Expert Lead Roofing in Looe, Cornwall

Living in Looe means we're no strangers to salt spray and driving rain. Most homeowners we chat with are worried about how the sea air might eat away at their roof. That's where lead really comes into its own. It's incredibly durable and, if installed correctly, can easily last over a hundred years. While other materials might crack or perish under the sun and salt, lead remains flexible and resilient. It’s a bit of an investment upfront, but when you consider the 'cost-per-year' value, it’s hard to beat. Why worry about frequent repairs when you can choose a water-resistant roofing solution that your grandkids might still be living under?

Imagine you’ve just noticed a tiny damp patch appearing on the ceiling near your chimney breast. More often than not, it’s a sign that your lead flashing has seen better days. Flashings are the strips of lead that seal the gaps where your roof meets a wall or chimney, and they are your first line of defence against water ingress. We specialise in installing lead aprons, back gutters, and soakers that are custom-fitted to your home's unique shape. By using high-quality materials like Code 4 or Code 5 lead, we ensure that these vulnerable joints stay bone-dry, even during a winter gale.

Working on older properties requires a bit of a different touch. If you own a listed building or a home in a conservation area around Cornwall, you'll know that standard modern materials just won't do. Our heritage roofing services are designed to respect the character of your property while providing modern protection. We use traditional techniques to ensure everything is historically accurate and meets local building standards. From intricate lead valleys to custom-made dormer tops, we take great pride in preserving the architectural history of our local villages. Have you checked if your leadwork needs a specialist's eye lately?

You might hear us talk about 'lead bossing' or 'lead welding' (sometimes called lead burning) and wonder what on earth we mean. Bossing is the traditional skill of shaping the lead by hand with wooden tools, making sure it follows the curves of your roof perfectly without the material getting too thin. Welding is how we fuse joints together to create a seamless, watertight finish. We also apply patination oil to all our new leadwork. This stops that annoying white carbonate staining from running down your tiles and ensures the lead ages to a beautiful, even finish. It’s these small, expert details that make a Sky Top roof stand out from the rest.