Lead Roofing & Leadwork Tunbridge Wells & Kent

Properly installed lead flashing — using the right code of lead for the application — can last 50 years or more, and in many cases significantly longer. We've worked on properties in Kent where the original lead was still doing its job after 80 years. The lead itself rarely fails first; what usually fails is the mortar pointing that holds the flashing into the wall, or the workmanship if it was poorly installed in the first place.

Yes. We have extensive experience working on period and heritage properties across Kent. We use traditional techniques, appropriate lead codes, and where required, sand cast lead instead of milled lead to match the original character of the building. If your property is listed or in a conservation area — which applies to parts of Tunbridge Wells — some leadwork may require consent, and we'll advise you on that before any work starts.

Common warning signs include damp patches on interior walls near chimneys or dormers, visible cracks or lifting in the flashing itself, water stains in upper floor rooms after heavy rain, persistent leaks that have been "fixed" before and come back, and visible white mineral staining on brickwork below the flashing line. If any of these sound familiar, book a free inspection — catching failing leadwork early is far cheaper than dealing with the damp and timber damage that follows when it fails.

Lead is a premium material — the price per kilo reflects that — but the lifespan more than offsets the cost. A lead flat roof installed today can outlive every other flat roofing system on the market, often by decades. For flashings and valleys, lead is generally the cost-effective choice over time because the alternatives need replacing far sooner. We provide free, no-obligation quotes so you'll know exactly what to expect, and we'll be honest if a less expensive alternative would do the job equally well.

Simply give us a call on 07466 480928 or fill in our online form. We'll arrange a convenient time to visit your property and provide a free, no-obligation quote.

It depends on what's failed and why. Lead that's lifted at the wall edge because the pointing has eroded can often be re-set and re-pointed for a fraction of the cost of replacement. Lead that's split, fatigued or holed will usually need replacing — patching split lead is rarely a lasting fix. The exception is small isolated damage, where a lead burn repair can extend the life of an otherwise sound piece by another decade or more. We'll tell you honestly which applies to your situation rather than push for replacement when a repair would do.

Lead theft remains a real problem, particularly on accessible flat lead roofs and church-type properties. Three practical defences: roof alarms (motion-activated alarms designed for roof installations), forensic marking products such as SmartWater that allow stolen lead to be traced back to a property, and physical security improvements like trellis on lower roofs to make access harder. We can fit SmartWater-marked lead as part of any new installation if you ask — it's a small additional cost and is a meaningful deterrent. Your buildings insurance may also offer a discount if marked lead is fitted; worth checking with your insurer.