Lead roofing has protected Edinburgh’s buildings for centuries, from Georgian New Town terraces to tenement valley gutters and church spires. When it is fitted well, lead can outlast almost any other roofing material. When it is fitted badly, stolen or left to age without checks, it becomes one of the most common sources of roof leaks we see across the city.
This guide explains where lead is used on a roof, what the different lead codes mean, how long lead lasts, the problems to look out for and how to choose the right contractor.
Written by the team at Apex Roofing Contracts, Edinburgh roofing contractors whose lead work includes Bute House, Glenkinchie Distillery and a number of Church of Scotland buildings.
In This Guide
1. Why Lead Is Still Used on Edinburgh Roofs
Lead is heavy, flexible and extremely durable. It can be shaped by hand around chimneys, dormers and complex junctions without joints that are likely to fail, which is why it remains the first choice for traditional stone buildings. It is also 100% recyclable, so old lead removed from a roof can be reused rather than sent to landfill.
Many of Edinburgh’s older properties sit in conservation areas or are listed. On these buildings, like-for-like materials are usually expected, and lead is often the only suitable option for flashings, gutters and small roofs. If you are unsure whether your building is listed, check with the City of Edinburgh Council before starting any work that changes its appearance.
2. Where You Will Find Lead on Your Roof
Even a slate roof can contain a surprising amount of lead. The most common areas are:
- Flashings: where the roof meets a wall, chimney stack or parapet
- Chimney aprons and back gutters: the lead around the base of the stack
- Valleys: the internal angle where two roof slopes meet
- Soakers: small pieces tucked under slates at abutments
- Parapet and box gutters: common on Edinburgh tenements and townhouses
- Flat roofs and bay roofs: including dormer tops and small canopies
- Ridges and hips: on some traditional and heritage buildings
Chimney stacks are a frequent weak point. Our guide to chimney stack repairs and flashing failures explains the warning signs in more detail.
3. Lead Codes Explained
Rolled lead sheet is sold by “code”, which reflects its thickness and weight. Using the right code for the job matters, because lead that is too thin for its position is more likely to crack or lift.
| Lead code | Thickness | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Code 3 | 1.32mm | Soakers |
| Code 4 | 1.80mm | Soakers, step and cover flashings |
| Code 5 | 2.24mm | Flashings, valleys, aprons and small flat roofs |
| Code 6 | 2.65mm | Flat roofs, gutters and valleys |
| Code 7 | 3.15mm | Flat roofs and gutters with heavier use |
| Code 8 | 3.55mm | Heavy-duty flat roofs and heritage work |
Detailed guidance on sizes and fixings is published by the Lead Sheet Training Academy, and a good contractor will follow it.
4. How Long Does Lead Roofing Last?
Correctly installed lead can last well over 100 years, which is why so many original lead details survive on Edinburgh’s historic buildings. In practice, the lifespan depends on how well it was fitted. The details that make the biggest difference are:
- Sensible piece sizes. Lead expands and contracts with temperature. Flashings are normally fitted in lengths of no more than 1.5 metres, and larger areas are split into bays with rolls and drips so the lead can move without cracking.
- The right fixings. Lead must be secured firmly but not so tightly that it cannot move.
- Ventilation beneath flat roofs. Without it, condensation can corrode the underside of the lead.
- Patination oil. Applied after fitting, it prevents the white staining that can run down walls and slates while new lead weathers.
5. Common Lead Roofing Problems
Most lead failures we are called out to fall into one of these categories:
Cracked or split lead
Pieces that are too long or too thin for their position crack along the lines where they flex. This is often the result of earlier poor workmanship rather than old age.
Lifted or loose flashings
Flashings are tucked into the joints of the stonework and held with wedges and mortar or sealant. When the pointing fails, the lead can pull away and let water run behind it.
Leaking valleys and gutters
Debris, moss and leaves build up in valleys and parapet gutters, so water sits against the lead and backs up under the slates. Regular clearing, as part of a planned maintenance programme, prevents most of these leaks.
Lead theft
Lead has a scrap value, so theft from roofs does happen. The first sign is often a sudden leak after heavy rain. Emergency weathering is needed quickly, followed by a permanent repair. Our emergency roof repair team can help.
Hidden damage
Some lead problems are only visible from above. If you have unexplained damp patches, read our checklist on how to spot hidden roof leaks, or book a drone roof inspection to see the condition of your lead without scaffolding.
6. Repair or Replace Your Lead?
Small splits, loose wedges and failed pointing can often be repaired. Replacement is usually the better option when the lead is badly cracked in several places, has been patched repeatedly, is the wrong code for its position, or when the surrounding slates are being renewed anyway.
Our roof repair vs re-roofing guide explains how to weigh up the options. If you live in a tenement or shared building, the cost of lead work to common areas is normally shared between owners. Our guide to shared roof repairs in Edinburgh and our shared repairs service explain how the process works.
7. Choosing a Lead Roofing Specialist
Leadwork is a specialist skill, and not every roofer is trained to form and fit it properly. When choosing a contractor, look for:
- Proven experience with lead on buildings similar to yours
- Training in line with Lead Sheet Training Academy guidance
- Photographs of completed work and genuine customer reviews
- A clear, itemised quote that states the lead codes to be used
- Experience with listed buildings and conservation areas if your property needs it
Apex Roofing Contracts has carried out lead work on buildings across Scotland, including Bute House, Glenkinchie Distillery, some of the Church of Scotland’s most iconic buildings, and projects for Historic Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council. We have more than 150 reviews on Google, provide fully itemised quotes and offer a 24-hour emergency service. You can see more about our specialist lead work and traditional roofing services, or read our homeowner’s guide to slate roofing in Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does lead flashing last?
Well-fitted lead flashing can last for many decades, and lead on historic buildings often lasts well over 100 years. Flashings usually fail early because of poor installation, pieces that are too long, or failed pointing that lets the lead work loose.
Can lead flashing be repaired?
Yes. Loose flashings can often be re-wedged and repointed, and small splits can sometimes be repaired. If the lead is badly cracked or the wrong thickness for its position, replacing it is usually the longer-lasting option.
Why is my lead flashing coming away from the wall?
The most common cause is failed mortar or sealant in the joint that holds the flashing. Thermal movement and strong winds then pull the lead away. It should be refixed quickly because water can run behind it and cause damp inside.
What lead code should be used for flashings?
Code 4 and Code 5 are the most common choices for flashings on houses, while heavier codes such as 6, 7 and 8 are used for flat roofs and gutters. The right code depends on the position and the size of the pieces.
Do you carry out emergency lead roof repairs in Edinburgh?
Yes. Apex Roofing Contracts offers a 24-hour emergency service across Edinburgh for storm damage, leaks and lead theft. Call 0131 316 4747 and we will make the roof watertight as quickly as possible.
Book a Lead Roofing Inspection in Edinburgh
If you have noticed loose flashings, damp patches or missing lead, do not wait for the next storm. Contact Apex Roofing Contracts or call us on 0131 316 4747 for expert advice and a free, itemised quote. We are based at 28A Dundas Street, Edinburgh, and work across the city and the central belt.
