Why lead details fail or last
Water guided out cleanly
Good leadwork sends water away from the junction instead of inviting it into the wall.
Detail matched to junction
Flashings and trays are chosen for the way the roof and masonry actually meet.
Preparation done properly
Secure fixings and sound joints matter as much as the lead you can see from below.
Lead details that send water where it should go
If water is getting in where roof and wall meet, the detail is usually the culprit. We form and fit leadwork around chimneys, abutments and other roof penetrations so rain is guided out instead of left to test every crack below the slates. Surface flashings and concealed lead trays do different jobs, and using the wrong one is a neat way to pay for the same leak twice. With Paul Clarke Restorations, the detail is chosen to suit the junction, not forced in because it is the one somebody already has in the van.
Formed around the roof that is actually there
Failed leadwork often hides poor joint preparation, loose fixings or water paths that were never properly understood in the first place. We remove defective details, prepare the masonry, form the new lead and integrate it with the roof covering so the whole junction works together. Roof shape, existing construction and drainage routes all matter. By bringing in Paul Clarke Restorations, you get leadwork made for the building in front of us, not a guess dressed up as tradition.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need flashing or a lead tray?
They do different jobs. Flashing protects exposed junctions where roof covering meets wall or chimney, while a lead tray is a concealed detail that intercepts moisture within the masonry and brings it out safely. The right answer depends on how the junction is built and where the water is actually travelling.
Can poor leadwork cause repeat leaks?
Very easily. Loose fixings, shallow detailing, bad joint preparation or a complete misunderstanding of the water path can all leave the leak free to return. Fresh sealant over tired lead seldom solves much for long. Good leadwork needs the shape, the support and the exit route to make sense together.
Will new lead be matched into existing slates and masonry?
Yes, that is part of the job. The lead detail has to tie in with the surrounding slate, bedding and masonry joints so the junction works as a whole. Neat fitting matters, but so does how the materials overlap and drain. A smart-looking lead strip is not much use if the water still cannot leave properly.