Expert Leadwork And Flashing in Salcombe, Devon

Lead is often called the 'gold standard' of roofing materials, and for good reason. When fitted correctly, it can last over 100 years, outliving almost every other material on your roof. However, the salt-heavy air and high winds here in South Devon can be brutal. If your flashing is 'creeping' (slipping out of place) or has started to crack after decades of expansion and contraction, water ingress is inevitable. I use premium-grade materials, typically Code 4 or Code 5 lead, depending on the specific job. Code 5 is fantastic for roof valleys where water flow is heavy, while Code 4 is the perfect, malleable choice for step flashings around your chimney. Because I understand the local climate, I always apply patination oil to new lead. This prevents that unsightly white carbonate staining and ensures the lead develops that classic, professional grey finish that looks so right on our heritage and period properties.

There are two ways to handle leadwork: the quick way and the right way. I pride myself on the latter. Using traditional techniques like lead bossing, I hand-shape the lead to fit the unique curves and angles of your roof without the need for joints. Where a joint is necessary, I use lead welding—often called lead burning. This isn't just sticking bits together; it's a process of fusing the metal with a torch to create a single, seamless, and completely watertight barrier. It’s a far cry from the 'bodge jobs' involving silicone sealant that I often see when called out for repairs. Whether it’s an apron flashing at the front of your house or a complex back gutter behind a chimney stack, my goal is to provide a permanent solution that protects your home's structural integrity for decades to come.

The junctions of your roof are its most vulnerable points. In places like Salcombe and the surrounding South Hams villages, driving rain can find its way into the smallest gap. Are your chimney's step flashings and soakers still doing their job? These components work together to guide water away from the masonry and down onto the tiles. If they’ve perished, you’ll soon see the results on your interior wallpaper. I provide comprehensive chimney repairs, which often include re-pointing the brickwork alongside replacing the lead. I also pay close attention to roof valleys—those internal angles where two roof slopes meet. A failed valley can channel a huge amount of water directly into your loft space. I ensure these are lined with heavy-duty lead, expertly fitted to handle the South West's most persistent downpours.

I know that one of the biggest hurdles for homeowners is actually seeing what’s wrong. It’s hard to check the leadwork on a tall town house or a property perched on a Salcombe hillside without a ladder or expensive scaffolding. To make things easier, I offer advanced drone roof surveys. This allows me to capture high-resolution images of your chimney stacks, valleys, and flashings from the safety of the ground. It’s a non-invasive and cost-effective way to find the exact source of a leak or to provide a detailed condition report if you're in the process of buying a new home. If you're worried about the state of your leadwork, this technology gives us a clear picture of what needs doing before we even think about putting up a platform.