Specialist lead roofing work across Swindon. Flashings, valleys, flat roof bays, chimney dressings and decorative leadwork — all in code 4 milled lead sheet with traditional dressing techniques.
Lead is the most durable and versatile roofing material available. Properly specified and dressed, code 4 milled lead sheet lasts 30–50 years in exposed positions and longer in sheltered ones. It is the material of choice for flashings, valleys, flat roof bays, chimney abutments, and any junction where different roof surfaces meet. In Swindon, where thermal cycling and wind-driven rain test every junction relentlessly, getting the leadwork right is the difference between a watertight roof and one that leaks at every change of weather.
Step flashings where a roof meets a wall. Apron flashings at the base of chimney stacks. Cover flashings over the tops of soakers. Back gutters behind chimney stacks. Each type requires specific dressing technique, correct code weight, and proper chase cutting and pointing. We use code 4 milled lead for all standard flashings — heavy enough for durability, workable enough for clean dressing. Chase cuts are sealed with flexible Geocel sealant rather than hard mortar that cracks from thermal movement within two years.
Valleys are the internal angles where two roof slopes meet. They channel the combined water flow from both slopes and must handle peak rainfall without overflow. We line valleys in code 4 lead with 75mm minimum side laps under the tiles, welted edges to prevent capillary creep, and a central drip channel that directs water flow. Valley failures are one of the most common leak sources on Swindon roofs with complex geometry — Victorian properties in Old Town and Edwardian villas with multiple roof junctions are particularly prone.
The Wiltshire plateau creates wider daily temperature swings than sheltered towns. Lead expands and contracts with every cycle — code 4 lead expands approximately 1.5mm per metre for every 10 degree temperature change. Over thousands of cycles, the repeated movement causes fatigue cracking at fold lines, splits at chase joints, and lifting at free edges. North-facing and west-facing elevations fail fastest because they experience the widest temperature range between cold overnight temperatures and afternoon sun. We design every piece of leadwork with expansion joints and adequate fixings to accommodate this movement.
Bay window tops, small flat areas between roof junctions, and porch roofs are often covered in lead. These areas require careful attention to falls — lead must drain positively with a minimum 1:60 fall to prevent ponding. Joints between lead sheets use welted seams rather than solder, which cracks from thermal movement. Each sheet is limited to 1.5m maximum length to control thermal expansion, with expansion joints at every seam.
No call-out fees. No obligation. Call 0179 329 7084.
0179 329 7084"Complex valley junction on our Victorian roof had been leaking for three years. Two other roofers failed to fix it. These guys stripped the old lead, redressed in code 4 with proper welted edges, and it has been completely watertight since. Real leadwork skill."
"All four chimney flashings on our listed terrace needed replacing. They dressed new code 4 lead in the traditional stepped pattern, pointed into chase cuts with flexible sealant. The conservation officer was very satisfied. Expert period work."
"Lead on our bay window top had split from thermal cycling. They stripped it, laid new code 4 with proper falls and expansion joints. Three years of heavy weather since and not a drop of water. Proper craftsmanship."
Flashing repairs: £200–£500. Valley re-lining: £80–£120 per linear metre. Bay roof re-lead: £120–£180 per square metre. Complete chimney lead package: £400–£900. We quote free after inspection. Prices reflect the southern England labour band. Conservation area properties in Old Town may cost 20-40% more due to like-for-like material requirements.
Code 4 milled lead sheet for all standard flashings, valleys and flat areas. Code 5 for exposed positions with extreme wind loading. We never use code 3 — it is too thin for Swindon conditions.
Timeline depends on job size. Minor repairs: 1-3 hours same visit. Re-roofs: 3-5 days for a semi. Flat roofs: 2-3 days. We confirm dates one week before and again the day before. We never leave a roof exposed overnight.
Mortar is rigid. Lead moves with temperature changes. A rigid mortar pointing cracks within 1–2 years as the lead expands and contracts underneath it. Flexible Geocel sealant moves with the lead and maintains the seal for 15–20 years.
Yes. We use code 4 milled lead (1.80mm, BS EN 12588) hand-dressed using traditional techniques — bossing, welding and dressing to match existing period leadwork. Patination oil finish to prevent staining on light masonry. We work regularly on listed buildings in Old Town and the Railway Village.
Thermal fatigue from repeated expansion and contraction. Swindon's plateau position creates wider daily temperature swings than valley towns. Over thousands of cycles, the metal fatigues at fold lines and chase joints. Properly designed leadwork with expansion joints and correct code weight minimises this.
10-year workmanship guarantee on all leadwork. Code 4 milled lead has an expected service life of 30–50 years. We design every installation to last its full intended lifespan. Our 10-year workmanship guarantee covers labour, fixings and installation. Materials carry separate manufacturer warranties - typically 25-30 years for GRP/EPDM, 40-60 years for concrete tiles with A2 stainless nails per BS 5534:2014.
Lead sheet is graded by code number indicating thickness. Code 3 (1.32mm) is too thin for external roofing in Swindon conditions — it fatigues quickly from thermal cycling. Code 4 (1.80mm) is the standard specification for flashings, valleys and flat areas — the right balance of durability and workability. Code 5 (2.24mm) is used for exposed positions with extreme wind loading or areas subject to foot traffic. Code 6 and above are specialist applications. We use code 4 as standard on all Swindon work and upgrade to code 5 only where the exposure genuinely demands it.
Lead roofing is a craft skill that requires understanding of how the material behaves. Lead is bossed — shaped by hammering over a form — rather than folded sharply, which creates stress points that crack over time. Joints between sheets use welted seams — interlocking folds that create a mechanical waterproof bond without solder, which cracks from thermal movement. Each sheet is limited to 1.5m maximum in any direction to control thermal expansion. These techniques have been used for centuries because they work. Modern sealants and adhesives supplement but do not replace traditional lead dressing.
Lead roofing is valuable scrap metal and unfortunately a target for theft, particularly on unoccupied or secluded properties. There are several deterrent options we can advise on. SmartWater or SelectaDNA forensic marking makes stolen lead traceable. Tamper-evident fasteners on accessible lead flashings alert you to interference. Lead substitute products like Ubiflex provide a non-metal alternative for lower-risk areas while maintaining waterproof performance. For high-risk locations, we can specify lead-effect GRP that looks identical to lead but has no scrap value. We advise on the appropriate level of protection for each installation based on the property location and visibility.
Not every lead flashing problem requires complete replacement. A hairline crack at a single fold line can be repaired with a patch of matching lead dressed over the crack and sealed with compatible sealant. A lifted edge where the pointing has failed can be re-dressed and re-pointed without removing the existing lead. However, if the lead is cracked at multiple points, if it has become paper-thin from corrosion, if the original dressing was poor and water is getting behind the lead rather than over it, or if the lead has been patched repeatedly already, replacement is the better investment. New code 4 lead properly dressed will last 30-40 years. Repeated patching of deteriorated lead is money wasted on a material that has reached the end of its useful life. We assess honestly and recommend accordingly.
From £150, no call-out fee.
More →Full re-roofs, 10yr guarantee.
More →GRP/EPDM, 25yr guarantees.
More →Same-day 24/7 response.
Call Now →Cleaning, repairs, replacement.
More →Repointing, flashings, stacks.
More →Biocide, 3-5yr protection.
More →uPVC roofline, ventilation.
More →Fitted to your roof.
More →Code 4 flashings, valleys.
More →Repair, matching, re-roofing.
More →Surveys from £120, fee credited.
More →Here is how to tell if you need this service — and when you might not.
When it is not the answer: If the problem is minor and localised, a targeted repair may be more cost-effective. We assess honestly during the free survey.
We inspect the relevant roof area, photograph everything, and explain what needs doing.
Itemised specification with materials, labour and access costs clearly separated.
Our own team carries out the work to specification. Daily cleanup, weathertight each night.
Walk-through, 10-year guarantee issued, site cleared.
| Job | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Minor work | Half day - 1 day |
| Standard job | 1-3 days |
| Complex / large scope | 3-5 days |
Weather dependent — we never compromise quality for speed.
Access method depends on the specific job — ladder, tower scaffold or full scaffold. Always itemised in your quote. Scaffold is specified for: work above single-storey height, multi-day jobs, chimney and ridge access — always itemised in your written quote, never a hidden extra.
Pavement scaffold and skip permits go through Swindon Borough Council. On restricted streets in Old Town, the Railway Village and parts of Rodbourne, we coordinate access to minimise disruption. Allow a few working days for permit processing.
All work carries our written 10-year workmanship guarantee. Materials carry separate manufacturer warranties on top.
If a fault appears in covered work, we come back and put it right. No quibbling, no re-charge.
External work during standard hours. We sheet below and clean up each day. You do not need to be home. You do not need to stay home for external work — we just need access agreed in advance.
Work runs year-round where conditions allow. We build weather margin into every schedule and never leave a roof exposed. Swindon's exposed plateau at 120m produces more frost days and stronger gusts than sheltered valley towns — we factor this into every schedule.
No call-out fees. No obligation. Local Swindon roofers you can trust.
0179 329 7084