Lead Gutter Linings

Lead Box Gutter Detail

Lead box gutters are particularly useful on traditional and specialist buildings where conventional external guttering is visually inappropriate or technically unsuitable. They are commonly found behind parapet walls, within formed timber gutters and in concealed roof drainage arrangements.

Because lead moves with temperature change, box gutters must be designed to accommodate that movement. This usually means setting the lining out in appropriate bay lengths, using stepped joints or welded expansion details, and fixing the material without restraining it.

Is Lead Guttering Better Than Plastic?

It depends on the building and detail. A standard domestic roof may be better served by a conventional rainwater system. However, on larger, older, high-value or architecturally sensitive buildings, lead gutter linings can provide a durable, repairable and discreet solution.

Proper leadwork is always about using the right material in the right context. Lead is not necessary everywhere, but where it is appropriate, it remains one of the most adaptable rainwater lining materials available.

How to Form a Lead Box Gutter

The substrate is as important as the lead itself. A lead box gutter should usually be formed in timber, often plywood, with falls, bay lengths, outlets and expansion details designed around the lead lining above.

The substrate should allow the gutter to be lined in bay lengths suitable for the chosen lead code. Provision should also be made for sumps, outlets, underlay, expansion joints and, where necessary, ventilation or a warm roof build-up to reduce long-term corrosion risk.

Lead Valley Gutters

Where lead is used to form a valley gutter, Code 5 lead is generally considered a practical minimum. Lap sizes, fixing points, support details and maximum lengths should all be considered in relation to roof pitch and expected movement.

Without suitable fixing and movement allowance, a lead valley can fatigue and split prematurely.

What Is a Lead Back Gutter?

A lead back gutter is usually formed where a pitched roof meets an upstand such as a chimney stack. It is designed to weather the rear of that interface and should be installed independently of the cover flashing above it.

Back gutters require proper underlap beneath the roof covering above and adequate upstand height at the vertical interface. These details matter where driven rain, snow and long-term weather exposure are likely.

Downpipes, Hoppers, Sumps and Outlets

Lead can also be used to form rainwater management components such as downpipes, hoppers, sumps and outlets. On historic buildings, lead downpipes are still found in service and often need skilled repair or local replacement.

We are frequently asked to form custom outlets and sumps as part of wider gutter projects, particularly where standard off-the-shelf products cannot suit the geometry or character of the building.

Secret Gutters

Secret gutters are used where a roof abuts a parapet or coping and a concealed drainage line must be formed between different areas of construction. These details can be highly effective, but must be designed carefully because they are often difficult to inspect once complete.

When detailed properly, a secret gutter can provide a durable and discreet weathering solution, particularly on stone, slate and traditional masonry buildings.

Material Supply and Lead Accessories

The Lead Shop supports clients and trade professionals with rolled lead sheet, leadwork fixings, patination oil, lead weight calculations and technical guidance.