Leadwork in Northleach, Gloucestershire

Chimneys are often the first place a leak starts. Because they sit right at the top of your roof, they take the full force of the wind and rain. Most homeowners we speak to in Northleach only realise there's a problem when they see staining on the chimney breast inside. Usually, the culprit is failing lead flashing—the metal ‘skirt’ that seals the gap between the masonry and the tiles. We specialise in traditional step flashing, where we meticulously cut lead into the mortar joints of your chimney to create a watertight, staircase-like seal. We also use patination oil on every job, which prevents that unsightly white staining you sometimes see on new lead and helps it develop a beautiful, even grey finish that looks right at home in the Cotswolds.

Think of your roof valleys as the motorways for rainwater; they handle a huge volume of water during a storm. If your lead valleys are cracked or were installed using the wrong 'code' (thickness) of lead, water ingress is almost inevitable. At NTL Roofing, we don't believe in quick fixes or 'bodge' jobs. We use the correct Lead Sheet Training Academy standards, ensuring the metal has enough room to expand and contract as the temperature changes. From internal 'V' valleys to complex abutments where an extension meets your original house wall, we ensure every junction is secure. We work with everything from Code 3 for light soakers to Code 7 or 8 for heavy-duty flat roofing, so you can be sure the material is fit for the task.

Lead is a unique material because it's so 'malleable'—which is just a fancy way of saying we can shape it around almost any architectural feature. Our craftsmen use a technique called 'bossing,' using hand tools to gently work the lead into shape without thinning the metal. For more complex joints, we use 'lead burning' (technical speak for lead welding). This creates a single, seamless piece of metal that is far superior to using silicone or adhesives that eventually dry out and fail. If you have a dormer window, a bay roof, or a decorative heritage feature that needs protecting, our skilled team has the hands-on experience to do it justice. We treat every Northleach home with the respect it deserves, leaving the site clean and tidy once we're done.

Living in a conservation area or a listed building in Gloucestershire comes with a lot of responsibility. You can't just slap on modern plastic alternatives when a repair is needed. We understand the heritage requirements of the Cotswolds and work closely with homeowners to ensure our leadwork is sympathetic to the original architecture. Our work isn't just about functionality; it's about preserving the character of our local towns. We're fully insured and all of our leadwork is backed by a solid guarantee, giving you total peace of mind. Whether it’s a small repair to a leaking gutter or a full lead roof replacement, we bring the same level of care and precision to every project. Need an expert opinion? Call us today on 0117 428 9043 and let's get your roof sorted.