Lead Flashing Repairs in Silsden, Bradford

Whether you're living in a traditional stone terrace near the canal or a more modern home up the hill, lead is still the best material for the job. Why? Because it’s incredibly flexible and, when fitted right, lasts longer than almost any other part of your house. In Silsden, many of our properties are built with local stone, which has its own character and quirks. We use lead because it can be shaped to fit the uneven surfaces of old masonry perfectly. We specialise in 'abutments'—that's just a roofer’s way of saying the spot where the roof meets a vertical wall. By 'chasing' the lead into the stone and pointing it securely, we create a seal that stops 'capillary action' (water literally being sucked upwards into your roof space). It’s a bit of a craft, really, and one we take a lot of pride in.

Most homeowners we talk to only realise there's a problem when the wallpaper starts peeling. But if you keep an eye out, you can often catch things earlier. Have you noticed any white, chalky streaks running down your tiles? That’s usually a sign that the lead wasn't treated with patination oil, causing it to oxidise and perish over time. Or perhaps you can see a piece of lead that’s started to 'buckle' or pull away from the chimney stack? This often happens with older lead that’s gone through too many Yorkshire winters. We also see a lot of 'Code 3' lead used where it shouldn't be—it’s too thin for heavy-duty areas and ends up cracking. We prefer using Code 4 or Code 5 lead for repairs, as it has the weight and thickness to actually stay put and do its job for decades.

We don’t believe in quick fixes or 'stick-on' flashing tapes that peel off after the first frost. When we come out to your Silsden home, we do things the right way. This often involves 'lead welding' or 'lead burning', which uses high heat to fuse sheets together, creating a much stronger and more flexible joint than old-fashioned soldering. We also look at your 'soakers'—those small, hidden pieces of lead tucked under your slates that provide a second line of defence. Every job we do follows the BS 6915 standards, and we always finish with a coat of patination oil. This doesn't just make the lead look smart and grey; it protects it from the elements and prevents those ugly white stains on your roof. It's about doing a job that we’d be happy with on our own homes.

Choosing a roofer can feel like a bit of a minefield, can't it? We try to make it simple. We’re based right here in Otley and spend a huge amount of our time working in Silsden and across Bradford. Because we’re local, our reputation is everything to us. We’re a fully registered company (No: 16557299) and we carry £5 million in Public Liability Insurance, so you’re completely covered while we're on your tiles. Whether it’s a tricky lead valley repair or you need a full re-roof that complies with Part L Building Regulations, we’ve got the experience to handle it. We won't give you a sales pitch; we’ll give you a straight-talking assessment and a free, no-obligation quote. If you’re worried about your leadwork or have a leak that needs sorting, give us a ring on 01943 667028 and we’ll pop round to take a look.