Leadwork in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

You might wonder why we still use a material that's been around for centuries when there are so many modern plastics and felts available. The truth is, nothing quite matches lead for its 'malleability' and sheer lifespan. While a felt patch might last a decade if you're lucky, well-installed lead can easily protect a building for over 100 years. It's incredibly flexible, meaning our team can 'boss' it (that's the traditional way of shaping it by hand) to fit the unique nooks and crannies of your Tetbury chimney or dormer window. It doesn't crack under the sun and it doesn't peel in the frost. Plus, it's one of the most recycled building materials on the planet, making it a surprisingly green choice for your home refurbishment.

Imagine you've just settled down on a rainy Tuesday evening only to spot a drip coming from the ceiling near your fireplace. Most of the time, the culprit isn't the bricks, but the lead flashings around the chimney stack. We specialise in 'step flashing'—that distinctive staircase pattern you see where the chimney meets the tiles. If your old lead has started to split or pull away from the mortar, it's an open invitation for water ingress. We don't just slap on some sealant and hope for the best. Our team installs fresh lead, often using 'soakers' for extra protection, and we always finish the job with patination oil. This prevents those unsightly white stains from running down your tiles and keeps the lead looking smart and professional.

The valleys are the internal 'V' shapes where two roof slopes meet, and they handle a massive amount of rainwater during a Gloucestershire downpour. If these are lined with cheap materials or aging lead that's started to thin, you're asking for trouble. At NTL Roofing, we use 'lead burning'—essentially a high-tech welding process—to create seamless, watertight joins in your valleys and gutters. By using the right 'Code' of lead (referring to its thickness), we ensure it can handle the expansion and contraction caused by our changing seasons without splitting. It's all about doing the job right the first time so you aren't calling us back in a couple of years.

Working in a conservation area like Tetbury requires a delicate touch and a lot of respect for the original architecture. We've worked on plenty of heritage and listed buildings where 'off-the-shelf' solutions just won't cut it. We understand the local planning nuances and the importance of using traditional materials that match the character of the Cotswolds. Whether it's a complex lead flat roof on a hidden bay window or intricate detailing on a stone gable, our craftsmen take pride in clean, tidy workmanship that looks like it's always been there. We're fully insured and all our work is guaranteed, giving you total peace of mind that your bit of history is in safe hands.