LEAD ROOFING REPAIRS IN HORSHAM, LEWES, WORTHING & THE SUSSEX AREA
A leaking or damaged lead roof can cause problems beyond the roof covering itself. Water can enter through defective joints, deteriorating leadwork or splits to affect the underlying structure and the interior of the property. Identifying the cause and arranging a suitable repair can help to prevent further damage. Whereas leadwork maintenance is preventative, a repair tends to be more reactive in nature.
You will want a timely response from your chosen leadwork specialists.
Traditional Leadwork can undertake lead roofing repairs for domestic, commercial and heritage properties throughout Horsham, Lewes, Worthing and the surrounding Sussex area.
Based in Shoreham-by-Sea, we have more than 50 years of combined experience working with lead roofing materials. Our services extend across Hampshire and Surrey, and we can assess damaged leadwork on flat roofs, on pitched roofs or on more complex roofing structures.
SPECIALIST LEAD ROOFING REPAIRS
Lead is a durable roofing material, but its performance relies on suitable installation methods, good detailing and ongoing maintenance. Over time, damage might develop through thermal movement, weather exposure, deterioration in the fixings or problems with structural support. Our leadwork specialists can undertake repairs on existing lead roof coverings, assessing the affected areas before recommending the most appropriate solution.
Depending on the condition of a roof, work may involve repairing localised defects, addressing damaged joints or replacing individual sections of leadwork. Where the surrounding materials remain serviceable, targeted repairs may be preferable to replacing the entire roof covering.
We also assess related leadwork, including gutters, valleys and junctions, where deterioration can contribute to water ingress.
COMMON PROBLEMS WITH LEAD ROOFS
Not all lead roofing defects are immediately visible from ground level. Some problems develop gradually, while others become apparent following periods of heavy rainfall or sudden changes in temperature. It is advisable to contact us as soon as an issue is noticed and you shouldn’t attempt to inspect the damage yourself. A professional inspection is a much safer choice.
Signs that your lead roof may require attention include:
Splits or Cracks
Openings in the lead covering that could allow rainwater to penetrate into the property.
Loose or Displaced Leadwork
Sections that have lifted or moved from their original position.
Buckling or Distortion
Changes in the shape of the lead may indicate restricted thermal movement.
Damaged Joints
Deterioration where the individual sheets or sections of lead meet.
Standing Water
Persistent pooling may indicate inadequate falls or drainage problems.
Internal Damp Patches
Water stains on ceilings or walls can indicate defects in roof coverings or adjoining materials.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean that an entire lead roof needs replacing. They might also result from defects elsewhere in the roofing system. An assessment of the affected areas helps to establish the cause of the problem and whether lead roofing repairs are appropriate.
LEAD ROOF REPAIRS FOR FLAT & PITCHED ROOFS
Lead is used on different roofing structures in Horsham, Lewes, Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing or Sussex, and each will have its own requirements for drainage, jointing and natural movement. On flat or low-pitched roofs, the condition of the lead sheets, joints and drainage arrangements is particularly important. Inadequate falls, restricted movement or deteriorating details could contribute to water ingress and premature damage.
For pitched roofs, leadwork often forms part of your roof’s covering or offers protection around valleys, abutments and other architectural features. Repairs must account for the arrangement of the surrounding roofing materials and the way rainwater is directed away from vulnerable areas. If the guttering or other drainage components are damaged or blocked, rainwater may overflow and run down the property's façade, potentially damaging the brickwork or render.
Identifying the problem’s source helps determine whether the leadwork, drainage components or other roofing materials require attention.
We can inspect leadwork and discuss repair options appropriate to the roof's construction and condition. If a different flat roof covering may be suitable for a particular project, we also help by discussing other systems such as liquid rubber as a possible alternative.
REPAIRING LEAD ROOFS OR REPLACING DAMAGED SECTIONS
The decision to repair or replace leadwork depends on the extent of the damage, the condition of the surrounding materials, and the suitability of the existing installation. A localised repair might be appropriate where defects are limited and the remaining leadwork is in a serviceable condition. Extensive deterioration, repeated failures or a problem with the original installation could make the replacement of the affected sections a more practical option.
It is also important to consider why the damage developed. Lead expands and contracts with changes in temperature. Lead roofing repairs must accommodate this movement rather than simply cover a visible defect. Our approach is to assess the existing roof and to explain your available options before recommending any work.
We do not assume a replacement is necessary simply because a roof has developed a leak.
LEAD FLASHING, GUTTERS & ROOF JUNCTION REPAIRS
A leak that appears to originate from a lead roof covering may actually be caused by adjoining components. Flashing, gutters, valleys and roof junctions all contribute to directing rainwater away from the building. Damaged or displaced lead flashing can allow moisture to enter the property around chimneys, walls or other junctions. Deteriorating gutters and valleys may also affect drainage performance and create additional problems elsewhere on a lead roof.
Traditional Leadwork undertakes specialist repairs to these associated leadwork details as well as the main roof covering. Identifying the source of water ingress is a key part of determining what needs attention and how a repair can be made while avoiding any unnecessary work.
TRADITIONAL LEADWORK | SPECIALISTS IN LEAD ROOFING REPAIRS
Lead roofing repairs require a professional understanding of the materials and methods used to accommodate movement, form joints and protect vulnerable areas. Traditional Leadwork is owned by Martin Creighton and Paul Collins, both of whom completed roofing apprenticeships. Their combined experience includes work on Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace and the Cabinet Office.
We bring this practical background to roofing projects of different sizes, from domestic repairs to specialist leadwork on commercial or heritage buildings. Whether you need straightforward repair work or an assessment for a more complex roofing defect, our team explains the work involved and provides a clear, transparent estimate without obligation.
If you have noticed signs of water ingress, damaged lead sheets or deterioration around roof junctions, Traditional Leadwork can discuss the next steps. We undertake lead roofing repairs in Horsham, Lewes, Worthing and the surrounding areas of Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.