When most people think of a new roof, they think of tiles. While the tiles provide the color and the bulk of the coverage, the real hero of a watertight home is the leadwork. In a recent project in Wetwang, we had the opportunity to showcase exactly why this traditional skill is so vital for the longevity of your property.

What is a Roof Valley?

A roof valley is the internal angle formed where two sloping roof sections meet. Because water from both sections of the roof runs into this area, the valley carries a huge volume of water during a typical East Yorkshire downpour. If this area is not handled with absolute precision, it becomes the most likely place for a leak to start.

As you can see in the close-up images of our recent work, we don’t rely on plastic troughs or “quick-fix” solutions. We use high-quality lead, hand-dressed to fit the unique contours of the roof.

The Art of Lead Dressing

Lead is a remarkable material because it is incredibly durable, but it requires a specialist touch to install correctly. Lead dressing involves using specific tools to boss and shape the metal so it follows the angles of the roof perfectly without thinning or cracking the material.
In the photos of the Wetwang job, you can see how the lead sits snugly beneath the tiles. This ensures that even in driving wind and rain, the water is channeled safely away from the timber structure and into the guttering system. This level of detail is what separates a heritage specialist from a general contractor.
Why DIY Leadwork is a Risk

Why DIY Leadwork is a Risk

It is common to see DIY attempts where homeowners have tried to seal a valley using flashing tape or heavy amounts of sealant. While these might work for a few months, they are not permanent solutions. Lead is used because it can expand and contract with the changing temperatures of the seasons. Sealants and tapes eventually crack under this movement, leading to hidden rot.
Furthermore, working with lead requires specialized knowledge of weights and fixings. If the lead is too thin, it won’t last; if it is fixed too rigidly, it will buckle. Our goal is always to install leadwork that will outlast the tiles themselves.

Precision in Every Angle

Beyond the valleys, we also pay close attention to the lead joins around chimneys and where the roof meets a vertical wall. These “abutments” are critical failure points. By cutting a clean raggle into the brickwork and tucking the lead in properly, we create a mechanical seal that doesn’t rely on glue or luck.
When you look at the close-up shots of our lead joins, you can see the crisp, clean lines that define professional craftsmanship. It is this attention to detail that keeps the homes in our community dry and secure for decades.

Protecting Your Heritage Home

If you live in a period property or a home with complex roof angles, the quality of the leadwork should be your top priority. Whether you have noticed a small drip or you are planning a full restoration, we are here to provide the specialist skills your roof deserves.
We offer expert leadwork services across the East Riding, ensuring that every valley and join is built to stand the test of time.