The Property

Lead Gutters and Dormer – Ampleforth Abbey, North Yorkshire

This project involved the installation of new lead gutter linings, dormer leadwork and associated roof details as part of a refurbishment project at Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire. The Lead Lads were engaged by a main contractor to carry out specialist leadwork across a number of roof areas on this important heritage site.

Working on a large and historically significant building requires a careful approach. The leadwork had to be integrated with existing roof coverings, masonry interfaces and traditional architectural details while maintaining a watertight finish across the gutter runs, dormer roof and outlet positions.

The work included Code 5 lead gutter linings, a new Code 5 lead roof and cheeks to a large access dormer, stepped lead flashings, outlet spitters and carefully dressed details around timber rolls and abutments.

Why the Leadwork Needed Replacing

The refurbishment required several gutter linings and lead details to be brought back to a reliable watertight standard. On heritage roof areas, gutters are often hidden, difficult to access and responsible for collecting significant volumes of water. If the lead linings fail, water can quickly affect roof timbers, masonry, ceilings and adjoining internal areas.

Integration with the existing roof coverings was one of the main challenges. The new leadwork had to connect neatly with the surrounding roof structure, provide suitable falls and ensure water was directed into the correct outlet positions without creating weak points at interfaces, corners or stepped flashing details.

Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach

This project was completed using a standards-led approach focused on durable lead gutter linings, correct material selection and careful detailing on a heritage building.

• BS 6915 informed the design and installation of the fully supported lead sheet gutter linings and dormer details.
• BS EN 12588 governed the rolled lead sheet material specification.
• Lead Sheet Association guidance informed bay sizing, fixing principles, bossing, welding, roll details, outlets and stepped flashings.

The key principle on a project like this is that every gutter lining and outlet detail must work as part of the wider rainwater system. Code 5 lead was used to provide durability, while careful dressing, welding and roll detailing helped maintain a watertight finish across the complex roof layout.

Specification of Works

Preparation and Removal

• Roof areas and gutter runs inspected before leadwork installation.
• Existing interfaces reviewed to ensure new leadwork integrated with the surrounding roof coverings.
• Dormer and gutter areas set out for Code 5 lead installation.
• Outlet positions and rainwater routes checked before forming new details.
• Working areas prepared for gutter linings, stepped flashings and dormer leadwork.

Substrate and Support

• Gutter bases checked and prepared to provide full support beneath the lead linings.
• Timber roll details prepared where required for the dormer and adjoining roof areas.
• Outlet and spitter locations formed to direct water away from the roof safely.
• Interfaces prepared to receive stepped flashings and dressed lead details.

Leadwork Installation

• New gutter linings formed using Code 5 rolled lead sheet.
• Lead bays set out to suit the gutter lengths, outlet positions and roof geometry.
• New Code 5 lead roof formed to the large dormer providing roof access.
• Dormer cheeks clad and dressed in lead to provide a durable weathered finish.
• Lead outlet spitters formed to manage water discharge from the gutter areas.
• Stepped lead flashings installed at roof and masonry interfaces.
• Lead dressed and bossed around timber rolls, corners and changes in direction.
• Welded details completed where required to maintain watertight continuity.

Finishing and Protection

• Completed gutter linings checked for falls, joints and outlet performance.
• Dormer and flashing details inspected for continuity and weathering.
• Finished leadwork cleaned down and checked before handover.

The Materials

This project relied mainly on Code 5 lead, selected for its suitability across gutter linings, dormer roof details, cheeks, outlets and stepped flashings.

• Code 5 lead
• Lead welding materials
• Timber rolls
• Lead-compatible fixings
• Outlet and spitter detailing materials
• Patination oil where required

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.