Project Duration
This project was completed by our team in around 6 Days.
Project Location
Leadwork Services
The Lead Lads provide comprehensive specifications for a range of leadwork services.
Leadwork Project Details | The Lead Lads ®
The Property
Lead Dormer Roof Covering Installation – The Metropole Hotel, Whitby
Perched prominently on Whitby’s West Cliff, The Metropole Hotel is one of the town’s most recognisable Victorian landmarks. Constructed in 1897, the building reflects the grandeur and ambition of late nineteenth-century seaside architecture, combining substantial masonry construction with decorative towers, curvilinear gables and commanding coastal views.
The hotel was originally designed as a luxury destination and featured advanced amenities for its time, including electric lighting and passenger lifts. Throughout its history, the building has played an important role within Whitby, including service during the Second World War as a military training base.
Over the decades, the Metropole has undergone careful restoration and refurbishment works to preserve its architectural significance while ensuring the building remains suitable for modern use. Due to the exposed coastal setting and the age of the structure, durable roofing details and correctly installed leadwork remain essential to protecting the building fabric.
This project involved the installation of new lead roof coverings to dormer structures, completed using traditional leadworking techniques and standards-led detailing in line with recognised industry guidance.
Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach
This dormer leadwork installation was completed using a standards-led approach focused on durability, weather resistance and correct allowance for thermal movement.
- 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 fixing principles, welt formation, expansion detailing and good practice installation techniques.
The exposed coastal location made correct detailing particularly important. Proper ventilation beneath the lead, correct fixing centres, suitable bay sizing and the inclusion of expansion allowances were all incorporated to help the lead perform correctly over time.
Contact us about leadwork More leadwork resources and guides The leadwork LinkSpecification of Works
Preparation and Removal
- Full inspection carried out to assess the dormer structure and suitability for lead installation.
- Safe access established to the roof and dormer areas.
- Existing coverings and defective materials removed where required.
- Timber supports checked for structural integrity.
- Roof prepared for installation of new substrate and lead coverings.
Substrate and Support
- New exterior-grade plywood decking installed to create a continuous support.
- Treated timber battens fitted to provide ventilation beneath the lead covering.
- BS 1521 Class A building paper laid beneath the lead sheet.
- Substrate arranged to suit movement allowance and weathering details.
Leadwork Installation
- New coverings formed using Code 5 rolled lead sheet.
- Lead sheets measured, cut and prepared to suit the dormer geometry.
- Expansion joints incorporated where required to accommodate thermal movement.
- Lead sheets secured using copper or stainless steel fixings positioned to allow movement.
- Continuous copper clips installed to exposed edges.
- Welted edges formed to improve strength and weather resistance.
- Lead flashings integrated neatly into adjoining roof details.
- Overlaps and weathering details formed in accordance with BS6915 guidance.
Finishing and Protection
- Patination oil applied immediately after installation.
- Final inspection completed to verify ventilation, movement allowance and weatherproofing.
- Completed leadwork checked for finish quality and compliance with recognised leadwork standards.
The Materials
Where reclaimed roofing materials are required, our preferred supplier is The Reclaimed Company.
The Lead & Materials Used By Us 🛒 Lead Weight Calculator
Skills Required
- Lead bossing
- Lead welding
- Use of continuous copper clips
What This Project Teaches About Lead Dormer Roofs
Lead dormer roofs require careful detailing to perform correctly, particularly in exposed coastal environments such as Whitby. Proper ventilation beneath the lead, suitable movement allowance and correct fixing methods all contribute to long-term durability.
This project demonstrates the importance of combining traditional leadworking methods with recognised British Standards and Lead Sheet Association guidance. When properly detailed, lead dormer coverings provide durable weather protection while remaining visually appropriate for historic and architecturally significant buildings.
Property Owner Takeaways
- Lead dormer coverings must allow for natural thermal movement.
- Proper substrate preparation is essential to long-term performance.
- Ventilation beneath the lead helps reduce condensation risk.
- Traditional lead detailing remains highly effective when installed correctly.
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 suitable for dormer roofs?
Code 5 lead is commonly used for dormer roofs because it provides suitable durability while allowing controlled thermal movement.
Why is ventilation important beneath lead?
Ventilation beneath the lead helps reduce condensation risk and improves long-term performance.
Why are expansion joints required?
Expansion joints allow the lead to expand and contract naturally without excessive stress or distortion.
What fixings should be used with leadwork?
Copper clips and non-ferrous fixings are commonly used to secure lead correctly while preventing corrosion issues.
Why is patination oil applied to new lead?
Patination oil helps reduce staining and oxidation during the early weathering period.
Do The Lead Lads supply materials as well as install leadwork?
Yes, all materials used by us are also available through our online leadwork shop.
