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Project Duration
This large lead gutter lining project was completed in around 20 days.
Project Location
Leadwork Services
The Lead Lads provide specialist leadwork services for gutter linings, valleys, flashings, hoppers and heritage roof details.
Leadwork Project Details | The Lead Lads ®
The Property
Large Lead Gutter Lining – Crakehall Hall, North Yorkshire
This project involved the replacement of a large central lead gutter lining at Crakehall Hall, a listed building near Bedale in North Yorkshire. The property is a substantial hall with traditional stone slate roof coverings, large chimney stacks and a prominent position facing the village green.
The central gutter forms an important interface between roof slopes. Over time, the existing lining had decayed and failure had resulted in significant water ingress. On a building of this scale, a failed gutter can quickly affect roof timbers, internal finishes and the wider building fabric.
The works were designed to provide a fully weatherproof central gutter lining, improve rainwater discharge and protect the property from further decay. The project also included associated stone slating, hopper repairs, valley linings, chimney flashing and replacement coverings to the dormer access into the gutter area.
Why the Original Leadwork Needed Replacing
The existing central gutter lining had reached the end of its serviceable life. Large lead gutters are highly exposed to standing water, thermal movement and debris build-up. Once the lead begins to fatigue or the substrate below deteriorates, water can quickly penetrate the roof structure.
At Crakehall Hall, the size of the gutter and its location between roof slopes made proper replacement essential. A patch repair would not have addressed the underlying substrate condition, outlet performance or movement requirements. The gutter needed to be stripped back, re-supported and relined using Code 6 lead to suit the scale and exposure of the detail.
Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach
This project was completed using a standards-led approach focused on durable substrate preparation, correct bay sizing, controlled movement and reliable rainwater discharge.
- BS 6915 informed the design and installation of the fully supported lead gutter lining.
- BS EN 12588 governed the rolled lead sheet material specification.
- Lead Sheet Association guidance informed bay sizing, timber roll detailing, fixing principles, outlet formation, bossing and welding.
The key principle was to rebuild the gutter as a complete system. This meant new treated timber support, 18mm exterior-grade plywood, Code 6 lead, timber roll joints, improved outlet detailing and compatible copper and stainless steel clips.
Contact us about leadwork More leadwork resources and guides The leadwork LinkSpecification of Works
Preparation and Removal
- Existing walk boards removed and carted from site.
- Defective lead linings stripped from the central gutter.
- Stone slate margins carefully opened up to facilitate the works.
- Existing outlet, hopper and fall pipe details inspected.
- Gutter area prepared for new support, lining and drainage details.
Substrate and Support
- New treated timber support framework formed to suit the gutter geometry.
- New 18mm exterior-grade plywood installed to provide continuous support.
- Timber roll details formed along the gutter length to comply with LSA guidance.
- Outlet, upstand and junction details prepared before lead installation.
Leadwork Installation
- New central gutter lining installed using Code 6 rolled lead sheet.
- Timber roll details formed along the full gutter length of approximately 20 linear metres.
- Lead bays set out to allow thermal movement across the gutter run.
- Improved outlet detail formed to discharge into the lead hopper.
- Existing lead hopper and fall pipe repaired and reinstated.
- Coverings replaced to the dormer providing access into the central gutter.
- Two new valley linings formed to adjoining roof areas.
- Lead flashing formed to one chimney stack and integrated with the stone slate roof.
Finishing and Protection
- Stone slates reinstated in diminishing courses where disturbed.
- All lead joints, clips, rolls and outlet details inspected.
- Completed gutter checked for continuity, drainage and weathering performance.
The Materials
This project used robust materials selected for a large historic gutter on a listed building.
- Code 6 lead
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood
- Treated timber sections
- Copper clips
- Stainless steel clips
- Stone slates for making good
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 welding
- lead bossing
- lead dressing
- forming lead to wood rolls
- joinery for leadwork
- stone slating in diminishing courses
What This Project Teaches About Large Lead Gutter Linings
Large central gutters are some of the most important details on historic roof structures. They collect water from adjoining slopes and often sit above sensitive internal areas. If the lining, outlet or substrate fails, water ingress can become serious very quickly.
This project shows why large lead gutters should be treated as complete systems. Code selection, timber support, bay sizing, roll joints, outlet design, hopper performance and slate reinstatement all affect the success of the finished detail.
Property Owner Takeaways
- Large lead gutters need regular inspection and maintenance.
- Water ingress often indicates failure of both the lead and the support beneath.
- Code 6 lead is well suited to larger gutter linings when correctly detailed.
- Good outlet design is essential to prevent water backing up within the gutter.
Related Lead Lads Resources
- Lead roofing projects
- Lead gutter projects
- Leadwork standards hub
- Leadwork services
- Shoppable lead chart
- Lead roll
Frequently Asked Questions
What code of lead is used for large gutter linings?
Code 6 lead is often used for larger gutter linings, depending on the bay size, exposure and design.
Why do large lead gutters fail?
Common causes include age, thermal movement, failed joints, poor falls, blocked outlets and deteriorated timber support.
Why are timber rolls used in lead gutters?
Timber rolls divide the gutter into controlled bays and allow the lead to move naturally.
Can a lead gutter lining be repaired?
Minor defects can sometimes be repaired, but widespread deterioration usually requires full replacement.
Why is outlet design important?
A poor outlet can cause water to back up, increasing the risk of leaks and premature lead failure.
Where can I buy lead gutter materials?
You can explore lead roll, fixings, underlay and guides through the Lead Lads Shop.
