Expert Lead Roofing in Ashburton, Devon

When you are looking at roof repairs, it's tempting to look for the cheapest quick fix. But have you ever stopped to wonder why the oldest buildings in Teignbridge still have their original lead features? It is because lead is a 'lifetime' material. While plastics and sealants might crack or degrade after a decade of exposure to the sun and frost, expertly installed lead can easily last over 100 years. We often tell our customers in Ashburton that while the initial cost might be slightly higher than synthetic alternatives, the 'cost-per-year' value is unbeatable. You won't be calling us back to fix it again in five years. We use different thicknesses—known in the trade as 'Lead Codes' like Code 4 or Code 5—to ensure we are using the right weight for everything from simple soakers to heavy-duty flat roofs.

Think about your chimney for a second. It is the most exposed part of your house, taking the full brunt of the wind coming off the moor. The joint where the brickwork meets your slates or tiles is a prime target for leaks. This is where our specialist lead smiths really shine. We specialise in lead bossing, which is the traditional art of shaping the lead by hand to fit the unique curves and angles of your roof without thinning the metal. Whether it's a chimney apron, a back gutter, or intricate step flashings, we ensure every joint is watertight. We also apply patination oil to all our new leadwork. This stops that unsightly white staining you sometimes see on old roofs and ensures the lead ages to a beautiful, even blue-grey that looks fantastic against Devon stone.

Do you own a listed building in the Ashburton conservation area? Or perhaps a modern home with a complex bay window? Lead is incredibly malleable, meaning we can shape it to fit almost any architectural quirk. We don't just 'slap it on'—we use precision lead welding (also known as lead burning) to fuse joints together. This creates a seamless, one-piece barrier that is far superior to using messy adhesives. From bespoke lead gutters to decorative dormer tops, we bring a level of craftsmanship that respects the character of your property. Most homeowners we speak to are surprised at how much of a difference high-quality leadwork makes to the 'kerb appeal' of their home, as well as its value.

Inviting tradespeople onto your roof is a big deal, and we don't take that trust lightly. We're a fully insured, local team that prides itself on being reliable and tidy. We won't leave offcuts of lead or old masonry littering your garden; we clear up after ourselves every single day. If you are worried about the state of your leadwork but don't want the hassle of scaffolding just for a look, we can even provide a drone roof survey. This allows us to get high-resolution photos of your chimney stacks and valleys safely from the ground, so we can show you exactly what needs doing before you commit to any work. It's all part of our transparent, no-nonsense approach to roofing.