Expert Lead Flashing Services
Lead flashing is essential for preventing water ingress at vulnerable roof junctions. HouseProud Roofing provides professional leadwork services throughout South East London and Kent, ensuring your property stays watertight and protected.
Our experienced team specializes in all types of lead flashing work, from chimney flashings to valley gutters. We use traditional lead working techniques combined with modern best practices to deliver durable, weatherproof results backed by our 10-year guarantee.
What is Lead Flashing?
Lead flashing is used to create watertight seals at roof junctions where different surfaces meet, such as where a roof meets a wall, around chimneys, or in roof valleys. Lead has been used for centuries in roofing because of its unique properties that make it ideal for this purpose.
Lead is highly malleable, allowing it to be shaped around complex roof details while maintaining a weathertight seal. It's also extremely durable and can last for decades, even in harsh weather conditions. When properly installed, lead flashing provides reliable protection against water ingress that could damage your roof structure.
Types of Lead Flashing We Install
Chimney Flashing: The most common type of lead flashing, installed around chimneys where they penetrate the roof. This includes back gutters, side flashings, and front aprons to create a complete weatherproof seal.
Valley Gutters: Lead-lined valley gutters where two roof slopes meet, effectively channeling water down to the main guttering system.
Parapet Wall Flashing: Flashings along parapet walls to prevent water from entering where the wall meets the roof.
Abutment Flashing: Where a pitched roof meets a vertical wall, such as on extensions or adjoining properties.
Lead Soakers: Individual pieces of lead fitted between tiles and walls to direct water away from vulnerable junctions.
Step Flashing: Stepped lead flashings that follow the pitch of a roof where it meets a wall.
Signs You Need Lead Flashing Repairs
Contact us if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls near chimneys or roof junctions
- Visible cracks or splits in existing lead flashing
- Lead that has come away from brickwork
- Damaged or missing pieces of lead
- Evidence of water ingress in your loft space
- Mortar around chimney flashings crumbling or missing
- Rust or corrosion on old lead work
Early detection and repair of lead flashing problems can prevent extensive water damage to your roof structure and interior.
Our Lead Flashing Process
Assessment: We thoroughly inspect your existing flashing and identify any problems or areas of concern.
Planning: We plan the work carefully, selecting the appropriate lead code (thickness) for your specific application.
Installation: Our skilled craftsmen install or repair the lead flashing using traditional techniques, ensuring proper laps, fixings, and weathering details.
Finishing: We seal all joints with appropriate pointing and ensure the flashing is properly secured and weathered.
Testing: We check that water will flow correctly and that all junctions are watertight.
Why Lead is the Best Choice
While there are alternatives to lead, it remains the gold standard for roof flashing because:
- Exceptional durability - can last 100+ years
- Highly malleable - can be shaped to any profile
- Weather resistant - won't crack or split in extreme temperatures
- Self-healing - small scratches seal themselves
- Low maintenance - requires little to no upkeep
- Sustainable - fully recyclable and environmentally friendly
- Traditional - maintains character of period properties
Lead Flashing Repairs
Sometimes existing lead flashing can be repaired rather than replaced. Our repair services include:
- Patching holes or splits in lead
- Re-fixing loose lead work
- Re-pointing around flashing edges
- Replacing damaged sections
- Clearing and cleaning lead-lined gutters
We'll assess your existing lead work and advise whether repair or replacement is the most cost-effective solution.
Code 3, 4, and 5 Lead
Lead comes in different thicknesses, known as "codes." We use the appropriate code for each application:
- Code 3: Thinnest, used for small details and soakers
- Code 4: Most common, used for flashings and small gutters
- Code 5: Thickest, used for valley gutters and high-stress areas
Using the correct code ensures your lead work will perform properly and last for decades.
Chimney Lead Flashing
Chimney flashing is one of the most critical areas of leadwork on a roof. A complete chimney flashing system includes multiple components working together to keep water out.
We install comprehensive chimney flashing systems including back gutters to channel water away, side step flashings that follow the pitch of the roof, and front aprons to complete the weatherproofing. All joints are properly sealed and the lead is securely fixed to both the chimney and the roof.
Why Choose HouseProud Roofing for Leadwork?
- Skilled craftsmen with traditional leadworking expertise
- Use of quality lead materials to British Standards
- Proper installation techniques for long-lasting results
- 10-year workmanship guarantee
- Fully insured for your protection
- Competitive pricing
- Free consultations and honest advice
Serving South East London & Kent
We provide professional lead flashing services throughout South East London and Kent, including Erith, Bexley, Dartford, Sidcup, Bromley, Orpington, and all surrounding areas.