Expert Leadwork And Flashing in Camelford, Cornwall

Living so close to the coast and the moor, our homes in Camelford have to stand up to some of the toughest weather in the UK. Driving rain and salt spray can find their way into the tiniest gaps. That’s where lead comes in. When installed correctly, leadwork can last for over 100 years, far outperforming any modern plastic alternative. It’s incredibly malleable, which means I can shape it—or 'boss' it—around the complex junctions of your roof to create a seamless barrier. It doesn't just look professional; it provides the ultimate protection against water ingress. I always use high-quality milled lead, usually Code 4 for flashings and Code 5 for more substantial valley work, ensuring your roof stays bone dry for decades to come.

Your chimney is often the most vulnerable part of your roof. It’s the point where the masonry meets the tiles, and if the flashing isn't up to scratch, the rain will get in. Most homeowners I speak to only realise there's an issue when they see water staining around their fireplace or upstairs ceiling. I provide comprehensive chimney repairs, including fitting new step flashings, lead aprons, and back gutters. I also specialise in lead welding (often called lead burning), which involves using a torch to fuse joints together. This creates a much stronger, more reliable bond than simply using sealants, which tend to crack and fail after a few years in the Cornish sun and wind.

Camelford and the wider Cornwall area are blessed with beautiful period properties, many of which require specialist care to maintain their character. If you own a listed building or a traditional stone cottage, you can’t just use any modern material. I understand the nuances of heritage roofing, from using lime mortar for re-pointing to sourcing reclaimed materials that match your existing roof. My leadwork techniques follow time-honoured traditions, including the application of patination oil to new lead. This prevents that unsightly white carbonate staining you sometimes see on poorly finished jobs, ensuring your lead ages to a beautiful, classic grey that complements the local stone.

Sometimes, you know there’s a leak, but you can’t see where it’s coming from without getting a ladder out. To make things easier and safer for everyone, I offer advanced drone roof surveys across Camelford. This allows me to get high-resolution images of your lead valleys, chimney stacks, and roof joins without the need for expensive scaffolding right away. It’s a brilliant way to catch 'creeping' or cracked lead before it turns into a major interior repair job. After the survey, I can show you exactly what’s going on up there and provide an honest, transparent quote for any work that’s actually needed. It’s all about giving you the full picture before any tools even touch the roof.