Expert Lead Flashing & Valley Repairs Services

Lead flashing and valley repair work for roof joints, abutments and drainage details where inspection identifies water-entry concerns. We bring our roofing services to properties across Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow.

Detailed Service Guide

Leadwork is an ancient, highly specialised craft that remains the absolute gold standard for waterproofing the most complex and vulnerable junctions on a roof. Wherever the roof covering is interrupted—be it by a chimney, a dormer window, a skylight, or an adjoining wall—lead flashing provides a flexible, impenetrable barrier. When installed correctly by seasoned professionals, leadwork will comfortably outlast the tiles or slates surrounding it, offering upwards of a century of protection.

The primary cause of lead failure is thermal movement. Lead naturally expands significantly in the heat of the sun and contracts in the cold. If a piece of lead is cut too large or fixed too rigidly, this movement causes the metal to buckle, fatigue, and eventually split. Our experts strictly adhere to Lead Sheet Association guidelines, ensuring every piece of stepped flashing, apron flashing, and box valley is sized perfectly and secured with clips that allow for natural thermal flexing.

We address everything from minor splits to the complete replacement of deep valley gutters. We carefully chase out the brickwork, custom-dress the high-code lead sheet on-site to match the exact contours of the tiles, and secure it firmly using traditional lead wedges before applying weather-resistant pointing. Finally, we treat all new leadwork with patination oil, a crucial finishing step that prevents the formation of white carbonate run-off, ensuring your roof remains structurally sound and visually immaculate.

Warning Signs & When to Act

• Visible Splits and Cracks: Tears or fractures appearing in the lead sheet, usually at corners or where the metal has been bent too sharply.
• Flashing Pulling Away: The top edge of the lead has pulled out of the brickwork chase, leaving a glaring gap for rain to enter.
• Water Stains Below Valleys: Damp patches appearing on ceilings directly beneath the V-shaped valley where two roof pitches intersect.
• White Staining on Tiles: Unsightly white streaks running down the slates below the lead, indicating the absence of protective patination oil.

Scope of Work

We supply, shape, and weld new sheet lead for stepped flashing, apron flashing, box valleys, and dormer window surrounds, applying patination oil to finish.

Our Process

1. Careful removal of the failed lead and surrounding tiles.
2. Custom cutting and dressing the new lead sheet on site.
3. Securing the lead into brickwork chases with lead wedges and pointing.
4. Applying patination oil to prevent white carbonate staining.

Inspection & Quality Checks

• Ensuring the correct weight and thickness of lead is used (e.g., Code 4 for standard flashings, Code 5 for valleys).
• Verification that individual lead pieces do not exceed maximum recommended lengths to allow for thermal movement.
• Rigorous dressing of the lead to perfectly hug the profile of the underlying tiles without stretching or thinning the metal.
• Mandatory application of patination oil immediately after installation to protect the lead and surrounding roof.

Project Preparation

Leadwork repairs are highly targeted but require clear access to the specific area, often via scaffolding or roof ladders. Please ensure the ground area directly below the worksite is clear. If the repair involves a chimney, ensure the fireplace is not in use.

Aftercare & Maintenance

Newly installed lead should require no maintenance. However, it is prudent to check the mortar pointing holding the flashing into the brickwork every five years, as the mortar will degrade much faster than the lead itself and may require minor repointing.

Quotation Checklist

• Verify that the quote specifies the exact Code (thickness) of the lead to be used for the repair.
• Ensure the application of patination oil is explicitly listed as part of the finishing process.
• Check that the cost includes the removal and replacement of surrounding tiles required to access the leadwork.
• Confirm the methods used to secure the lead into the masonry (e.g., traditional lead wedges and pointing).

FAQs

Why is lead used on roofs?

Lead is highly malleable, allowing it to be dressed over complex shapes and tiles, and it doesn't rust, making it an incredible waterproofing barrier.

What does 'Code 4' lead mean?

The 'Code' refers to the thickness and weight of the lead. Code 4 is standard for flashings, while thicker Code 5 is used for valleys where water flows heavily.

Can you use alternatives to lead?

Yes, we can install modern lead-free flashing alternatives if you are concerned about cost or the risk of theft.

Why is there white staining on my tiles below the lead?

This happens when lead oxidises and rainwater washes it down. We apply patination oil upon installation to prevent this entirely.

Do you repair roof valleys?

Yes, the valley (where two roof pitches meet) takes a huge volume of water. We regularly replace degraded lead or fibreglass valleys to stop leaks.