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Adding leadwork to your roof is a brilliant option as it can prevent mould and damp from entering your home. Other benefits include:

• Soundproofing: Leadwork adds an extra layer of soundproofing to your roof.

• Aesthetics: Leadwork looks great, improving the appearance of your property.

• Insulation: Because leadwork helps to seal your roof, less heat will escape. This can make your home more energy efficient and reduce energy bills.

• Flexible: Lead is a soft material that can be shaped and moulded to perfectly fit your roof.

• Recyclable: Once you no longer need leadwork it can be recycled.

How long will a lead roof last?

Lead is a great choice to enhance your roof and it’s designed to last. Most leadwork will last over 60 years so you won’t need to worry about costly replacements.

There are three common types of lead used to enhance roofs in the UK. These are machine cast lead, milled lead, and sand cast lead.

Is lead good for a flat roof?

Flat roofs often have issues due to rainwater pooling. This is particularly problematic if the flat roof has no slope as water can’t flow off the edge.

Choosing to add lead to your flat roof is a great idea because it has excellent waterproofing properties. This means that even if water does collect on your roof, it won't soak through the lead.

When lead is added to the joints of your roof it is called lead flashing. The price of lead flashing will vary from job to job because every roof is different. There are a few factors to consider when calculating the average lead roofing cost. These include:

• Roof condition: If your roof is in poor condition, you’ll need to make repairs before having lead flashing installed, this will add to the lead roofing cost.

• Roof size: Larger roofs will mean longer labour times and a higher price.

• Amount of leadwork needed: The more leadwork your roof needs, the more you can expect to pay.

• Scaffolding: If scaffolding is needed, this will be an extra cost.

• Access: Roofs that are difficult to access will mean increased labour times and therefore a higher cost.

• Repairing or replacing: If you already have leadwork on your roof and it needs repairing, this will be cheaper than if you need entirely new leadwork.

Lead roofing cost

When planning your budget for lead roofing, make sure to bear the above factors in mind. As a rough estimate, the average lead roofing cost is £350. This covers lead flashing to seal your roof against the elements. If you’re looking to have a lead roof installed, the average cost of lead roofing per square metre is £80-£130.

Other types of roofing

Of course, lead is not the only material that can be used to build your roof. There are a range of other options including:

• Concrete
• Slate
• Rubber
• Felt
• Clay

Each type of roofing will have a different cost. For example, a felt roof costs on average £50-£60 per m2, while a slate roof costs an average of £95-£120 per m2. You can find further advice, information and prices in our roof installation cost guide.

If you’re planning on hiring a leadwork specialist to enhance your roof, it’s important to pick the best professional for your project. If you’re unsure what to look for in a leadwork contractor, consider the below qualities:

• Friendly manner

• Willingness to answer your questions

• Experience

• The right qualifications

• Wide knowledge of leadwork

• Positive reviews on Checkatrade

• Examples of previous jobs

Want to speak to leadwork specialists in E5?

Finding a professional you can trust is essential so you can be sure your leadwork is finished to a high standard. Our members pass thorough checks and come with the recommendation of your neighbours to give you peace of mind.

Once you’re ready to look for leadwork contractors, we can help you. Firstly, our online search feature makes finding professionals easy. Simply enter your postcode to find leadwork professionals in E5.

Or, try our request a quote feature. Fill in our handy online form and we’ll send your information to three qualified leadwork specialists in E5. Then just sit back and relax while you wait for your quotes.