GNR Roofing Services
Lead Roofing Specialist
Lead roofing specialist providing services throughout Yorkshire and the North of England.
At GNR, we can provide lead roofing services, including the formation of compliant and appropriate substrates, on projects of any scale.
All work is carried out in accordance with BS6915, and BS6229 by time served leadwork specialists and craftspeople.
Unlike may roofers, who claim to offer leadwork, GNR boasts several highly trained teams of individuals who specialise in this key roofing discipline.
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Lead Roofing Principals
Core Principles of Lead Roofing
Durability and Longevity
- Lead is one of the most durable roofing materials, with a lifespan exceeding 100 years when installed correctly.
- It is corrosion-resistant and performs exceptionally well in harsh weather conditions.
Malleability
- Lead is highly malleable, allowing it to be easily shaped for complex roof details such as flashings, valleys, dormers, and parapets.
- Forming lead can reduce the materials thickness and therefore integrity, bossing practices are therefore used moderately, and cutting and welding is often favoured to form certain details.
Waterproofing
- Lead provides excellent waterproofing when correctly detailed, making it ideal for vulnerable areas on traditional and heritage buildings.
Compatibility with Traditional Architecture
- Lead is commonly used in conservation areas due to its traditional aesthetic and compatibility with historic structures.
Recyclability
- Lead is 100% recyclable, making it a sustainable option for long-term roofing solutions.
Requirements for Expansion, Contractional, and Mechanical Joints
Thermal Movement Considerations
- Lead expands and contracts significantly with temperature changes.
- If not properly accounted for, thermal movement can cause fatigue, buckling, or splitting over time.
Lap Joints and Welded Joints
- Lap joints must be correctly sized to accommodate movement and ensure watertightness.
- Welded joints are used in thicker codes of lead, particularly for gutter linings, but must also allow for some flexibility.
Expansion Joints
- Expansion joints are introduced at intervals (usually every 1.5–2 meters) depending on the Code (thickness) of the lead.
- They allow lead sheets to move freely without stressing the fixings or causing distortion.
- Expansion joints are welded into position.
- The rubber of an expansion joint should always be covered to mitigate UV degradation and prolong the life of the joint. A weld should be carried out to one side only, or tabs can be used to secure the lead used to cover the rubber expansion strip.
Fixing Methods
- Lead must be fixed using copper nails or stainless steel screws with clips, allowing for sliding movement.
- Over-fixing or using inappropriate fixings can lead to failure.
Roll Joints and Wood Cores
- Roll joints, often seen in traditional lead roofs, involve raised timber rolls covered with lead to allow for controlled expansion and contraction.
- Wood core rolls must be adequately spaced and securely fixed.
Why Lead Roofing Should Be Carried Out by a Trained, Experienced and Suitably Qualified Contractor like GNR Roofing Services
Expertise in Material Handling
- Lead is a specialist material requiring in-depth knowledge of its properties, especially regarding thermal movement and proper detailing.
Compliance with Codes of Practice
- Professional contractors like GNR Roofing follow BS 6915 and LSTA (Lead Sheet Training Academy) guidelines for the correct use and installation of lead.
Preventing Common Failures
- Inexperienced installers may overlook critical aspects such as correct fixings, underlay, or joint spacing, which can lead to premature failure.
Aesthetic and Heritage Sensitivity
- GNR Roofing Services has experience working with heritage and listed buildings, ensuring work is in keeping with traditional styles and conservation requirements.
Workmanship Guarantees
- Reputable contractors offer guarantees backed by manufacturer certifications or trade bodies, giving clients long-term peace of mind.
- GNR can offer comprehensive warranties from third party providers as may be required.
Health and Safety Compliance
- Working with lead involves handling hazardous materials. Trained professionals follow strict HSE guidelines to ensure safety for both workers and occupants.
Specialist Tools and Equipment
- GNR Roofing is equipped with the necessary tools for lead bossing, welding, and dressing, ensuring a high standard of finish.
Codes of Lead table
| Code | Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m²) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code 3 | 1.32 mm | 14.97 kg/m² | Flashings: step, cover, and chimney flashings; soakers; vertical cladding |
| Code 4 | 1.80 mm | 20.41 kg/m² | Flashings; gutter linings (limited size); pitched valley gutters |
| Code 5 | 2.24 mm | 25.40 kg/m² | Gutter linings; flat valley gutters; dormer roof coverings |
| Code 6 | 2.65 mm | 30.05 kg/m² | Flat roofs (small areas); wide gutter linings; parapet gutters |
| Code 7 | 3.15 mm | 35.72 kg/m² | Larger flat roof areas; parapets; cornices; box gutters |
| Code 8 | 3.55 mm | 40.26 kg/m² | Heavy-duty roofing; large flat roofs; heritage or conservation work requiring thicker lead |
Additional Notes:
- Maximum Sheet Size (Bay Size) should reduce as Code thickness decreases to accommodate movement and prevent cracking.
- All lead codes must be installed with proper ventilation, underlays, and fixings in line with Lead Sheet Association (LSA) guidelines. IN the alternative, a warm roof can be constructed to mitigate the need for continuous ventilation.
- Using the correct code for the right application is critical to performance and longevity.
Complete Roof Areas
Large or complex roof areas in rolled lead sheet.
Lead Bay Windows
Bay windows and substrates installed with skill.
Gutters & Details
Intricate flashings, and weathering interface details.
Lead Roofing At GNR
GNR Roofing Services: Premium Lead Roofing Contractors
At GNR Roofing Services, we are proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s premier lead roofing specialists. With decades of collective experience and a reputation built on precision, quality, and craftsmanship, we deliver exceptional lead roofing solutions for heritage, commercial, and high-end residential projects.
Expertise That Sets Us Apart
- We employ a dedicated team of highly trained and skilled leadwork operatives, all working in-house—no subcontractors.
- Our craftsmen are fully qualified in accordance with Lead Sheet Association (LSA) standards and BS6915 requirements, ensuring every detail meets the highest technical and aesthetic benchmarks.
- We offer a complete end-to-end service, handling every element of the roofing process in-house.
Comprehensive Lead Roofing Solutions
GNR Roofing provides a turnkey lead roofing service, managing every aspect of the installation, including:
- Substrate formation: Timber deck construction and preparation to meet structural and ventilation requirements.
- Insulation: Integration of thermal solutions to meet or exceed current building regulations.
- Ventilation: Passive and active ventilation systems to prevent condensation and support long-term performance.
- Sheet lead installation: Lead bays, flashings, valleys, gutters, parapets, cornices, and more.
- Jointing techniques: Expansion and contraction joints, bossed corners, roll ends, and lead welding where applicable.
- Finishing details: Patination oil application and aesthetic detailing to ensure a long-lasting, visually refined finish.
Areas We Serve
We proudly provide specialist leadwork across:
- Yorkshire – including North, South, East and West Yorkshire
- The North of England – including Lancashire, Cumbria, Durham, and Northumberland
- The Borders and Scotland – occasionally, and upon specific request, for heritage and specialist leadwork projects
Specialist Leadwork Applications
Our team undertakes a wide range of traditional and contemporary leadwork, including:
- Complete lead sheet roofing systems (flat and pitched)
- Gutter linings, valleys, and lead flashings
- Ornamental and decorative leadwork
- Dormers, turrets, and architectural features
- Parapet and box gutter solutions
- Conservation work for listed buildings and heritage sites
- High-spec bespoke lead detailing for modern architecture
Why Choose GNR Roofing Services
- Quality Assured: Every project meets or exceeds LSA guidelines and includes a workmanship guarantee.
- Experienced Team: All work is undertaken by our own qualified teams, ensuring full control over quality and consistency.
- End-to-End Service: From substrate to finish, we deliver every element of the lead roofing process in-house.
- Exceptional Standards: We combine traditional craftsmanship with advanced roofing practices to deliver results that stand the test of time.
Whether it’s restoring a historic building or constructing a high-spec modern roof, GNR Roofing Services delivers leadwork of unparalleled quality—crafted to last, built to impress.
Our Roofing Projects
GNR Roofing Services
Lead Roofing Contractors
GNR Roofing Services stands at the forefront of lead roofing in Yorkshire and the North of England, delivering outstanding craftsmanship, technical excellence, and a complete in-house service.
Whether it’s a heritage restoration or a bespoke new build, our skilled team provides reliable, long-lasting leadwork solutions tailored to each project’s specific needs.
When quality, experience, and attention to detail matter—GNR is the trusted name in lead roofing.
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