ACE London Roofing are Central London's lead flashing specialists. Faulty or deteriorating lead flashing is one of the most common — and most overlooked — causes of roof leaks. Our experienced team installs, repairs and replaces all types of lead flashing to the highest standard, preventing water ingress and protecting your property for decades to come.
Lead Flashing Services We Offer
We work with all lead flashing applications across pitched roofs, flat roofs, chimneys, dormers, skylights and parapet walls throughout Central London.
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Chimney Lead Flashing
Step, soaker & back gutter
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Dormer Flashing
All sides sealed & secured
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Skylight Flashing
Velux & flat roof lights
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Parapet Wall Flashing
Coping & wall junction seals
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Valley Lead Lining
Pitched roof valley repairs
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Flat Roof Lead Weathering
Upstands & abutments
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Lead Replacement
Old & corroded lead removed
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New Lead Installation
Grade 4, 5 & 6 lead sheet
Why Lead Flashing Fails & What We Do About It
Lead flashing naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes. Over time — particularly in London's variable climate — this thermal movement causes the lead to crack, lift away from mortar joints, or lose its sealed edge. Once the seal fails, water tracks silently into your roof structure, often causing hidden damage for months before a visible leak appears.
Our lead workers are fully trained in the correct dressing, lapping and fixing of lead sheet in accordance with the Lead Sheet Association (LSA) guidelines. We use Code 4, 5 and 6 milled lead sheet — the same standard used on historic London buildings — ensuring your flashing lasts 50–100 years when correctly installed.
Our Lead Flashing Process
1
Free Survey & Leak Assessment
We inspect all flashing points on your roof, trace any active leaks back to their source, and identify whether repair or full replacement is required.
2
Written Quote Provided
A detailed, transparent quote is issued — specifying the lead code, method, and estimated duration. No surprises on completion day.
3
Old Flashing Removed
Deteriorated lead is carefully stripped back, mortar joints raked out, and the substrate prepared to ensure perfect adhesion for the new lead.
4
New Lead Dressed & Secured
New milled lead sheet is cut, dressed and fixed following LSA guidelines — with correct laps, clips and mortar pointing to ensure a watertight, long-lasting seal.
5
Final Check & Guarantee
All completed lead work is inspected, photographed and covered by our workmanship guarantee. We won't leave until the job is watertight.
Recent Lead Flashing Work
Chimney Flashing — Westminster
Valley Lead — Camden
Dormer Flashing — Islington
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does lead flashing last?+
When correctly installed using the right lead code and following LSA guidelines, milled lead sheet should last 50–100 years. Many Victorian properties in Central London still have original lead work in serviceable condition. Failures typically occur due to incorrect installation, thermal movement, or use of undersized lead.
Can lead flashing be repaired rather than replaced?+
In many cases, yes. Small cracks or lifted edges can be repaired using lead sealant or by re-dressing the existing lead. However, if the lead has thinned significantly through corrosion, or if there are multiple failure points, full replacement is more cost-effective and reliable long-term. We always advise honestly on which option is right for your situation.
What lead code do you use?+
We use Code 4, 5 and 6 milled lead sheet depending on the application. Code 4 is used for soakers and small flashings, Code 5 for most standard flashing applications, and Code 6 for valleys, parapet gutters and areas requiring greater durability. All our lead work complies with LSA guidelines.
How much does lead flashing repair cost in London?+
Minor lead repairs start from around £150–£300. A full chimney flashing replacement typically ranges from £400–£900 depending on the stack size and lead required. Valley lead lining costs vary significantly based on length. We provide free, detailed written quotes so you know the exact cost before any work begins.
Is lead flashing still used on modern roofs?+
Yes — lead remains the gold standard waterproofing material for roof flashings, valleys and abutments. Its malleability, durability and longevity make it unmatched by alternatives. For Central London's many period properties, lead flashing is both the most appropriate and most cost-effective long-term solution.