Lead flashing, valleys and weatherings for roofs and chimneys
Leadwork
Leadwork covers fitting or renewing the lead detailing that keeps a roof watertight at its junctions — valleys, chimney flashings, soakers and abutments — using code-specified lead sheet dressed and fixed to suit the relevant British Standard.
Definition
What Leadwork covers
Lead is the traditional and still most durable material for the junctions where a roof meets a vertical surface or changes direction — valleys between two roof slopes, flashings around chimneys and roof windows, and abutments against walls or parapets. These junctions are where roofs most commonly leak, so leadwork is specialist, detail-critical work usually specified and installed to BS 6915 lead sheet code requirements.
Suitable for
- Valley, chimney or abutment flashings that have split, lifted or corroded
- New leadwork required as part of a re-roof, extension or chimney repair
- Leaks traced to a specific flashing or junction rather than the main roof covering
- Listed or period properties requiring traditional lead detailing
Not suitable for
- Full roof covering replacement — see our re-roofing services for that
- Cheaper alternative flashing systems where lead specifically is not required — we can advise on suitable alternatives where budget is the driver
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Survey
Inspecting existing lead junctions and flashings for splits, lifting or corrosion, and identifying the cause of any leak.
- 02
Specification
Agreeing the lead code (thickness) and detail appropriate to the location and exposure.
- 03
Installation
Cutting, dressing and fixing new lead to valleys, flashings or abutments, with correct laps and fixings.
- 04
Completion
Checking the junction is fully weathertight before leaving site.
Typical timescale
Individual flashing or valley leadwork is typically completed within a day; leadwork bundled into a wider re-roof follows that project's programme.
Cost guidance
Leadwork typically costs £60–£150 per metre in our area, with the lead code specified, the complexity of the junction and access requirements pushing the price toward the top of that range. We provide an itemised quotation after a survey rather than a fixed headline price.
Limitations and exclusions
- Access equipment is priced separately from the leadwork itself where scaffolding or a tower is needed
- Lead theft is a real risk in some areas — we can advise on security fixing and alternative materials where this is a concern
- Underlying timber decay found once old flashings are removed is priced separately as it's identified
Areas we cover
Leadwork across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for leadwork in each town we work in.
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FAQs
Leadwork FAQs
Why is lead used for roof flashings rather than a cheaper material?
Lead is durable, flexible enough to dress tightly around complex junctions, and has a very long service life compared to alternatives, which is why it remains the standard for valleys, chimney flashings and abutments despite costing more upfront. We can discuss alternative systems where budget is the primary driver, but lead is generally the better long-term choice at these critical junctions.
Is lead theft something I should worry about?
It happens more in some areas and on more accessible roofs than others. We can advise on security fixing methods and, where appropriate, alternative non-lead flashing systems if this is a particular concern for your property.
Can you match new leadwork into an existing period roof?
Yes, matching lead code, dressing style and detailing to suit a period property is a routine part of leadwork on older buildings, particularly where listed building or conservation area requirements apply.
Discuss your leadwork project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-28.