or unable to move correctly, splits, failed joints and water ingress can follow.

Because the canopy served three separate shop units, the water management strategy was particularly important. The new design needed to improve how rainwater moved across and away from the frontage, while also providing a clean visual finish to suit the prominent Harrogate setting.

Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach

This project was completed using a standards-led approach focused on proper support, correct Code 5 lead detailing and improved rainwater management across the shop front canopy.

• BS 6915 informed the design and installation of the fully supported lead sheet canopy covering.
• BS EN 12588 governed the rolled lead sheet material specification.
• Lead Sheet Association guidance informed bay sizing, fixing principles, bossing, welding, laps, clips and movement allowance.

The key principle was to redesign the failed canopy so that it could shed water properly, remain secure and allow the lead to move naturally. Good leadwork on a commercial frontage must be durable, tidy and sympathetic to the building’s appearance.

Specification of Works

Preparation and Removal

• Existing shop front canopy areas inspected before removal.
• Failed lead roof coverings carefully stripped from the frontage.
• Water ingress routes and drainage weaknesses reviewed.
• Substrate condition checked across the parade of shops.
• Canopy areas prepared for redesign and new lead installation.

Substrate and Support

• New 18mm exterior-grade plywood installed where required to provide a sound base.
• Support build-up formed to suit the redesigned canopy layout.
• Falls and water movement considered before lead installation.
• Lead underlay / building paper installed where required beneath the new leadwork.

Leadwork Installation

• New canopy coverings formed using Code 5 rolled lead sheet.
• Lead bays set out to suit the shop frontage and canopy dimensions.
• Rainwater management improved through redesigned lead detailing.
• Lead dressed and formed to provide a neat commercial frontage finish.
• Bossed and welded details formed where required at corners and junctions.
• Leadwork fixings used to secure the covering without restricting movement.
• Edges, laps and junctions completed to maintain weathering performance.
• Finished canopy checked for appearance, drainage and continuity.

Finishing and Protection

• Patination oil applied to exposed lead where required.
• Completed canopy areas cleaned down after installation.
• Finished detail inspected for weathering, water run-off and visual consistency.

The Materials

This project used a practical group of materials chosen to create a durable and visually clean shop front canopy detail.

• 18mm plywood
• Code 5 lead
• Lead sundries and fixings
• 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.