Lead Flashing Repairs in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire

Most homeowners we chat with tell us the same thing: they didn't realise there was a problem until they saw water staining around their chimney breast or a drip in the attic. It's an easy thing to miss. Over time, the lead on your roof takes a real beating from the elements. Heat makes it expand, cold makes it contract, and eventually, the metal can 'fatigue' and crack. Or perhaps the old mortar (the pointing) has crumbled away, leaving the lead flapping in the wind. This is where 'capillary action' kicks in—a fancy way of saying water gets sucked upwards and behind the flashing, straight into your rafters. If you've spotted a bit of loose lead or a suspicious stain, it's worth getting us out for a look. Catching a split early is much cheaper than replacing rotten timber roof joists later down the line.

When we talk about leadwork, we often mention 'Codes'. It sounds a bit technical, but it’s actually quite simple—it refers to the thickness and weight of the lead sheet. For instance, we'll often use Code 3 for soakers (those hidden bits under your tiles), Code 4 for standard chimney flashings, and Code 5 or higher for larger lead valleys and flat roofs. Why does this matter to you? Well, if a roofer uses lead that’s too thin, it’ll buckle and crack under the sun within a few years. We stick strictly to BS 6915 standards, ensuring the weight of the lead is perfect for its specific job. We also take care of the 'chasing'—that’s the process of cutting a clean groove into your brickwork or stone to tuck the lead in securely before repointing it with a specialist flexible sealant or traditional mortar.

Have you ever seen a house with brand-new lead that has messy white streaks running down the tiles? That’s carbonate staining, and it happens when new lead reacts with rain. It doesn't just look untidy; it can actually damage your roof tiles over time. That’s why we always apply Patination Oil to every bit of leadwork we install. It gives the lead a beautiful, even, dark-grey finish right from the start and protects it while it forms its own natural protective layer. It’s a small extra step that many firms skip, but we believe it’s essential for a professional finish. It’s all about doing the job right the first time, so your Boroughbridge property looks its best and stays protected against the driving rain coming off the River Ure.

Boroughbridge is lucky to have some stunning historic buildings, from Georgian terraces to Victorian cottages. These older properties often require a more 'sympathetic' touch than a modern estate. If you live in a conservation area, you'll know that maintaining the character of your home is just as important as keeping it dry. We specialise in traditional leadwork that respects the heritage of your property. This includes 'lead welding' or 'lead burning,' where we use a torch to fuse lead sheets together rather than relying on messy solders. It creates a joint that’s actually stronger than the lead itself. Whether it’s a complex lead valley or a bespoke apron flashing, we make sure our work meets current Building Regulations (Part L) while looking like it has always belonged there.