Lead Roof Alternative

These problematic chimneys, in a conservation area at the old gas works in Aberystwyth, West Wales, needed waterproofing.

The chimney pots themselves were disused, having been capped with matching terracotta ventilation caps, which were removable to allow change of use of the chimney flue.

This porch canopy in Kidwelly (SA16 / SA17) was in desperate need of replacement as a result of continual lead theft.

Leadwork on higher roofs is frequently stolen but the easier, lower reach of this canopy had made it especially attractive to thieves.

This property in Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire in South Wales (SA17) required a complete refurbishment of the existing lead awning running the length of one wall and then curving around a corner. As the photographs show, the lead had seriously perished, creating damage to the underlying waterproofing and areas of water ingress.

Bronnant or Bronant Primary School located between Aberystwyth and Tregaron in Ceredigion. A section of lead work sandwiched awkwardly between various roofs had split, exposing the substrate to the elements. We have worked on many schools around Ceredigion, thanks to the polymer system's uniquely low-impact process as well as the speed of installation. The system causes so little disruption that activities can usually be continued in the rooms below, while we work, and most roofs can be fully refurbished within one day.

Sadly, schools are all-too-common victims of metal roof theft, especially lead - see this one in Skelmersdale and this one in Swindon, the latter of which resulted in the collapse of three classroom roofs, fortunately without any injuries. These articles highlight both the scale of the problem and the dangers metal theft can pose. With schools, it is most often children who are at risk. 

This roof in Preston, Lancashire needed an alternative to its existing lead panel roofing. The work extended over relatively small areas on two levels, including an irregularly shaped area to the fore. 

This was both quick and straightforward for the polymer system - also known as "liquid lead" it easily coated the problem areas, providing a fully waterproof and weatherproof jointless, seamless new roof for the area in only a few hours.

This historic church in the Powys town of Landrindod Wells had had a significant amount of lead work stolen, including lead elevations and trim from all over the roof. 

The owners' search for a theft proof alternative to lead, which would save both expense and inconvenience led them to look at the polymer roofing system, which accurately mimics the traditional look of lead but is valueless to metal thieves. They were also keen to use a local installer for the work, which is where we came in.

The owners of this porch roof in rural Stoke Golding in Leicestershire needed a warm roof but also wanted the traditional lead look for their property.

Warm roofs must comply to U-value standards on insulation set by the government (more about warm roofs) and are essential for any roof areas that adjoin residential properties, including porches, extensions and join-on garages.

This dormer roof in Upton, Northampton NN5 presented some interesting problems.

We were contacted by Ark Housing Association in Aberdeen, a charitable company specialising in providing for the housing needs of people with Autistic spectrum disorders and learning difficulties.

Sadly, despite all their good work, they told us they had an ongoing problem with lead roof theft at one of their Supported Sites in Balganask in the Aberdeen burgh.