Leadwork & Lead Flashing in Norfolk
Failing lead flashing is one of the most common causes of roof leaks in Norfolk. We repair and replace leadwork on all property types across the county — properly, not patched.
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Fitted Right, Lasts Centuries.
Lead has been used on roofs for centuries — and when it's fitted correctly, it lasts just as long. The problem is that leadwork is a skill. It requires proper training, the right materials, and attention to detail. Bodged leadwork is one of the most common causes of persistent roof leaks we're called out to fix.
Pitch Perfect Norfolk carry out leadwork and lead flashing installation and repair across Norfolk. Whether it's a failed chimney flashing, a leaking valley, or a complete lead flat roof, we do it properly — dressed correctly, secured right, and built to last.
Free survey, clear written quote, five-year warranty on all leadwork.
Leadwork Services Across Norfolk
Lead flashing is the strip of lead that seals the junction between your roof covering and a vertical surface — a chimney, a dormer wall, a parapet, or where a roof meets a house wall. When it fails, water runs straight down behind the tiles and into the roof structure.
We install and replace lead flashing on all property types across Norfolk. Whether the existing flashing has lifted, cracked, or been poorly fitted in the first place, we'll strip it out and do it properly.
Lead Flashing Installation & Repair
Types of flashing we work with:
- Step flashing — used where a pitched roof meets a side wall, stepping up with each course of tiles or slates
- Soaker flashing — hidden beneath the tiles at wall junctions, used alongside step flashing
- Apron flashing — fitted at the front face of a chimney where it meets the roof slope
- Back gutter flashing — fitted behind the chimney to direct water away from the stack
- Parapet flashing — where a flat roof meets a parapet wall
- Abutment flashing — where a lean-to or extension roof meets a main wall
Chimney Leadwork
Chimneys are the most common source of leadwork problems in Norfolk's older housing stock. The combination of the chimney stack expanding and contracting with temperature changes, wind movement, and the general age of the lead means chimney flashings fail more often than any other leadwork on a roof.
We carry out full chimney leadwork including:
- Apron flashing at the front of the chimney
- Back gutter behind the chimney
- Side step and soaker flashings
- Full chimney lead replacement where the existing work is beyond repair
If your chimney is leaking, the leadwork is the first place to look.
Lead Valleys
A valley is the internal angle where two roof slopes meet — one of the highest-risk areas on any roof for water ingress. Lead valleys need to be correctly sized for the roof pitch and rainfall levels, properly dressed into the roof covering, and free of any debris that causes water to back up.
We install and repair lead valleys on pitched roofs across Norfolk, including open valleys, closed valleys, and swept valleys on slate roofs.
Lead Flat Roofs
Traditional lead flat roofs are found on bay window tops, porches, dormers, and older properties across Norfolk. When installed correctly in the right lead grade, they're extremely durable — but they need to be laid with proper expansion joints to allow the lead to move with temperature changes. Without them, the lead splits and leaks.
We install and repair lead flat roofs to BS EN 12588 standards, using the correct lead grade for the application and roof size.
Lead Soakers
Soakers are the hidden lead components tucked beneath each tile or slate at a wall junction, used alongside step flashing to create a proper weatherproof seal. They're often the first thing to fail on older roofs and are frequently omitted entirely on poorly done repairs. We install soakers correctly as part of all wall junction leadwork.
Leadwork on Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas
Norfolk has a significant number of listed buildings and properties in conservation areas — many of which have original leadwork that needs matching and repairing sympathetically. We have experience working on older and listed properties and understand the importance of using the correct materials and methods.
If your property is listed or in a conservation area, mention it when you call — we'll factor it into the survey and quote.
Why Lead Is Still the Best Material for Flashings
With modern alternatives available — including aluminium, zinc, and lead-look plastic — it's worth understanding why lead remains the material of choice for quality roofing work.
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See the quality for yourself
Every job we take on gets the same attention to detail, whether it's a small repair or a complete roof replacement. Take a look at some of the work we've completed for homeowners across Norfolk.
Garage Re-Roof, Bunwell
A garage re-roof combining reclaimed Old English pantiles with a new EPDM flat roof — keeping the traditional look while fixing the flat section for good.
Period Re-Roof with Reclaimed Tiles, Sheringham
A full strip-back re-roof on a period property with multiple roof elevations and a feature turret — reclaimed double concrete tiles kept the original character while everything underneath was rebuilt new.
Re-Roof with Rustic Smooth Tiles, Sprowston
A full strip-back re-roof using rustic smooth tiles and a new dry ridge system — replacing an ageing, weathered roof with a modern system built for Norfolk's weather.
Why Choose Pitch Perfect Norfolk for Leadwork
We're not chasing volume. Leadwork done properly takes time — getting the dressing, falls, and fixings right isn't something you rush between three other jobs. We take on what we can actually give proper attention to, which is exactly why it doesn't fail two winters later.
We do it properly
Leadwork isn't something you can rush or improvise. Correct drips, correct roll spacing, correct code of lead for the application — the details matter. We've been trained to do it right, not just to get it done.
NVQ qualified roofers
Our NVQ qualification in slating and tiling includes leadwork as a core component. Proper training in leadwork is rarer than you'd think — not every roofer who says they do leadwork has been formally assessed on it.
We find the actual cause of the leak
Roof leaks aren't always where they appear to be inside the property. Water travels. We'll identify the actual source of the problem before we start work — not just replace the most obvious section and hope for the best.
Correct materials, correct grade
We use the correct lead grade for each application — Code 3 for soakers, Code 4 for flashings and valleys, Code 5 for flat roofs and back gutters. Using the wrong grade is a common shortcut that leads to premature failure.
Five-year warranty
All our leadwork comes with a five-year warranty as standard.
How Our Leadwork Process Works From Start To Finish
Call or enquire online
Tell us about the leadwork problem or project — where it is, what the symptoms are, and how long it's been happening.
Free survey
Matty comes out and inspects the leadwork in question. For leak investigations, we'll look at the whole roof junction — not just the most obvious section — to identify the actual source.
Clear written quote
You'll receive a clear written quote covering the work required, materials, and timescale.
Work carried out
Leadwork is done carefully and methodically. We don't rush it — a properly dressed lead flashing takes the time it takes to do right.
Sign-off and warranty
Once the work is complete and you're satisfied, you'll receive your five-year warranty.
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Real Reviews From Real Customers
Common Leadwork Questions, Answered
Yes — all our leadwork comes with a five-year warranty as standard.
Yes. We have experience working on older and listed properties in Norfolk and understand the requirements around materials and methods. Mention it when you call and we'll factor it in.
A straightforward chimney flashing replacement typically costs between £300 and £800 depending on the size of the chimney and the extent of the work. Larger leadwork projects — lead valleys, flat roofs, full chimney re-leading — vary more significantly. We'll give you a fixed written quote after a free survey.
For quality and longevity, yes. Modern alternatives like aluminium and lead-look products have a fraction of the lifespan and are harder to fit correctly around complex roof details. For listed buildings and conservation areas, lead is often specified as a requirement.
We use the correct grade for each application — Code 3 for soakers, Code 4 for most flashings and valleys, Code 5 for flat roofs, back gutters, and larger applications. Using the wrong grade is a common shortcut we don't take.
Sometimes, yes. If the existing lead is in good condition but has lifted or pulled away from a joint, it may be possible to re-dress and re-secure it. If the lead has cracked, split, or been previously repaired with sealant or tape, replacement is usually the right call. We'll give you an honest assessment at the survey.
Properly installed lead flashing lasts 50–100 years. Poorly installed lead — wrong grade, no expansion joints, incorrect dressing — can fail within a few years. The quality of the installation matters as much as the material.
The most common signs are water staining on a chimney breast inside the property, damp patches on ceilings near a chimney or dormer, or visible lifting, cracking, or gaps in the lead at a roof junction. If you can see daylight between the lead and the wall, it needs attention.
Leadwork Across All of Norfolk
Got a Leadwork Problem? Call Us Today.
We'll come out, find the cause, and fix it properly. Free survey, clear written quote, five-year warranty.