Leadwork in Hungerford, West Berkshire

Most homeowners we chat with are surprised to learn that while modern felt or plastic membranes might last 15 or 20 years, a well-installed lead roof can easily last over a century. It's a bit of an investment upfront, sure, but it's one that pays for itself ten times over because you won't be replacing it again in your lifetime. Lead is naturally malleable, which means we can boss it and shape it around the most awkward roof joints and corners where other materials would simply crack or fail. We use everything from Code 3 lead for light soakers up to heavy-duty Code 8 for major flat roofs and gutter linings. Plus, it's 100% recyclable, making it one of the greenest choices you can make for your home's exterior. We also apply patination oil to every job we finish. This prevents those unsightly white carbonate streaks you sometimes see on poorly finished roofs, ensuring your leadwork develops that classic, even grey look that ages so beautifully.

Is your chimney causing you a headache? It's the most common spot for leaks to start, usually because the old mortar has perished or the lead flashings have reached the end of their natural life. You might notice water trickling down the chimney breast after a heavy West Berkshire downpour. That's where we come in. We specialise in step flashings—that staircase-shaped lead you see built into the brickwork—and chimney soakers that provide a hidden secondary layer of protection. We'll rake out the old joints, tuck in the new lead, and point it up securely so it stays put for the next fifty years. It's not just about stopping the immediate drip; it's about protecting the structural timber and masonry of your home from long-term rot. Don't wait until the next big storm hits to find out your chimney isn't watertight. Call our friendly team on 0117 428 9043 for a quick survey.

In the roofing world, leadwork is a true specialist skill. You can't just 'have a go' at it; it requires a steady hand and years of practice. Our team at NTL Roofing are experts in both 'bossing' and 'lead burning'. Bossing is the old-school method of using wooden tools to beat and shape the lead into form without thinning the metal. For more complex joints or thicker lead, we use lead burning—which is basically a high-tech form of welding—to fuse pieces together into a single, seamless waterproof sheet. This is particularly vital for lead valleys, where two roof slopes meet and channel a huge volume of rainwater. If a valley is poorly fitted, it's only a matter of time before it fails. We make sure every weld is perfect and every lap is correct, following the strict Lead Sheet Training Academy guidelines. We're fully insured and every bit of our work is backed by a guarantee, so you can sleep soundly even when the Hungerford weather is at its worst.

Working on period properties in West Berkshire requires a bit more care and respect than your average modern build. If you own a listed building or a property in a conservation area, you'll know how important it is to use the right materials and techniques to keep the planners happy and the character of the building intact. We've worked on everything from Georgian townhouses to old agricultural barns, providing lead cladding for dormer windows and detailed restoration of lead box gutters. We understand the heritage requirements and can advise on the best 'code' of lead to match the original architecture. It's about blending modern waterproofing standards with traditional aesthetics. Whether it's a small repair to a lead-lined bay window or a full replacement of a heritage roof, we treat every property as if it were our own, ensuring the workmanship is neat, tidy, and built to last.