Lead Flashing Repairs

Lead naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes. Over time, this movement causes stress at joints, mortar line connections and fixing points. When lead starts to crack or split, water finds its way through these gaps.

Roof valley flashing handles massive volumes of rainwater, making valley areas one of the highest-stress points on any pitched roof. A single valley channels water from two roof slopes, and when that flow gets interrupted by a crack or split in the lead valley, you get leak problems. Weather exposure, blocked gutters and damaged roof tiles all speed up deterioration and can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.

The most common points of failure we see are at joins, around chimney stacks, and where lead meets different roof material types. Movement in the roof structure combined with decades of thermal expansion creates tiny crack formations that grow into bigger problems. Heavy rain and snow accelerate this process, while excessive UV exposure causes lead to stiffen, crack and eventually tear over time.

The cost to replace a lead valley on a UK roof varies depending on several factors we assess during our site visit. Valley size, roof accessibility and the condition of surrounding areas all affect labour costs and the materials needed for the job. You can expect average costs ranging from £800 to £1500 for complete valley replacement work.

Lead material typically costs £10 to £15 per metre for the sheet alone, but labour costs make up the larger portion of your final cost. Hard to reach areas require scaffolding or safety equipment that adds to additional costs, while straightforward repairs on accessible locations cost considerably less. A professional roofer needs proper access and safety measures to do the job right, which is why location on your property influences what you pay.

Additional costs sometimes include disposing of old materials, repairing damaged timber we discover when lifting the lead, or replacing damaged roof tiles that break during the repair work. We give you a clear idea of likely costs after inspecting your roof, so you get a fair price with no surprises when we complete the job. Most lead repair projects take a few days depending on roof size and extent of damage.

For straightforward lead flashing repair work, you might pay £200 to £400 depending on how much lead needs replacing and whether we need scaffolding. Full valley replacement on a typical semi-detached house usually falls in the £800 to £1200 range, while complex jobs on larger properties with multiple valley sections or difficult access can reach £1500 or more. Costs vary depending on your specific situation and the complexity involved.

Quality materials make a difference to how long your repairs last. We use Code 4 or Code 5 lead depending on the application, which costs more than thinner grades but gives you decades of reliable protection. Putting money into proper materials and professional installation costs less than cheap repairs that fail within a few years. You pay once for work covered by quality guarantees rather than paying repeatedly for quick fix solutions.

New high-quality lead is the traditional and most durable material for valley and flashing work. We install Code 4 lead for most vertical flashing applications and Code 5 for valley sections and other high-stress areas. These grades have the thickness and flexibility to handle decades of thermal movement without failure, which is crucial for long lasting performance.

British Standards govern lead installation, and we follow these specifications exactly. Proper overlap at joints, correct fixing methods, and allowing for thermal expansion all contribute to repairs that last. Shortcuts in any of these areas lead to premature failure, which is why we never compromise on installation quality or material standards.

Sealant quality varies enormously between products. Professional-grade options designed for leadwork remain flexible for years and maintain their waterproof seal through temperature extremes. We avoid generic sealants that harden and crack because they form weak points that create more problems than they solve.

For some applications, modern polymer-based alternatives to traditional lead flashing offer advantages in terms of weight and installation speed. However, for matching existing lead on older properties or where longevity is the priority, traditional lead material remains unbeatable. Properly installed lead can last 50 years or more, making it excellent value despite higher material costs upfront.

Professional repairs using quality materials can extend the life of your existing lead by 20 years or more when the underlying lead is in reasonable condition. The lifespan depends mainly on the extent of existing wear and tear, exposure to weather, and whether we've addressed all the factors that caused the original damage.

A well-executed lead patch repair on a 30-year-old valley can give you another two decades of service. Lead welding creates joins that are essentially as strong as the original material, so repaired split sections don't represent weak points in your roof's weather protection. This is a key advantage of professional work over quick fix attempts.

New lead installations routinely last 50 years or longer with proper maintenance. We see plenty of valley sections and flashing installations that have been protecting roofs since the 1960s or 70s and are still doing their job. This exceptional durability makes lead one of the most weather-resistant and longest-lasting materials used on UK roofs.

Maintaining your roof helps repairs last as long as possible. Keeping gutters clear prevents water backing up into valley areas. Having annual roof inspections, including a roof inspection by drone where appropriate, means we catch small problems before they stress your leadwork and lead to further damage. These simple steps add years to the lifespan of any repair work we carry out and represent essential maintenance for homeowners.

Exposure makes a difference too. South-facing roof slopes get more UV exposure and experience greater temperature swings, which accelerates wear. Protected areas like north-facing valley sections often outlast more exposed parts of the same roof by a decade or more, which varies depending on your specific property orientation.

We've built our reputation as a trusted roofing company on fixing lead problems properly the first time. Our professional roofer team understand how lead behaves, why it fails, and how to repair or replace it so you get maximum lifespan from the work we complete. Every member of our team has the expertise to assess your specific situation and recommend the most cost-effective solution that makes sense for your property and budget.

Quality matters more than speed when working with lead material. We take time to prepare surfaces correctly, ensure proper overlap at joints, and finish every detail to professional standards. This attention to getting things right means our repairs last decades rather than years, and homeowners appreciate the difference this makes.

You get a fair price based on the actual work your roof needs, not inflated quotes designed to maximize our profit. We explain exactly what we're doing and why, so you understand where your money goes and what you can expect from the completed job. Transparent pricing and honest recommendations have made Checkaroof the choice for thousands of homeowners dealing with lead problems across the UK.

Leadwork failures are a leading cause of localized water ingress around chimney areas, dormers and roof junctions. We see the damage that putting off repairs causes, which is why we respond quickly when you contact us. Getting a professional assessment costs nothing and gives you a clear idea about the condition of your roof and any work that might be needed now or in the future.

We provide free, no-obligation quotes for all lead repair and replacement work. A member of our roofer team will visit your property, inspect your roof properly, and give you a clear breakdown of costs based on what your specific situation needs. This is a key part of our service and helps you make informed decisions.

Putting off lead repairs only increases the damage and raises your final cost. Water leaks affect roof timbers, insulation and internal ceilings. What starts as a small crack in your valley can turn into a major repair project requiring significant work if left unchecked, and nobody wants that expense.

Contact Checkaroof today to arrange your free assessment. We'll give you honest advice about whether repair or replacement makes the most sense for your property, and we'll provide a competitive quote that reflects the quality work we deliver at a fair price. Protecting your home starts with fixing the problems that are allowing water in and preventing costly repairs that could have been avoided.