The Property

Lead Gutters, Hips, Ridges & Architectural Leadwork – North Yorkshire

This project formed part of the refurbishment of a significant historic building in York. Originally constructed as a hospital, the property was being carefully converted into residential apartments, requiring extensive roofing and leadwork packages across multiple roof levels and architectural features.

Projects of this scale require careful coordination between roofing contractors, joiners, conservation teams and specialist leadworkers. The Lead Lads were appointed to deliver a wide range of traditional leadwork details including gutters, cappings, chimney flashings, hips, ridges, outlets, roof windows and bespoke weathering details.

The scale and complexity of the project meant that leadwork was required across numerous areas of the building, each presenting different technical requirements and detailing challenges.

Why the Original Leadwork Needed Replacing

Many of the original lead details had reached the end of their service life or required replacement as part of the wider refurbishment programme. Large historic buildings often undergo multiple repairs over decades, resulting in a mixture of materials, detailing methods and varying standards of workmanship.

Typical defects included ageing lead coverings, deteriorated joints, worn flashings, inadequate drainage details and weathered substrates. In order to create a consistent and durable roofing system, the leadwork needed to be renewed using modern standards while remaining sympathetic to the character of the building.

Leadwork Standards and Technical Approach

This project followed a standards-led approach designed to achieve long-term durability, correct thermal movement and traditional appearance.

• BS 6915 informed the design and installation of the lead sheet coverings.
• BS EN 12588 governed the rolled lead sheet material specification.
• Lead Sheet Association guidance informed gutter sizing, fixing methods, expansion details, welding and weathering design.

The project required close collaboration with site joiners to ensure suitable substrates could be formed beneath the leadwork. Particular attention was given to drainage design, expansion allowance, outlet formation and weathering details around complex roof geometry.

Specification of Works

Preparation and Removal

• Safe access established to multiple roof levels and work areas across the building.
• Existing defective leadwork and associated weathering details removed where required.
• Roof structures and drainage positions inspected prior to installation.
• Work coordinated with joiners and roofing contractors undertaking associated refurbishment works.
• Materials delivered on a just-in-time basis due to restricted site storage availability.

Substrate and Support

• Joinery works completed to create suitable support beneath all leadwork details.
• Substrates formed to accommodate perimeter gutters, roof window details and canopy structures.
• Timber rolls incorporated where required to control lead bay sizing and movement.
• Drainage falls formed to direct water towards outlets and overflow details.

Leadwork Installation

• Lead flashings, aprons and back gutters installed to chimney stacks.
• Large perimeter lead gutter linings fitted around the building perimeter.
• Perimeter lead cappings formed to exposed masonry details.
• Central stepped lead gutter linings installed in formed bays.
• Integral lead-lined outlets and overflow details fabricated and welded in position.
• Lead weatherings installed to lower-level plinth details.
• New lead-covered door canopy formed to low-level entrance feature.
• Bespoke lead-clad roof window installed to the rear elevation.
• Lead hips and ridges formed across all roof elevations.
• Expansion joints incorporated where required to accommodate thermal movement.

Finishing and Protection

• Patination oil applied to exposed lead surfaces.
• All welds, outlets, joints and drainage details checked for performance.
• Completed leadwork inspected for finish, weathering integrity and compliance with project requirements.

The Materials

This project utilised a wide range of traditional leadworking materials to accommodate the variety of details incorporated throughout the building.

• Code 5 rolled lead sheet
• Stainless steel clips
• Timber rolls
• Lead expansion joints
• Lead-lined outlets and spigots
• Patination oil

The variety of details within this project demonstrates the versatility of rolled lead sheet. From gutters and cappings to hips, ridges and bespoke roof window details, lead remains one of the most adaptable and durable roofing materials available.

If you are trying to understand which code of lead may be suitable for your own project, our shoppable lead chart provides a useful starting point. For further guidance, see The Lead Handbook and our lead roofing guides.