Expert Lead Roofing in Salcombe, Devon

Have you ever wondered why so many of our historic buildings still have their original leadwork after a century or more? It's simple: lead is incredibly tough and surprisingly flexible. While modern plastics and felts might crack or degrade under the intense UV rays and salty air we get here in South Devon, lead just sits there doing its job. We often tell our customers that while the initial cost of lead roofing might be higher than a quick-fix alternative, you'll likely never have to pay for that bit of the roof again in your lifetime. It's a proper investment in your home's future, preventing that dreaded water ingress that leads to damp patches on your ceilings and rot in your timbers.

Working with lead isn't like laying a few tiles; it’s a craft that takes years to master. Our team specialises in lead bossing—which is the art of shaping the metal by hand to fit those tricky corners and curves—and lead welding (often called lead burning). We don't just 'make do' with sealant and hope for the best. We fuse the joints together to create a seamless, waterproof barrier. From fitting Code 4 lead flashings around your chimney to installing complex valleys and box gutters, we ensure every piece is 'dressed' perfectly. We also apply patination oil as standard, which prevents those unsightly white streaks you sometimes see on new lead, ensuring it ages to a beautiful, even grey.

If you're lucky enough to live in one of Salcombe's listed buildings or a property within a conservation area, you'll know that standard roofing just won't cut it. Heritage roofing requires a deep respect for traditional methods to keep the local planners happy and the building's character intact. We've worked on plenty of older properties across the South Hams, replacing worn-out chimney aprons, back gutters, and soakers with precision. We understand the specific requirements for different lead codes and how to allow for thermal movement, so your roof won't buckle or split when the Devon sun finally makes an appearance.

It usually starts with a tiny drip or a faint watermark on the wallpaper. Often, the culprit is a cracked lead flashing or a slipped soaker that’s finally given up the ghost. Because lead is so heavy, if it hasn't been fixed properly in the first place, it can start to creep or tear over time. If you’re worried about the state of your leadwork, we can send up one of our high-tech drones for a quick survey. It's a brilliant way to get a clear look at your chimney stacks and high-level gutters without the massive expense and hassle of putting up scaffolding just for an inspection. We'll show you exactly what's going on up there so you can make an informed decision.