Leadwork in Cricklade, Wiltshire

Ever wondered why some roofs stay watertight for decades while others start leaking after a few years? It often comes down to the quality of the leadwork. While modern plastics and tapes might look okay at first, they often crack and fail long before lead even breaks a sweat. Lead is incredibly tough, yet flexible enough to be shaped—or 'bossed'—around the trickiest corners of your chimney or roof valleys. When it’s fitted correctly by a specialist, it can easily last over 100 years. It’s a bit of an investment up front, but you’ll likely never have to think about it again. Plus, it’s 100% recyclable, which is a nice bonus if you’re trying to be a bit greener with your home maintenance.

Have you noticed a damp patch appearing on the ceiling right next to your chimney breast? Most homeowners we speak to in Wiltshire find that this is the first sign of failing lead flashings. These are the strips of lead that bridge the gap between your roof tiles and the brickwork of the chimney. Over time, old mortar can crumble and the lead can split. We specialise in replacing these with new 'step flashings' and soakers that are tucked neatly into the brickwork. We also apply patination oil to every job we do. This stops that unsightly white staining you sometimes see on new lead and makes sure your roof looks smart from day one.

The 'valley' is the internal V-shape where two parts of your roof meet, and it’s basically a motorway for rainwater. If that valley isn't lined properly, you're asking for trouble. We install heavy-duty lead valleys that can handle the heaviest downpours without flinching. We’re also experts in lead flat roofing, which is perfect for bay windows or small extensions. Depending on the size of the area, we’ll use the right thickness—known as 'Codes' in the trade. While Code 4 is great for flashings, we’ll often use Code 7 or 8 for larger flat surfaces to ensure they can handle the expansion and contraction of the British seasons without splitting.

Working on older properties in Wiltshire requires a bit of a lighter touch and a lot of respect for traditional methods. Whether it’s a Grade II listed building or a Victorian terrace, we follow the strict Lead Sheet Training Academy guidelines to make sure the work is period-accurate. We don’t just slap on some sealant and hope for the best; we use traditional lead burning (a fancy way of saying lead welding) to create seamless, watertight joins. This craft keeps the character of your home intact while giving you the peace of mind that it’s protected against the next century of Wiltshire weather.