Expert Leadwork And Flashing in Liskeard, Cornwall

Have you ever wondered why lead has been used on roofs for hundreds of years? It's all about malleability and durability. Lead can be shaped and bossed to fit the most awkward roof joins, creating a seamless barrier against water ingress. For homes in Liskeard and surrounding villages like Dobwalls or Menheniot, the salt spray and high winds make materials like plastic flashing fail far too quickly. I typically use Code 4 or Code 5 milled lead, depending on the job. Code 4 is perfect for vertical flashings, while the thicker Code 5 is my go-to for lead valleys where water flow is heavy. I also apply patination oil to every new installation. This isn't just for looks; it prevents that unsightly white carbonate staining and ensures the lead ages to a professional, classic grey finish that looks fantastic on both modern builds and period Cornish cottages.

There are two ways to handle lead: the quick way and the right way. Many general builders might try to 'fudge' a corner with sealant, but that's a recipe for a leak in six months. I use traditional lead bossing, which involves hand-shaping the metal without joints, and lead welding (sometimes called lead burning). By using a torch to fuse the joints, I create a single, continuous piece of metal that can handle the natural expansion and contraction of the roof as the temperature changes. This level of craftsmanship is essential for heritage roofing in Cornwall, where preserving the character of a listed building is just as important as keeping it dry. If your chimney stack is looking a bit tired or the mortar around your step flashings is crumbling, a professional lead repair is the only long-term solution.

The most common call I get in Liskeard is for chimney repairs. Because chimneys sit at the highest point of the house, they take a real battering. If the apron or back gutter—the lead sections at the front and rear of the stack—starts to crack, water will find its way into your roof timbers in no time. I provide comprehensive services including installing new soakers, step flashings, and lead valleys. A lead valley is that 'V' shape where two roof slopes meet; if this isn't fitted correctly with the right thickness of lead, it becomes a major weak point. Most homeowners I speak to are relieved to find that a targeted repair of the leadwork is often all that's needed to stop a persistent leak, saving them the cost of a full re-roof.

It's not always easy to see what's happening forty feet up in the air, especially on the back of a chimney stack. To save you the immediate expense and hassle of scaffolding just for an inspection, I offer advanced drone roof surveys across Liskeard and the wider 30-mile radius. Using high-resolution aerial imaging, I can spot 'creeping' lead, split flashings, or failed mortar joints from the safety of the ground. I'll share these images with you so you can see exactly what the problem is. This transparency is a core part of my business—I believe in honest, clear pricing, and I want you to feel confident that the work I'm recommending is exactly what's required to keep your home safe.