The Lead Lads | Roofing Leadwork Specialists
Roofing Leadwork
Specialist roofing leadwork for flashings, valleys, gutters, flat roofs, cladding, lead details and weatherproof roof interfaces across Yorkshire and beyond.
The Lead Lads Services
Roofing Leadwork
Roofing leadwork is fundamental to the success of many roof coverings. It protects vulnerable interfaces, controls rainwater and allows complex roof forms to perform properly over the long term.
At The Lead Lads, we undertake specialist roofing leadwork for domestic, commercial, heritage and high-specification roofing projects. Our work includes lead flashings, lead gutters, lead flat roofs, lead dormers, bespoke lead detailing and heritage leadwork.
Good leadwork is not just about fitting sheet material. It depends on correct code selection, suitable substrates, bay sizing, movement allowance, fixings, clips, welding, patination oil and proper finishing. Roofing leadwork should be designed and installed with reference to recognised standards, including BS 6915, BS EN 12588 and our wider leadwork standards guidance.
For material planning, trade buyers and contractors can also use rolled lead sheet, lead flashing size guidance, the lead weight calculator, leadwork fixings and The Lead Handbook.
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What Is Roofing Leadwork?
Roofing leadwork is the use of rolled lead sheet to weather roof junctions, roof coverings, valleys, gutters, penetrations and vulnerable building interfaces. It is one of the most important specialist trades in roofing because it deals with the areas where leaks most commonly occur.
Leadwork is used where roof coverings meet walls, chimneys, dormers, parapets, valleys, rooflights, gutters, flat roofs and adjoining structures. When properly formed, it allows water to be shed safely while allowing the lead sheet to expand and contract naturally.
Common roofing leadwork includes:
- Lead flashings, aprons, soakers and back gutters.
- Lead gutter linings, valley gutters, box gutters and outlets.
- Lead flat roof coverings and low-pitch roofing.
- Lead dormers, cheeks, aprons and associated flashings.
- Lead bay window roofs and projecting roof features.
- Bespoke lead details, cappings, collars, sumps and formed outlets.
The best roofing leadwork looks clean, but more importantly, it performs. The hidden build-up, fixings, underlay, substrate, jointing and movement strategy are just as important as the visible finish.
14 Core Roofing Leadwork Details
These are the working details that keep roofs watertight, manage movement and protect the fabric of the building.
1. Lead Flashings
Lead flashings protect roof junctions where coverings meet walls, chimneys, parapets and upstands. They include step flashings, cover flashings, apron flashings and chimney flashing packages.
2. Lead Valleys
Lead valleys carry water where two roof slopes meet. They must be formed to suit the pitch, roof covering and expected water flow.
3. Lead Soakers
Soakers are concealed pieces of lead used beneath slates or tiles at abutments. They are commonly formed in Code 3 lead.
4. Lead Ridges and Hips
Lead can be used to weather hips, ridges and roof intersections, especially where a durable alternative to mortar is needed.
5. Lead Aprons
Aprons are used at lower abutments, chimney fronts, rooflights and dormer bases to direct water safely onto the roof covering below.
6. Lead Gutter Linings
Lead gutter linings are used in box gutters, parapet gutters, secret gutters and valley gutters where durable rainwater control is essential.
7. Lead Dormer Details
Lead dormers often require lead cheeks, aprons, flashings, roof coverings and perimeter details.
8. Lead Cappings
Lead cappings protect parapet walls, exposed upstands and vulnerable horizontal surfaces from weathering.
9. Lead Drip Edges
Drips prevent water running back beneath the lead or into the supporting structure. They are critical on edges, bays, gutters and flat roof details.
10. Leadwork Around Roof Vents
Roof vents, flues and pipe penetrations need collars, flashings or bespoke details to keep the junction watertight.
11. Lead Code Selection
Correct lead code matters. Code 4 lead is common for flashings, while Code 5 lead and Code 6 lead are often used for heavier or more exposed details.
12. Lead Welding and Jointing
Lead welding is important for outlets, sumps, corners and specialist details where mechanical joints are not suitable.
13. Lead Sheet Fixings
Lead must be fixed securely without being over-restrained. Clips, copper nails, stainless fixings and accessories all have a role.
14. Lead Expansion Joints
Lead expands and contracts with temperature change. Larger areas need suitable movement joints, bay divisions and fixing methods to reduce fatigue risk.
Shop Leadwork FixingsRoofing Leadwork Materials
The correct materials make a major difference to the success of roofing leadwork. The Lead Shop supports contractors, roofers, specifiers and clients with lead sheet, fixings and technical ordering routes.
Lead Rolls
Order rolled lead sheet by code for flashings, gutters, valleys, bays, dormers and flat roof details.
Shop Lead RollsFixings & Accessories
Use appropriate clips, copper nails, stainless fixings, underlay and patination oil to support proper installation.
Shop FixingsLead Guidance
Use the lead chart, weight calculator and handbook to plan sizes, handling weights and material requirements.
Use Lead Calculator
Architects
We work with architects and designers to develop robust leadwork details.
Contractors
Specialist lead details delivered as part of wider roofing and construction projects.
Material Supply
Rolled lead sheet, fixings, patination oil and leadwork products from The Lead Shop.
Roofing Leadwork FAQ
What is roofing leadwork?
Roofing leadwork is the use of rolled lead sheet to form flashings, valleys, gutters, flat roofs, dormer details, cappings, outlets and other weatherproof roof interfaces.
Why is lead used on roofs?
Lead is durable, malleable, repairable and well suited to complex roof details. It can be formed around junctions and interfaces where many standard roofing materials struggle.
What code of lead is used for roofing leadwork?
The correct code depends on the detail. Code 3 is often used for soakers, Code 4 for many flashings, and Code 5 or heavier for gutters, bays, flat roofs and exposed details.
Does roofing leadwork need specialist installation?
Yes. Good leadwork requires knowledge of bay sizing, thermal movement, substrate design, fixing methods, welding, underlay and finishing. Poor installation can lead to splitting, lifting and leaks.
Can The Lead Lads supply materials as well as install leadwork?
Yes. The Lead Lads undertake specialist installation and also support material supply through The Lead Shop, including lead rolls, fixings, patination oil and technical guidance.
The Lead Lads
#ProperLeadwork
Providing proper leadwork services to trade and public. Our mission is simple: provide high-quality leadwork across a range of sectors in rolled lead sheet at a price that is fair, reasonable and proportionate to the skill involved.
Roofing leadwork, carried out by experienced specialists using appropriate materials and sound detailing principles, remains one of the most reliable ways to weather complex roof areas and vulnerable interfaces.
We also support projects with material supply through The Lead Shop, helping clients and trade professionals source rolled lead sheet, fixings and related products in one place.
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Lead Lads® Wakefield
Operated by Penman Leadwork & Roofing Ltd
12 Woodside, Wrenthorpe
Wakefield, WF2 0LE
United Kingdom
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