Leadwork that keeps your roof watertight
Lead has been used on roofs for centuries because it lasts, bends to fit awkward junctions and does not corrode in the way that some other materials do. On most Devon roofs, lead appears as flashings around chimneys, soakers between tiles or slates, valley linings, aprons below walls, and dressings on bay windows, dormers and porches.
Problems usually show up at these junctions rather than on the main roof slope, because that is where two different materials or roof planes meet. A small split or a lifted edge of lead can let water into the roof structure long before it is visible from inside the house, so it is worth knowing what to look for and getting it checked before it becomes a bigger job.
We carry out leadwork repairs and replacement across Devon, from small flashing repairs to full re-leading of valleys and chimneys, and we always aim to repair sound lead where possible rather than replace it unnecessarily.
Where leadwork is used on a roof
Lead is chosen for areas where a roof covering meets a wall, chimney or another roof plane, because it can be dressed into shape and sealed into brickwork. Typical locations include:
- Chimney flashings, including the apron at the front, soakers at the sides and a back gutter behind the stack
- Valleys where two roof slopes meet, often lined with lead to carry water away
- Abutments where a roof meets a wall, such as against an extension or a parapet
- Aprons below walls or over door canopies
- Bay windows, dormers and porch roofs, which often rely heavily on lead dressings at their junctions
Because leadwork sits at the most vulnerable points of a roof, it is one of the first things we check during a roof survey, alongside the condition of the tiles, slates or flat roof covering itself.
How to tell if your leadwork needs replacing
Lead can last a long time, but it does eventually fatigue, crack or come away from the joints it was dressed into. Some of the clearer signs include:
- Cracks or splits in the lead, often along fold lines or where it has been stretched over time
- Lead lifting away from a chimney, wall or valley, leaving a gap for water to get behind it
- Missing or crumbling pointing where the lead was originally dressed into a mortar joint
- Patches of green or white deposits on the lead surface, which can indicate ongoing weathering
- Damp patches, staining or mould on ceilings and walls below a chimney, valley or abutment
- Sections of lead missing entirely, sometimes due to theft rather than wear
Not every issue means the whole run of lead needs replacing. In many cases a localised repair, such as re-dressing a lifted edge or re-pointing a flashing into the mortar joint, is enough to solve the problem. We will always recommend the proportionate option rather than a full replacement where a repair will do the job properly.
Common problems with roof flashing
Flashing problems are one of the most frequent causes of leaks we are called out to in Devon, particularly around chimneys and valleys. Issues tend to fall into a few categories: the lead itself failing through age or damage, the pointing that holds it in mortar joints breaking down, or the flashing simply being installed or dressed incorrectly in the first place.
Storms and high winds can also disturb flashings that were otherwise sound, lifting edges or dislodging sections completely. If you have had a recent storm, it is worth checking what to look for in our guide on what to check after storm damage.
For a fuller look at how flashing failures develop and what they can lead to, our roof flashing problems guide covers the main causes in more detail. Chimneys in particular are a common source of leaks, and we have written separately about the most common causes of chimney roof leaks, many of which trace back to flashing or pointing problems.
Repointing flashings into mortar joints
Lead flashings against a chimney or wall are usually tucked into a mortar joint, known as a raglet or chase, and then pointed to hold them in place and seal the top edge. Over time, this pointing can crack, crumble or fall out altogether, even when the lead itself is still in good condition.
When this happens, water can get behind the flashing even though the lead looks fine from the ground. Repointing the joint is often a straightforward repair that restores the seal without needing to replace the lead, and it is a job we regularly carry out alongside wider chimney repairs.
Lead theft and alternative flashing materials
Lead theft has affected properties across Devon, particularly where flashing is accessible from scaffolding, extensions or flat roofs. If lead has been stolen from your roof, it leaves an open gap that needs covering quickly to prevent water ingress.
Where theft is an ongoing concern, lead-alternative flashing materials are available. These are designed to be dressed and fixed in a similar way to lead but have little scrap value, which can reduce the risk of repeat theft. We can talk through whether an alternative material is a sensible option for your property or whether traditional lead remains the better choice.
Leadwork on different roof types
The leadwork detailing varies depending on the roof covering and shape. On tiled roofs and slate roofs, soakers are woven between individual tiles or slates at abutments, while valleys may be lined with a continuous sheet of lead. On pitched roofs generally, flashings tie the roof covering into chimneys, walls and dormers.
Flat roofs and conservatory roofs also rely on lead or lead-alternative detailing where they meet a wall or a pitched section above. If you are weighing up whether a flat roof needs a localised repair or a full renewal, our article on flat roof repair or replacement may help, as leadwork condition is often part of that decision. Leaking flashing can also contribute to blocked or overflowing gutters, so it is worth reading about why gutters become blocked in autumn if you have noticed water overflowing near a flashing junction. We also carry out gutter repairs and cleaning and soffits and fascias work where these are affected by the same water ingress.
Areas we cover
We carry out leadwork repairs and replacement throughout the areas we cover across Devon, including Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Paignton and Newton Abbot. If you need wider roof repair work alongside leadwork, see our pages on roof repairs in Plymouth and roof repairs in Torquay, or browse our full range of roofing services.
Arrange a leadwork inspection or repair
If you have noticed cracked, lifting or missing leadwork, or a persistent damp patch near a chimney or valley, it is worth having it looked at before the next heavy rain. Call us on 01392 308173 or 07598 001 200, or fill in our contact form and we will arrange a convenient time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my leadwork needs replacing rather than repairing?
Small cracks, lifted edges or failed pointing can often be repaired in place, while lead that is badly split, very thin, or missing large sections usually needs replacing. An inspection is the quickest way to tell which applies to your roof.
What are the most common problems with roof flashing?
The most frequent issues are cracked or lifted lead, pointing that has crumbled away from mortar joints, and flashing that was poorly fitted or dressed in the first place. Storm damage can also disturb otherwise sound flashings.
Can leadwork be repaired without replacing the whole flashing?
Yes, in many cases a localised repair such as re-dressing a lifted section or repointing the mortar joint is enough. We only recommend full replacement where the lead itself is too damaged or worn to repair reliably.
What can be done if lead has been stolen from my roof?
The gap needs covering as soon as possible to stop water getting in, and we can then fit new lead or a lead-alternative material. Alternative materials have little scrap value, which can help reduce the risk of future theft.
Which parts of a roof usually need leadwork?
Chimneys, valleys, abutments against walls, and bay windows, dormers or porches are the areas most likely to have lead flashings, soakers or aprons. These junctions are where leaks most commonly start.
