Local Crawley coverage with the technical detail behind it
Lead is there to manage movement and water at the junctions tiles cannot cover on their own. We repair and replace leadwork around Crawley chimneys, walls and roof changes with the surrounding covering considered at the same time.
Areas of Crawley we cover
Ifield, Worth, Three Bridges, Southgate, Pound Hill, Northgate and surrounding RH10/RH11 neighbourhoods. We also work in Three Bridges and nearby towns including Horley, Horsham and East Grinstead.
Many Crawley streets were built in coherent phases, so neighbouring homes can share tile profiles and roof forms. That is useful context, but extensions, loft work, replacement coverings and decades of repairs mean two similar houses can now behave very differently. We inspect the roof in front of us.
Conservation and planning context
Crawley Borough Council identifies designated conservation areas. That does not mean ordinary repairs suddenly become complicated, but if work changes external appearance, roof form or a protected building, it is worth checking the planning position first. Our Crawley roof planning guide links to the current council information.
Get the right next step
Send the postcode, a short description and any safe ground-level photos you already have. We can then arrange an inspection or advise what information we need next.
Leaks at chimneys, walls and valleys
Lead is used where a roof needs to turn water away from a difficult junction. At a chimney, the apron, side flashings, soakers and back gutter work as a sequence. At a wall, the visible cover flashing may conceal important layers below. We check the full route before deciding whether a split can be repaired or the detail needs rebuilding.
Movement is part of the design
Lead expands and contracts with temperature. Sheet size, support, laps and fixings should allow that movement without causing fatigue. A long rigid strip fixed in too many places can fail even when it initially looks tidy. We assess the cause of cracking rather than assuming a thicker sheet or more sealant is the answer.
Materials beneath the lead
Leadwork is only as reliable as the timber, masonry and roof covering around it. Rotten support, loose pointing or damaged tiles may need attention during renewal. The quotation should distinguish these tasks and describe which pieces of lead are being replaced. Where part of an older junction remains, its condition and any future maintenance needs should be clear.
A practical Crawley leadwork estimate
Send the postcode and a safe photograph showing the wider roof junction as well as the internal damp if present. Tell us about earlier repairs and whether the leak depends on wind direction. Access to a chimney back gutter or high valley can influence the work more than the visible amount of lead, so a proper inspection is often needed.
