A leadworker (also called a lead sheet specialist) is a highly skilled tradesperson who works with milled lead sheet - one of the oldest and most durable roofing materials still in widespread use. Lead is the material of choice for flashings, valleys, gutters, flat roofs and ornamental features on churches, historic properties and high-quality new construction. The work requires precise hand-forming techniques and a thorough understanding of lead's thermal properties.
What they do
- Install lead flashing around chimneys, dormers, skylights and roof junctions
- Lay lead flat roofs, including code selection and bay sizing for thermal movement
- Form and install lead valley gutters between roof pitches
- Fabricate and install lead downpipes, hoppers and gutters
- Create ornamental lead features - statues, urns, finials and decorative panels
- Repair and patch existing lead work on heritage buildings
- Carry out lead work to cathedral and church roofs
- Strip and replace failed lead with correctly specified new sheet
When you need one
Lead work requires a specialist - a general roofer is unlikely to have the hand-forming skills or knowledge of thermal movement needed for a lasting repair.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Lead flashing (chimney or dormer) | £80 - £150 per metre |
| Lead flat roof | £120 - £200 per m2 |
| Valley gutter re-leading | £100 - £180 per metre |
| Lead downpipe (per metre) | £80 - £120 |
| Lead hopper head | £300 - £700 |
| Ornamental lead feature (bespoke) | £500 - £3,000+ |
Lead costs fluctuate with the metal price. Material costs (lead sheet) typically account for 40-60% of the total job cost. LSA-accredited leadworkers will credit the value of scrap lead recovered from a replacement job.
Qualifications to look for
The LSA provides training and accreditation for leadworkers. LSA-accredited contractors have demonstrated competency in lead sheet installation and follow LSA technical guidance. Find accredited contractors via leadsheetassociation.org.uk.
The City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Lead Sheeting is a recognised craft qualification. NVQ Level 2 in Roofing Occupations (Lead) provides further formal recognition.
How to find a reputable leadworker
Frequently asked questions
How long does lead roofing last?
Lead is one of the most durable roofing materials available. A correctly installed lead roof or lead flashing can last 60-100 years or more. The key to longevity is correct specification - using the right code (thickness) of lead for the application, and allowing for thermal movement by not using sheets that are too large. Poorly installed lead that cannot expand and contract freely will crack and fail prematurely.
Why does lead crack and what can be done?
Lead cracks primarily due to fatigue from repeated thermal expansion and contraction. This happens when sheets are too large, when lead is fixed too rigidly, or when it is installed over a substrate with poor ventilation. The remedy is usually to cut out and replace the affected section, correctly sizing the new sheets and using appropriate fixing methods. A patched repair over cracked lead is rarely a long-term solution.
Can lead be recycled?
Yes - lead is one of the most recyclable metals in common use. Virtually all lead recovered from roofing can be recycled and reused. Recycled lead (also called secondary lead) is used to produce new sheet lead with no reduction in quality. This makes lead an extremely sustainable roofing material over its full lifecycle. Leadworkers will typically credit the value of old lead against the cost of new materials.