Yard Sales
Yard Sales
Kavanagh Roofing Limited has provided professional roofing services since 1972. Based in Shaftesbury, Dorset, our experienced roofing teams undertake specialist leadwork for homeowners, builders, property developers and commercial clients throughout Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and Hampshire.
From traditional chimney flashings and lead-lined valleys to dormer details, parapet gutters and lead-covered roofs, we combine traditional craftsmanship with recognised installation guidance.
Our leadwork is specified and installed with reference to relevant technical guidance published by the Lead Sheet Association (LSA).
Lead has been used to weatherproof buildings for centuries. Its malleability makes it particularly useful where roofing materials meet chimneys, walls, dormers and other structures, and where roof slopes intersect.
Correct lead code, sheet dimensions, substrate, joints, fixings and allowances for thermal movement are essential to a lasting installation.
Lead aprons, stepped flashings, soakers and back gutters protect junctions between chimney stacks and pitched roofs.
Lead-lined valleys direct rainwater from intersecting roof slopes into the drainage system and require correct support and movement detailing.
Lead may be used for dormer cheeks, aprons, small roofs and weathering around complex roof-window junctions.
Lead sheet can cover suitable low-pitched roofs and entrance canopies when falls, bay sizes and joints are correctly designed.
Lead-lined box gutters, parapet cappings and abutments protect concealed drainage channels and masonry junctions.
Bespoke lead details weather complex roof intersections and architectural features, particularly on historic buildings.
Roofing lead is specified by numbered codes that indicate nominal sheet thickness and weight.
Rolled lead sheet is commonly specified to BS EN 12588.
| Lead code | Nominal thickness | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|
| Code 3 | 1.32 mm | Soakers and smaller concealed details |
| Code 4 | 1.80 mm | Flashings, aprons and stepped flashings |
| Code 5 | 2.24 mm | Certain valleys, gutters and roof details |
| Code 6 | 2.65 mm | Selected gutters and larger roof coverings |
| Code 7 | 3.15 mm | Heavy-duty gutters and lead roofs |
| Code 8 | 3.55 mm | Specialist heavy-duty applications |
Applications are indicative only. The correct code and maximum bay dimensions must be selected for the specific detail using relevant LSA guidance and the project specification.
Rolled lead sheet: produced by rolling lead to controlled thickness and widely used for roofing. Sand-cast lead: a traditional product sometimes specified for heritage work. Machine-cast lead: continuously cast sheet used for appropriate applications subject to its specification.
Heavier lead is not automatically better: movement allowance, support and fixing details are just as important as thickness.
Assess roof pitch, exposure, drainage, adjacent materials and select the lead code and detailing.
Prepare a suitable supporting surface, falls and any specified separating layers.
Cut correctly sized sheets or bays to limit thermal fatigue.
Form aprons, soakers, upstands, rolls and junctions using appropriate leadworking techniques.
Use specified clips, fixings, laps, rolls or welded joints while allowing movement.
Complete roof junctions and apply patination oil where appropriate.
Check laps, fixings, drainage and workmanship against the agreed specification.
Lead handling, hot works and working at height require suitable competence and safety precautions.
Kavanagh Roofing recognises the importance of following the technical recommendations of the Lead Sheet Association (LSA). Our roofing leadwork is specified and installed with reference to relevant LSA guidance on:
This statement concerns technical guidance and does not imply LSA membership, certification or endorsement.
Ageing or poorly detailed leadwork can develop splits, fatigue cracks, loose flashings and leaks around chimneys or roof valleys. Other problems include defective pointing, inadequate movement allowance and incorrectly sized bays.
Some defects can be repaired locally. More widespread deterioration or fundamentally incorrect detailing may require replacement. Kavanagh Roofing can assess the condition and recommend a suitable approach.
We undertake specialist roofing leadwork for homeowners, housebuilders, contractors and commercial developments, including roof abutments, valleys, chimney details and architectural features.
On period and heritage properties, traditional materials and careful detailing help preserve the building’s appearance while improving weather protection.
It weatherproofs chimneys, walls, valleys, dormers, parapets, gutters and complex roof junctions, and can form a complete roof covering where suitable.
These codes indicate nominal sheet thickness. Different codes are appropriate for different flashings, valleys, gutters and roof coverings; selection must follow the project specification.
Correctly specified and installed leadwork can last many decades, depending on exposure, detailing and maintenance.
Some localised defects can be repaired, while widespread cracking or incorrect detailing may require replacement.
Yes. Proper bay sizes, joints and fixings are essential to accommodate thermal movement.
Kavanagh Roofing specifies and installs leadwork with reference to relevant Lead Sheet Association technical recommendations.
Yes. We undertake chimney aprons, stepped flashings, soakers, back gutters, valleys and other roof weathering details.
Based in Shaftesbury, Dorset, we serve Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and Hampshire, subject to project requirements.
Need chimney flashing repairs, a new lead valley, traditional lead roofing or specialist leadwork for a development? Contact Kavanagh Roofing Limited in Shaftesbury, Dorset.
While we are working on your roofs, we are also working on this e-commerce site and will (hopefully) launch fully in early 2027, but feel free to browse and enquire on any products of interest – we have 1000’s of roofing products in stock on our shelves (real shelves not “virtual ones”) and will be happy to help… 01747 853635 or info@kavanagh-roofing.co.uk
