Leadwork in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire

Have you noticed a damp patch appearing on the ceiling near your chimney breast? It’s a common sight for many homeowners in Nailsworth and Stroud, especially after a heavy Cotswold downpour. Usually, it means your chimney flashings—the lead strips that seal the gap between the brickwork and the tiles—have cracked or pulled away. We specialise in step flashings and apron flashings that stand the test of time. We use the right 'Code' of lead (usually Code 4 or 5 for chimneys) to ensure it's thick enough to handle the expansion and contraction caused by the sun and frost. By getting it sorted properly now, you’ll avoid the massive headache of structural timber rot later on. It’s all about doing the job once and doing it right.

Lead is a bit of a miracle material because it’s so malleable, but it takes a real steady hand to work it correctly. Most people we talk to aren't aware of the difference between 'bossing' and 'lead burning,' but it makes a huge difference to the finish. Bossing is where we manually shape the lead using specialized hand tools to fit the unique curves of your roof. For more complex joints, we use lead burning (a high-tech form of welding) to create a seamless, watertight bond. We also apply patination oil to every job we finish. This prevents those unsightly white carbonate streaks from running down your tiles, keeping that classic grey look for years to come.

The valleys of your roof—those internal 'V' shapes where two slopes meet—carry a huge amount of water during a storm. If these are lined with cheap materials, they're often the first place to fail. We install high-quality lead valleys that can last up to 100 years if maintained. Unlike plastic or felt alternatives, lead doesn't go brittle in the sun or crack in the deep winter. Whether you're in a Victorian terrace in the heart of Nailsworth or a modern build out towards Minchinhampton, a properly fitted lead valley is the ultimate insurance policy against water ingress.

Living in a listed building or a conservation area in Gloucestershire comes with its own set of rules. You can't just slap any modern material on a heritage roof. We have extensive experience working on period properties where maintaining the original character is just as important as the waterproofing. We strictly follow LCA (Lead Contractors Association) standards, ensuring every piece of lead is installed with the correct laps and fixings to allow for thermal movement. From dormer window coverings to complex lead flat roofs, we treat every heritage project with the respect it deserves. We're proud to help preserve the architectural history of our local community while keeping the interiors safe and dry.