Lead Flashing Repairs in Shipley, Bradford

Imagine the temperature swings a roof in West Yorkshire has to deal with. In the summer, your lead gets incredibly hot, and in the winter, it freezes solid. This constant expansion and contraction can eventually cause the metal to fatigue. Most homeowners we speak to in Shipley only realise there is an issue when a damp patch suddenly appears on a bedroom ceiling or near a chimney breast. Small splits might not look like much from the ground, but they are an open invitation for water to seep into your timber rafters. If you have spotted a bit of lead that looks like it is slipping out of its mortar joint, it is best to get it sorted before a simple repair turns into a much more expensive structural headache.

Every roof is a bit different, but the areas where your roof meets a vertical wall—what we call abutments—are always the most vulnerable. We specialise in a range of specific leadwork tasks, including installing step flashings for chimneys, apron flashings for flat roof interfaces, and hidden soakers that sit under your slates. One common mistake we see is lead simply being 'tacked' on. We do things properly by chasing out the mortar joints in your brick or stonework, tucking the lead in deep, and then repointing it securely. This prevents 'capillary action,' which is just a fancy way of saying it stops water from being sucked upwards and behind the metalwork.

We do not believe in cutting corners, especially when it comes to materials. Depending on the job, we will use Code 3, 4, or 5 lead, ensuring the weight and thickness are exactly right for the level of exposure your roof faces. To keep everything looking smart, we always apply Patination Oil to our new leadwork. You might have seen white streaks on other roofs after a repair; that is carbonate staining, and it happens when raw lead hits rainwater. The oil we use prevents that, giving you a clean, professional finish that stays looking great for decades. For more complex shapes, we use lead welding—also known as lead burning—to create a seamless, permanent bond that is far more durable than traditional solder.

Working in a place like Shipley means dealing with a lot of history. If your property is in a conservation area or is one of the many beautiful Victorian buildings in the LS18 or BD18 postcodes, you need a roofer who understands sympathetic repairs. We make sure our work respects the character of your building while meeting all modern Building Regulations. Whether it is a quick patch on a leaky valley or a full replacement of the leadwork on a commercial property, we bring the same level of care to every job. Plus, with our £5 million Public Liability Insurance, you can have total peace of mind while we are up on your roof.