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Project Duration
This custom lead canopy replacement was completed in around 4 days.
Project Location
Leadwork Services
The Lead Lads provide specialist leadwork services for canopies, bays, flashings, gutters and traditional roof details.
Leadwork Project Details | The Lead Lads ®
The Property
Custom Lead Door Canopy – York, North Yorkshire
This project involved the replacement of a traditional lead-covered entrance canopy to a large private residence near York. The property was undergoing a wider programme of refurbishment works and the front entrance canopy formed an important part of the final phase of improvements.
Door canopies are often one of the most visible architectural features on a property. They provide shelter to the entrance below while also contributing significantly to the appearance of the building. For this reason, any replacement works needed to balance technical performance with the retention of the property’s original character.
The completed works included a new fully supported Code 5 lead covering, timber roll details, replacement flashings and carefully formed perimeter details designed to preserve the existing stone edge features while delivering a durable long-term weathering solution.
Why the Original Leadwork Needed Replacing
The existing canopy covering had deteriorated to the point where replacement represented the most practical and reliable long-term solution. Over time, exposure to weather, thermal movement and ageing substrates can cause lead coverings to fatigue, while older felt systems often lose their effectiveness and allow moisture to penetrate the structure below.
Entrance canopies are exposed on all sides and often contain multiple junctions, edge details and flashings. Once deterioration begins, water can track beneath coverings, affect timber substrates and compromise decorative masonry features. In this case, the objective was to renew the entire weathering system while retaining the appearance of the original stone perimeter detail.
Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach
This project followed a standards-led approach focused on correct support, movement allowance and traditional leadworking techniques.
- 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 methods, timber roll formation, welding, flashings and detailing.
The primary objective was to create a canopy covering that would perform correctly as the lead expands and contracts throughout its service life. This required careful setting out, appropriate restraint using stainless steel clips, properly formed timber rolls and neatly integrated flashings to adjoining masonry.
Contact us about leadwork More leadwork resources and guides The leadwork LinkSpecification of Works
Preparation and Removal
- Safe access established to the entrance canopy and surrounding elevations.
- Existing felt roof covering carefully removed and disposed of.
- Existing flashings and defective weathering details stripped out.
- Canopy structure inspected to confirm suitability for re-covering.
- Area prepared ready for installation of the new leadwork system.
Substrate and Support
- New 18mm exterior-grade plywood deck installed across the canopy.
- Building paper / lead underlay installed to separate the lead from the substrate.
- Timber core rolls formed to create traditional lead bay divisions.
- Substrate prepared to retain and complement the existing stone perimeter detail.
Leadwork Installation
- New Code 5 rolled lead sheet installed to the canopy covering.
- Timber roll details incorporated to create traditional lead bay formation.
- Lead carefully dressed around the roll details to provide a clean architectural finish.
- Perimeter restraint achieved using formed stainless steel clips.
- New stepped lead flashings installed into adjoining masonry.
- Lead welded and bossed where required to suit canopy geometry.
- Weathering details formed around perimeter stone features.
- Completed canopy detailed to allow natural thermal movement within the leadwork.
Finishing and Protection
- Patination oil applied immediately after installation.
- Flashings, joints and perimeter details inspected for finish and continuity.
- Completed canopy cleaned and checked before handover.
The Materials
This project used a straightforward combination of traditional materials selected to provide a durable and sympathetic replacement canopy.
- Code 5 lead
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood
- Building paper / lead underlay
- Stainless steel clips
- Timber core rolls
- Patination oil
The combination of a fully supported substrate, traditional timber roll details and Code 5 lead provides a durable weathering system that remains sympathetic to the property’s character.
For more information about lead codes, fixings and suitable materials, see our Lead Handbook, lead roofing guides and shoppable lead chart.
The Lead & Materials Used By Us 🛒 Lead Weight Calculator
Skills Required
- lead dressing
- lead bossing
- lead welding
- forming lead welts
- stepped flashings
What This Project Teaches About Lead Door Canopies
A well-designed lead door canopy relies on much more than the lead covering alone. Long-term performance comes from the combination of a sound substrate, suitable lead code selection, correctly formed timber rolls, effective flashings and careful perimeter detailing. If any one of these elements is compromised, the whole detail becomes vulnerable to water ingress and premature failure.
This project demonstrates how traditional leadworking techniques can be used to retain the character of an entrance feature while significantly improving its durability. By combining modern substrates with traditional lead detailing, the finished canopy provides robust weather protection while remaining sympathetic to the architecture of the property.
The project also highlights the importance of preserving decorative masonry details. Rather than simply replacing the covering, the leadwork was designed around the existing stone perimeter, ensuring that the original appearance of the canopy remained intact while benefiting from a completely renewed weathering system.
Property Owner Takeaways
- Entrance canopies require proper support beneath the lead covering to ensure long-term performance.
- Timber roll details help create traditional appearance while accommodating natural lead movement.
- Correctly formed flashings are essential for preventing water ingress at masonry junctions.
- Specialist leadworking techniques help preserve architectural features while improving durability.
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 was used on this canopy?
Code 5 lead was used throughout the canopy covering and associated weathering details.
Why were timber rolls used?
Timber rolls create a traditional appearance while helping divide the leadwork into manageable sections.
Why was the old felt covering removed?
The existing covering had reached the end of its service life and was replaced with a more durable lead solution.
Do lead canopies require flashings?
Yes. Properly formed flashings are essential to prevent water entering where the canopy meets the building.
Can existing stone details be retained?
In many cases, yes. Leadwork can often be designed around existing decorative masonry features.
How long should a lead door canopy last?
When installed correctly to recognised standards, a lead canopy can provide decades of reliable service.
