Leadwork in Devizes, Wiltshire

You might wonder why, in an age of high-tech plastics and fancy sealants, we still use a material that's been around for centuries. The truth is, nothing else quite compares to lead's durability or its ability to handle the expansion and contraction of a building. While felt or plastic alternatives might crack after a few years of frost and sun, high-quality lead can easily last over 100 years if it's installed correctly. It's incredibly malleable, which means we can 'boss' it—that's the technical term for shaping it—around even the trickiest roof shapes and dormer windows. Plus, it's 100% recyclable, making it one of the greenest choices you can make for your roof maintenance. When we install a lead roof or flashing, we're not just fixing a leak; we're giving your home a layer of protection that will likely outlast most of us.

The most common place for a leak to start is where your chimney meets the roof tiles. This junction, known as an abutment, needs a perfect seal to prevent water ingress. If you've noticed water staining around your fireplace or in the attic, your chimney leadwork might be the culprit. We specialise in everything from simple cover flashings to more complex step flashings—that classic 'staircase' pattern you see on many Devizes gables. Our team ensures every piece is fitted to the highest Lead Contractors Association standards, using the right 'Code' of lead for the job. For example, we usually use Code 4 for flashings because it's the perfect balance of weight and flexibility. We also apply patination oil to every new installation, which stops that annoying white carbonate staining and gives the lead a beautiful, even grey finish from day one.

Is your roof's internal 'V' shape—the valley—looking a bit tired or full of moss? These areas take the brunt of the water runoff from your entire roof, so they need to be incredibly robust. Many older homes in Wiltshire have original lead valleys that are finally starting to thin or split. We can replace these with new, heavy-duty lead that funnels water away safely into your gutters. If you're planning an extension or have a bay window that needs a new covering, a lead flat roof is a fantastic investment. We use lead burning—a specialist type of welding—to join sheets seamlessly, creating a completely watertight surface. Whether it's a small porch or a large commercial project, we bring the same level of care and precision to every joint and seam.

Devizes is famous for its stunning heritage buildings and conservation areas, and working on these properties requires a specific set of skills. You wouldn't want a modern, 'off-the-shelf' solution on a Grade II listed cottage, would you? We understand the nuances of heritage roofing and work closely with homeowners to ensure our leadwork respects the character of the building. We're experts in traditional techniques like hand-bossing and using timber rolls to create those classic architectural lines. From restoring lead-clad dormers to repairing intricate gutter linings on historic townhouses, we take pride in preserving Wiltshire's local architecture. We combine these old-world skills with modern tools to ensure your period property gets the best of both worlds: timeless looks and contemporary performance.