Lead Weld Roofing
Traditional Lead Work Excellence
Lead work represents one of the most skilled and time-honoured aspects of traditional roofing, requiring specialist knowledge and craftsmanship that has been refined over centuries. At Pinnacle Roofing, traditional lead work is one of our particular areas of expertise, and we bring 10 years of industry experience to every project across Wiltshire, Bath and Bristol. Lead's exceptional durability, malleability, and weather resistance have made it the material of choice for roofing applications for hundreds of years, and when properly installed, lead work can last well over a century with minimal maintenance.
Our lead work services encompass all aspects of this specialist craft, from lead valleys and dormers to box gutters, flashings, and decorative features. We work on both heritage properties where sympathetic restoration is essential and new builds where quality lead work adds lasting value. Understanding the unique properties of lead and how to work with it correctly is crucial to achieving successful results. Our skilled craftsmen are experienced in traditional techniques including lead bossing, welding, and dressing, ensuring every installation is both functional and aesthetically appropriate. Whether you're restoring original lead work on a listed building or specifying new lead installations, Pinnacle Roofing delivers craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
Comprehensive Lead Work Services
Lead work encompasses a wide range of applications, each requiring specific skills and techniques. Lead valleys are essential for channelling water where two roof slopes meet, and proper installation is critical to preventing leaks. We create lead valleys that are correctly sized, adequately supported, and properly dressed to ensure effective water management. Lead dormers require careful fabrication and installation to create weathertight structures that integrate seamlessly with the main roof. Our dormer lead work includes cheeks, flat roofs, and all necessary flashings, executed with precision to maintain both function and appearance.
Lead flashings are vital wherever the roof meets vertical surfaces such as walls, chimneys, or abutments. We install soakers, step flashings, and cover flashings that create secure weatherproof junctions whilst allowing for thermal movement. Box gutters, often found on period properties, require particular expertise as they're concealed within the roof structure and must be perfectly watertight. We fabricate and install lead box gutters with appropriate falls, secure joints, and adequate outlets to prevent water accumulation. For parapet walls and flat roof edges, we provide lead cappings and upstands that protect vulnerable areas from weather penetration. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every element of your roof's lead work performs its intended function reliably.
Traditional Techniques and Expert Craftsmanship
Working with lead requires specialist skills that combine knowledge of the material's properties with traditional fabrication techniques. Lead expands and contracts significantly with temperature changes, and proper installation must accommodate this movement to prevent splitting or distortion. We use correctly sized sheets with appropriate expansion joints, secure fixing methods that allow controlled movement, and proper support systems that prevent sagging. Traditional lead bossing techniques allow us to shape lead around complex details such as corners and junctions, creating neat, weathertight finishes without the need for excessive jointing.
Lead welding is essential for creating secure, permanent joints in lead work, and our craftsmen are skilled in both traditional lead burning and modern welding techniques. We create strong, watertight seams that are properly executed and finished to blend seamlessly with the surrounding lead. All our lead work follows Code 4, 5, 6, or 7 specifications as appropriate for the application, ensuring adequate thickness and durability. We use quality materials including milled lead sheet that meets British Standards, and pair lead installations with compatible fixings and support materials. Attention to detail extends to patination oil application, proper underlay selection, and ensuring adequate ventilation beneath lead work. With Pinnacle Roofing, your lead work benefits from traditional craftsmanship backed by thorough understanding of best practices, building regulations, and long-term performance requirements. Every project receives the care and expertise necessary to create lead work that protects your property beautifully for generations.
