Expert Leadwork And Flashing in Chagford, Devon

Most homeowners I chat with in West Devon are surprised to learn that lead can last for over a hundred years if it is installed correctly. It is incredibly malleable, which is just a fancy way of saying it can be shaped and tucked into the unique nooks and crannies of your roof. This makes it perfect for weatherproofing complex junctions where tiles or slates meet brickwork. Have you noticed a damp patch appearing on a bedroom ceiling lately? Often, it is not a broken tile to blame, but a cracked or 'creeping' piece of lead flashing that has finally given up after decades of service. Replacing this with high-quality Code 4 or Code 5 lead ensures your home stays protected for another generation.

Proper leadwork is a dying art, but it is one I am proud to keep alive. I don't believe in quick fixes or 'stick-on' flashing tapes that peel away after a single winter. Instead, I use traditional lead bossing—hand-shaping the metal without joints—and lead welding (often called lead burning) to create a seamless, indestructible barrier. For every job, I apply patination oil to the finished lead. This prevents that unsightly white carbonate staining you sometimes see on poorly finished roofs and ensures the metal ages to a beautiful, professional grey. From intricate step flashings and soakers to back gutters and large lead bays, I make sure every detail is handled with precision.

Chimneys are one of the most common sources of water ingress I see in Chagford. Because they sit right in the firing line of the wind, the lead aprons and flashings take a real battering. If your mortar is failing or the lead has pulled away from the masonry, I can step in to provide expert chimney repairs and re-pointing. I also specialise in valley gutters—those 'V' shaped channels where two roof slopes meet. These collect a huge amount of water, and if the lead lining is thin or split, it can cause massive internal damage very quickly. I can strip out the old, failed materials and install a robust new lead valley that handles even the heaviest Dartmoor downpours.

I know that many properties in West Devon are tall, or have chimneys that are difficult to reach without expensive scaffolding. That is why I offer drone roof surveys across Chagford. It is a brilliant, non-invasive way to get high-resolution photos of your leadwork and flashings without you having to pay for a ladder rack or scaffold tower just for a look. I can show you exactly what the problem is—whether it is a slipped slate or a split in the lead—giving you total transparency before any work begins. It is all part of my commitment to being an honest, reliable local tradesman.