The Property

Lead Door Canopy – Elleron Lodge, North York Moors

This project formed part of our wider leadwork package at Elleron Lodge, a high-end new build property in the heart of the North York Moors near Pickering, North Yorkshire. The main roofing works were completed by GNR Roofing, while The Lead Lads undertook the specialist leadwork across the wider project.

The detail shown here was a stone door canopy with an inset lead roof area designed to manage rainwater above the entrance. Although the canopy itself was relatively compact, the detailing required care because the client wanted the stone plinth to remain visible, which meant the leadwork had to be formed without a visible front drip to the leading edge.

The finished covering was formed using Code 6 rolled lead sheet, with a lead expansion joint, stainless steel and copper clips, and copper nails installed in line with recognised leadwork practice. The result is a discreet lead roof covering that protects the inset canopy area while preserving the intended stone appearance.

Why the Lead Canopy Detail Needed Careful Design

Door canopies are small roof areas, but they are exposed to direct rainfall, wind and concentrated run-off. They also sit above important entrance details, so any failure can lead to staining, dampness or water penetration into the stonework below.

On this project, the main design challenge was balancing appearance with weathering performance. The stone plinth was to remain visible, so the detail was formed without a visible front lead drip. This achieved the intended visual finish, although a perimeter drip edge would normally be preferred to help prevent water from penetrating or staining the stone over time.

Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach

This project was completed using a standards-led approach focused on correct lead sheet detailing, movement allowance and secure fixing within the restricted canopy area.

• 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 bay sizing, fixing principles, expansion joint placement, bossing, welding and corner formation.

The key principle was to provide a durable lead covering that could move naturally while staying visually discreet. Correct clipping, suitable lead code, formed corners and allowance for expansion were essential because the roof sits within a stone canopy detail in an exposed North York Moors setting.

Specification of Works

Preparation and Removal

• Stone door canopy inspected before leadwork installation.
• Joinery and substrate preparation checked against the agreed leadwork specification.
• Inset canopy roof area measured and set out for Code 6 lead installation.
• Stone plinth and visible entrance details protected during the works.
• Expansion joint and fixing positions planned before forming the new covering.

Substrate and Support

• Joinery support completed in advance to The Lead Lads specification.
• Inset canopy roof area prepared to provide full support beneath the lead sheet.
• Edge and perimeter details checked to suit the stone canopy design.
• Lead underlay and separation details allowed for where required below the new covering.

Leadwork Installation

• New inset canopy roof covering formed using Code 6 rolled lead sheet.
• Lead expansion joint incorporated to allow controlled thermal movement.
• Stainless steel and copper clips installed to secure the leadwork correctly.
• Copper nails used in accordance with recognised leadwork practice.
• Lead corners formed carefully to suit the compact canopy geometry.
• Welted panel details formed where required to manage joints and movement.
• Lead dressed neatly over wood core rolls and into the surrounding canopy detail.
• Leading edge formed discreetly so the stone plinth remained visible from below.

Finishing and Protection

• Finished leadwork checked for fixings, laps and expansion allowance.
• Canopy edges inspected for water shedding and visual finish.
• Completed detail cleaned down and checked for long-term weathering performance.

The Materials

This project used a concise group of materials selected to suit the exposed setting, inset canopy design and client’s requirement for a discreet finish.

• Code 6 lead
• Lead expansion joint
• Stainless steel clips
• Copper clips
• Copper nails to BS 6915 principles
• Wood core rolls

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.