Examples of problems with lead
We've added a page here for you to see some of the things we find - some can be quite subtle, but boy, do they cause problems internally when a hairline crack in the bottom of a valley lets water into the house.
The photos tell the story really - if you have problems with lead like these, I can't emphasise too much how important it is to get someone who knows what they are doing - the LSA is the only source we recommend. They also produce a very good set of guides for lead installation, which if nothing else gives you a jolly good idea if your job is being done right or not.
One thing to remember - if you have wide lead valleys, around chimneys for example - try not to walk on the lead - ideally it should have duckboards laid on top so you can walk without damaging it.
This capping has literally been eaten away by acid rain. It's full of pinholes.
There is a large crack in the valley here - the photo below shows what it looks like underneath.
This is what's been happening inside the house, just because of a crack in the lead..
This is valley lead, covered with bitumen. It doesnt work, as you can see - there is a big slit in the tar and it's leaking inside.
This crack doesnt look so bad - its a steep valley, so maybe not much water gets in.. see below..
This is the sight inside the house - a relatively small crack, but major issues and rotted timber internally.
Our surveyors are Regulated by RICS