Lead Work & Flashing

Lead Work & Flashing Specialists in Warwickshire

Lead flashing is the waterproof seal at every critical junction on your roof — where the roof meets a chimney, a wall, a dormer, or a valley. When lead fails, water gets in. When lead is done well, it lasts a lifetime.

A1 Rooflines are experienced lead work specialists covering the whole of Warwickshire. We carry out lead flashing repairs and replacements on all property types, from modern residential homes to Warwickshire's many historic and listed buildings where sympathetic, high-quality lead work is essential.

Types of Lead Work We Carry Out

Chimney Lead Flashings

The chimney stack is the most common source of lead flashing failures on domestic roofs. A properly flashed chimney requires several distinct lead elements, all of which must work together correctly:

• Front apron flashing — covers the front face of the chimney stack where it meets the roof slope
• Step flashings — cut into mortar joints up each side of the chimney, overlapping in steps
• Back gutter — the most critical element, collecting water running off the back of the chimney
• Soakers — individual lead pieces woven under each course of tiles at the chimney sides

We use the correct code lead for each element (Code 3–5 depending on application) and install to current BS EN standards to ensure long-term performance.

Lead Valleys

Where two roof slopes meet — at a hip, a valley or where a dormer meets the main roof — water is concentrated into a run-off channel. Lead valleys handle this water efficiently and durably. We install both:

• Open lead valleys — the lead is exposed and acts as a visible channel
• Closed cut valleys — tiles are cut to the valley line with lead soakers beneath
• Swept valleys — tiles are swept around the valley for a traditional appearance

Parapet Walls

Parapet walls — the low walls that rise above the roof level on many period properties — require lead capping and flashing along their tops and bases. We install lead saddle pieces, lead coping cover flashings, and dressed lead to parapets on both residential and commercial properties.

Dormer Windows

Dormers are a common source of roof leaks where lead flashings deteriorate. We replace and repair lead aprons, cheek flashings and top flashings on all dormer types, and can upgrade original work to modern standards where required.

Flat Roof Lead Details

Where flat roofs meet vertical surfaces — external walls, upstands, parapets — a lead flashing is dressed up the wall and tucked into the mortar course to prevent water ingress. We carry out all flat-roof lead detailing as part of new flat roof installations and as standalone repairs.

Lead Work on Heritage & Period Properties

Warwickshire has a wealth of historic properties — medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian — many of which are listed or in conservation areas. Lead is the only appropriate material for flashing work on these buildings; it has been used on English roofs for over 1,000 years and remains unmatched for durability, workability and appearance.

We understand the standards expected on heritage properties and work carefully with the existing fabric of the building. Where required, we can provide documentation of materials and methods used to support listed building consent applications.

Frequently Asked Questions