Leadwork in Fairford, Gloucestershire

Ever noticed a suspicious damp patch appearing on the ceiling right next to your chimney breast? It’s a common sight in Fairford, especially after a typical British winter. Usually, the culprit isn't the bricks themselves, but the lead flashing that’s supposed to bridge the gap between your chimney and your tiles. Over time, old lead can crack or pull away, letting water sneak into your loft. We specialise in installing 'step flashings' and lead aprons that move with your building, ensuring a perfect seal. We don't just patch things up; we use the right weight of lead (often Code 4 or 5 for chimneys) to ensure that once we've fixed it, you won't have to think about it again for another lifetime. Why risk a temporary fix when you can do it properly?

Working on a listed building or a home in a conservation area requires a bit more than just basic DIY skills. It’s a craft. Our team uses traditional methods like 'bossing'—where we carefully shape the lead by hand without thinning it out—and 'lead burning' (a technical way of saying we weld it) to create seamless, waterproof joints. This isn't just about functionality; it's about making sure your home looks right. We always apply patination oil to our new leadwork, which prevents those ugly white streaks you sometimes see on walls and ensures the lead develops that classic, soft grey look that complements Fairford’s local stone so beautifully.

The 'valley' of your roof—that V-shaped channel where two slopes meet—is essentially a motorway for rainwater. If that channel is made of cheap materials or hasn't been fitted correctly, it's only a matter of time before it fails. We install heavy-duty lead valleys that can handle the heaviest Gloucestershire storms. We also take on full lead flat roof installations for dormers or bay windows. While modern materials like felt or GRP have their place, nothing quite beats lead for longevity. Did you know a well-installed lead roof can last over 100 years? It’s a bit like an investment for your grandkids. Plus, it’s 100% recyclable, making it one of the greenest roofing options available today.

Most homeowners we speak to in Fairford are looking for two things: honesty and reliability. We’re not a faceless national firm; we’re a local team that takes pride in a job well done. When we come round to look at your leadwork, we’ll give you a straight answer about what needs doing. We’ve seen it all, from minor cracks that just need a quick repair to large-scale heritage projects. We carry full public liability insurance and offer insurance-backed guarantees, so you can sleep easy knowing you're protected. We also make a point of leaving every site as clean as we found it—we take all the old scrap lead away and tidy up every last bit of debris.