Chimneys · Valleys · Parapet Walls · Bay Windows
Specialist Roofing Leadwork in Bicester, Thame & Oxford
Lead is the proper material for the awkward bits of a roof. Where two slopes meet, where the chimney sticks through, where the roof abuts a wall. Done with the right code of lead and dressed in by someone who knows what they're doing, it lasts decades. Done with mastic and a hopeful patch, it fails by next winter.
We do specialist leadwork across Oxfordshire homes, including the kind of detailed work many general roofers won't touch.
When You Need Leadwork
Chimney flashing
The lead that seals where the chimney meets the roof. The first thing to fail on most older chimneys.
Valley leadwork
Where two roof slopes meet at an internal angle. A failed valley puts water straight into the roof structure.
Parapet walls
Lead-capped parapet walls common on terraced and older properties. Eventually need replacing or relaying.
Bay window roofs
Small lead-clad bay roofs over front bay windows. Common on Victorian and Edwardian Oxfordshire properties. Need attention every few decades.
Box gutters and hidden gutters
Lead-lined gutters concealed behind parapet walls. When they fail, water goes into the building, not out. Specialist work.
Lead replacing failed mastic or felt patches
Plenty of older roofs have had previous "repairs" with mastic or felt strips where lead should have been used. Doing it properly with lead now usually fixes the leak permanently.
01
Inspection and quote.
We get up to the leadwork, assess what's there, work out what code of lead is right for the job, and write a fixed quote. Old lead is removed and recycled (it has scrap value and proper environmental handling matters).
Dress new lead to spec.
Code 4 for most domestic flashing work, code 5 for valleys and exposed runs, code 6 or 7 for specialist applications. Soakers behind step flashing on tile and slate abutments. Joints lead-burned or properly lapped depending on the run. Drips and rolls formed correctly so water can't track back. Lead is shaped on the roof, not cut and stuck.
02
Seal, finish, and guarantee.
Pointing finished into the flashing line, any disturbed roof tiles re-bedded, debris cleared. Written guarantee covers the workmanship.
03
What Leadwork Costs
Cost varies significantly with run length, code of lead used, and complexity. Rough bands:
Single chimney flashing replacement: £400 to £1,200.
Valley re-lead: £600 to £2,500 per valley depending on length and access.
Parapet wall re-lead: quoted individually based on length.
Bay window roof: £800 to £2,500 depending on size and detailing.
Box gutter relining: quoted individually based on complexity.
Common Questions
Why not just use mastic or sealant?
Sealant is a short-term fix. It looks fine for a year or two, then it cracks, then it fails. Lead done properly lasts thirty to fifty years.
Is lead theft really a concern?
For visible lead on accessible roofs, yes. We can advise on lead anti-theft solutions including marking systems where appropriate.
Can you match the colour of new lead to weathered lead?
New lead patinas naturally over six to twelve months and matches in. Lead "patination oil" can speed up the colour matching where adjacent areas need to match quickly.
Areas We Cover
We do leadwork across Bicester, Thame, Oxford, and the surrounding villages.
Get a Leadwork Quote
Most roof problems are smaller than they look. Some are bigger. Either way, the right next step is getting eyes on it.
Free inspection · 10-Year Workmanship Guarantee · Fully Insured · Family run