Traditional leadwork

Leadwork in Newton Abbot, Totnes & South Devon

Lead flashings, chimney leadwork, valleys and traditional lead roofs, cut and dressed by hand. Good leadwork lasts for decades, and it is where most roof leaks are won or lost.

Lead flashings

Wherever a roof meets a wall, a chimney, a dormer or an extension, there needs to be a flashing. Lead is still the best material for the job: it lasts, it can be shaped to fit almost anything, and it moves with the building.

We fit step and cover flashings, aprons and soakers, chased into the brickwork and dressed neatly to the roof, using the right thickness of lead for each detail.

Lead capping and flashing along a stone wall

Chimney leadwork

Leaks around chimneys are one of the most common calls we get. Usually the cause is old or badly fitted leadwork: a perished back gutter, a cracked apron, or flashings that have pulled away from the stack.

We strip out the old lead and fit a complete new set, with the back gutter, side flashings and front apron all made to suit your stack.

Rebuilt chimney stack with a new lead apron flashing

Lead valleys and gutters

Valleys carry a lot of water where two roof slopes meet, and parapet and box gutters do the same behind walls. When the lead splits or the joints fail, water goes straight into the building.

We reline valleys and gutters in new lead, with correctly sized sheets and joints so the lead can expand and contract without cracking.

Dressing lead sheets over wood-cored rolls by hand

Bay, porch and dormer roofs

Bay windows, porches, canopies and dormers on older homes were often roofed in lead, and many are now due for replacement.

We lay new lead roofs the traditional way, with wood-cored rolls, drips and welted edges, so they look right on a period property and last for decades.

New lead roof with wood-cored rolls

Finishing and aftercare

New lead is treated with patination oil once fitted, which protects it, stops white staining running down walls and gives it an even finish while it weathers.

If you have lost lead to theft, we can replace it in lead or advise on alternatives where security is a concern.

Lead detailing on an oak-framed glass porch roof

Google reviews

What our leadwork customers say

★★★★★ 5.0 out of 5 from 81 Google reviews Read them all on Google Leave us a review

★★★★★ Google review

On the very first visit to quote, The Dixons quickly identified problems on a section of lead roof that we, our surveyor, and other roofing firms had all believed to be the "good" bit of roof. Their instincts proved to be correct. We saw with our own eyes the state of the rotting…

Richard Hamer Leadwork · July 2025 Verify this review on Google Reviews
★★★★★ Google review

Very happy. This was just a day's work fitting new lead flashings around my utility extension. Mark was very obliging squeezing the job in between other work they had going on. Good communications all round and efficient work on site. I work as a local Architect, and would be quite happy to put Dixons on our "approved contractor" list.

Daniel Warry Leadwork · October 2024 Verify this review on Google Reviews
★★★★★ Google review

Mark and his team replaced our old leaking lead chimney flashings and the work was completed quickly and efficiently despite awkward access. The result is very good, Mark and the team were brilliant and I will definitely call them again if I require further work on our roof.

Richard Mitchell Leadwork · October 2024 Verify this review on Google Reviews

Leadwork and roof windows

Lead and roof windows go hand in hand. As VELUX Certified Installers and leadworkers, we can fit a new roof window and finish all the lead detailing around it properly.

VELUX roof windows

★★★★★ Google review

Excellent workmanship and professional team. Thank you for your hard work and transforming the roof on our home with new Velux, full replacement of concrete tiles to slate and leadwork

Rosalind Lamble VELUX windows, Roofing, Leadwork · May 2025 Verify this review on Google Reviews

How it works

  1. Tell us about the job

    Call, fill in the form, or WhatsApp us a few photos of the window, roof or leak.

  2. Free survey and fixed quote

    We visit, look at the roof properly, explain what we find and give you a clear written price.

  3. Done properly, left tidy

    We use the right materials and details for your roof, clean up after ourselves and talk you through the finished job.

Leadwork FAQs

How long does lead flashing last?

Properly fitted lead can last for decades, often longer than the roof covering around it. Most problems come from poor original fitting rather than the lead wearing out.

My chimney leaks when it rains. Is it the leadwork?

Very often, yes. Failed flashings, back gutters and aprons are the most common causes of chimney leaks, though pointing and flaunching can also be to blame. We will inspect it and tell you what we find.

Can you replace stolen lead?

Yes. We can replace it in lead, or talk you through alternative materials if the building is at risk of further theft.

Do you do leadwork for other roofers and builders?

Yes. We take on leadwork as part of extensions, loft conversions and new builds, as well as for homeowners directly.

What is patination oil?

It is a treatment applied to new lead that protects the surface and prevents the white run-off staining that new lead can leave on walls and roofs.

Get a free leadwork quote

Tell us what you need, or send us a few photos, and we will come back to you with honest advice and a clear price.