Roof Lead Work in Dorset
Dormers, flashings, valleys, and chimney lead work — installed and maintained to the correct code, so your roof stays dry.
Lead Flashing Repair Matters as Much as the Tiles
Lead flashing repair is one of the most common jobs we are asked about, because lead appears in several places on a pitched roof — dormers, flashings, chimney breasts, valleys, lead slate/tile detailing, and around flue and pipe penetrations. It's easy to overlook because it's a small part of the overall roof, but it's often the difference between a dry property and a wet one. Old lead can split, crack, or deteriorate over time, and how quickly that happens depends heavily on the code (thickness/grade) and brand of lead originally used.
A common issue we come across during inspections is lead that's too low a code for the job — thinner lead is more prone to splitting when folded around detailing like valleys or chimney breasts. We also regularly find flash-band, a silver self-adhesive flashing tape, used as a substitute for proper lead. It's intended as a temporary fix, not a permanent one, and left in place long-term it tends to fail and let water in.
Because lead problems don't always show themselves until there's already a leak, we check the condition of lead work as standard whenever we inspect or survey a roof — not just when it's the specific reason for the visit.
Chimney Lead Done Properly
At West Cliff Gardens in Bournemouth, two chimney breasts were letting water in. The lead around them was failing and had been held together with flash-band, a temporary self-adhesive tape.
We stripped out all of the old lead and the lead step flashings, re-ground the chase and cleaned it out, then fitted new code 5 lead. Code is the thickness grade of the lead, and a higher code means thicker lead.
You can read the full job on the West Cliff Gardens project page.
Roof Valley Repair
A valley is the channel where two roof slopes meet, so water from both runs down it. At West Cliff Studios in Bournemouth the existing valleys were all split and cracked, which let water run under the waterproofing and damage the internal woodwork.
We stripped away the slates around the valleys to reach them, then took the old valleys out completely. Once our carpenters had put right the timber underneath, we fitted new GRP slate valley troughs.
We also carried out valley refurbishments at West Cliff Gardens, alongside the chimney lead. The full jobs are on the West Cliff Studios project page.
Why Choose Us for Lead Work
Dormers, flashings, chimney breasts, valleys, and flue/pipe detailing all covered
Correct code and grade of lead used for each application, not the cheapest option
Flash-band and other temporary fixes identified and replaced with proper lead detailing
Lead condition checked as part of every inspection and survey, not just when specifically requested
Repairs carried out before minor splitting becomes a leak
How We Handle Lead Work
Inspection
We check the condition of all lead work on the roof — dormers, valleys, chimney breasts, and flashings — looking for splitting, cracking, or signs of previous temporary repairs like flash-band.
Assessment & Recommendation
We identify the code of lead in use and whether it's appropriate for the application, then recommend repair or replacement based on condition rather than age alone.
Installation
Our team fits new lead work to the correct code and detailing for each area, replacing any flash-band or under-specified lead found during inspection.
Sign-off
We confirm the completed lead work is correctly dressed and weathertight before considering the job finished.
Lead Work We Have Done
Chimney lead, flashings, valleys and fascia work from recent projects.
West Cliff Gardens, Bournemouth
Another project located on the high spots of Alum Chine, overlooking Bournemouth beaches. This building is situated a stone's throw from the cliff tops and gets hit…
View ProjectYork Towers, Westbourne
This residential block in Westbourne, Bournemouth had some issues with the existing valleys and lead works, which our team completely renewed.
View ProjectWest Cliff Studios, Bournemouth
Located on the hills of Alum Chine, this property is often exposed to the weather elements coming in from the Bournemouth coastline.
View ProjectMoonfleet Manor Hotel, Weymouth
This was a great project to be a part of throughout the refurbishment of this ideally located hotel in Weymouth. We were on this project for a couple of months…
View ProjectClarkes Village, Glastonbury
We began working at Clarkes Village with views to complete multiple roof remedial works across the shopping village area.
View ProjectMore Ways We Can Help
From surveys to finishing touches, we cover every part of the job.
Full roof assessment from above where access is difficult or unsafe.
uPVC fixtures replaced or restored, resolving blockages and standing water.
Roof windows supplied, fitted, and sealed, integrated into the roof system with the correct flashing kit.
Roof ventilation inspected inside and out, with core sample testing available.
What Our Customers Say
★★★★★“Really impressed with Lee and Sam and their team, from quotation to completion, the guys were courteous, punctual, tidy and professional. Their level of communication, planning and finish is exemplary. We couldn't recommend them enough. Quality professionals, providing a first class workmanship on the agreed price. If you need work done look no further.”
★★★★★“We needed our whole pitched roof completely refurbished and the insulation upgraded. Sam & Lee were very helpful from the initial consultation, backing this up with a very detailed step by step proposal. The work was carried out on time and very efficiently. The site was left tidy every day and we were kept up to date with the progress at the end of each day. Highly recommend to anybody looking for a local roofing expert with very competitive pricing. Very friendly team.”
★★★★★“We had a new double storey extension built at our house and contacted the Pitched Roofing Company to provide a quotation for the new roof. The guys came round the following day to discuss and run through the options and ideas. Each stage of the process they were very informative and professional. The work was carried out to the highest standard and they really put our mind at rest as it was a big decision for us to complete this work.”
★★★★★“Very polite gentleman, always a smile and very reliable. I can see the roof from the upstairs of the house and I am very satisfied with the work completed. Quoted a better price than 2 others in the local area and Sam was very helpful with explaining the process.”
★★★★★“Fantastic guys who are very friendly and very professional. So pleased we got the roof done properly and with such a high performance material. Going to use them again to build a green roof on the summerhouse!”
Lead problems don't always show themselves until there's already water getting in — we'll check it properly before recommending anything.
Get a Free QuoteRoof Lead Work Across Dorset & Hampshire
Working from Poole puts Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch on our doorstep, and we regularly carry out lead work across the wider Dorset area, into the New Forest and Ringwood, and through to Southampton and Hampshire.
Splitting, cracking, lead lifting away from the detail it was dressed into, staining on the wall below a chimney or valley, and any silver flashing tape you can see from the ground are all worth a look. Often there is no visible sign until water is already getting in, which is why we check lead on every inspection.
Flash-band is a self-adhesive flashing tape intended as a temporary fix. Left in place long-term it loses adhesion and lets water past, so where we find it we recommend replacing it with properly dressed lead.
Code is the thickness and grade of the sheet — a higher code is thicker and more durable. Lead that is too low a code for its application is more likely to split when folded around detailing like a valley or chimney breast, which is one of the most common faults we find.
It depends on condition rather than age. Isolated splits in otherwise sound lead of the right code can be repaired; lead that is under-specified, widely cracked, or previously patched with tape is better replaced.
Yes. We check the condition of dormers, flashings, chimney breasts, valleys, and flue detailing as part of every inspection and survey, whether or not lead is the reason for the visit.