Is Leadwork the Right Fix?
Lead problems show as damp around chimneys, valleys or bay roofs, or lead that has split, lifted or developed a thick grey-green patina at the end of its life.
- Damp around a chimney, valley or bay window roof
- Lead flashing lifted, split or cracked
- Thick grey-green patina on old lead
- Staining running below a lead detail
- Lead too thin (low code) for its coastal exposure
When it is not the answer: If existing lead is sound and correctly coded, it may just need re-dressing rather than renewal Read the full guide.
Local Factors in Portsmouth
Solent salt air and exposed Channel weather corrode fixings and lift tiles faster than inland Hampshire. Portsea Island's dense Victorian terraces mean rear elevations are often reached only through tight alleys, and front scaffold needs permit-controlled pavement space. It is why we specify marine-grade fixings and correct lead codes as standard on Portsmouth roofs — the coastal environment punishes anything less.
What to Expect: Leadwork in Portsmouth
1. Survey
We assess the lead detail, its code and exposure, and specify the correct replacement code.
2. Written quote
An itemised quote using code 5 or 6 lead for Portsmouth's coastal positions.
3. Scheduling
We book the work and arrange access to the detail.
4. The work
We form and dress the lead correctly with proper bossing, welts and clips for wind resistance.
5. Cleanup & sign-off
Site cleared and your workmanship guarantee issued.
Typical Timescales
| Job | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Chimney flashing | Half to full day |
| Valley lead (per length) | 1 day |
| Bay roof lead | 1–2 days |
| Box gutter lining | 1–2 days |
Lead work proceeds in most weather, though heavy rain pauses dressing on exposed details.
Getting Safely onto Portsmouth Roofs
Lead details at height need scaffold or tower access for safe forming and dressing. Scaffold is specified for: chimney, valley and bay work at height - always itemised in your written quote, never a hidden extra, and we arrange it.
Portsea Island's dense Victorian terraces mean rear elevations are often reached only through tight alleys, and front scaffold needs permit-controlled pavement space. Pavement scaffold and skip permits go through Portsmouth City Council; allow a few working days on streets like Albert Road, Fawcett Road, Marmion Road where space is tight.
Portsmouth Leadwork: Cost Guide
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slipped or cracked tiles | £150–£350 | Per visit incl. access |
| Leak diagnosis & repair | £150–£500 | Depends on water travel |
| Chimney flashing | £200–£600 | Code 5–6 lead |
| Valley repair | £400–£900 | Strip and re-lay |
| Nail-sickness re-fix (per slope) | £600–£1,200 | Estate stock |
What moves the price
- Roof height and access on Portsmouth stock
- Coastal-grade materials (marine fixings, code 5–6 lead)
- Extent of hidden salt-corrosion damage found on survey
- Scaffold vs tower vs ladder access
- Conservation constraints where applicable
Worked example: A typical job on a property off Albert Road in Portsmouth, including access and waste removal, sits in the middle of the ranges above once surveyed.
No deposit on repairs under £500. Staged payments on re-roofs — nothing up front before materials are on site. All prices include VAT; written itemised quote before any work.
Covering PO1, PO2, PO3, PO4, PO5, PO6 and surrounding postcodes.
Your Guarantee, Explained
Leadwork carries the 10-year workmanship guarantee; correctly coded lead lasts decades in coastal conditions.
- Covered: workmanship for 10 years, in writing, transferable if you sell.
- On top: manufacturer warranties on materials (terms vary by product).
- Not covered: storm or impact damage - that is an insurance matter, and we will document it for your claim.
If a fault appears in covered work, we come back and put it right. No quibbling, no re-charge.
Living Around the Work
Focused work on a single detail, minimal disruption — we protect the area below and clear all offcuts. You do not need to stay home for external work - we just need power and access agreed in advance.
Leadwork runs year-round; we weatherproof any opened detail at the end of each day. Solent salt air and exposed Channel weather corrode fixings and lift tiles faster than inland Hampshire.