Leaking lead roof valley Quotes??

[thecottage]

Ok, my leaded roof valley is leaking and it has been bitumen'd up in the past so I figure it needs replacing. It is about 6m long and I've had quotes to redo it for £950 using code 4 lead. Some places I've read suggest using code 5 and higher lead for roof valley work. Does the quote sound reasonable? I've had a quote to redo it using felt for £275 but this seems a bit of a bodge on an old property. Any good lead workers in the birmingham area, are general roofers good lead workers or is it worth seeking out a specialist co. If I'm using the proper material I want it to look neat and last 100 years! Do friendly building conservation people recommend good companies or aren't they allowed. Thanks, Ian

 

[Pford75]

1. £950 sounds a little pricey..but depends on access etc. If scaffold is required, then it's probably okay

2. I'd avoid felt...if your building is listed, you will have to make a like for like repair anyway

3. If the run is a straight one, most decent roofers should have worked with lead before (but do ask for references). If it's something more complex, use a specialist

4. Some CO's will suggest contractors...but I believe they aren't in a position to 'recommend'

 

[Flyfisher]

How wide is the valley?
From my recent roof repairs the material costs were:

600mm x 3m Code4 = £92
600mm x 3m Code5 = £123
300mm x 6m Code4 = £107
450mm x 6m Code4 = £162

Whoever does the work, make sure they use patination oil as well.

 

[middi]

"hot wire " it into 13 amp plug once job completed :wink:

 

[Flyfisher]

Just re-reading the original post - a difference of £675 between felt and lead sounds a lot, considering the actual lead costs. Might be because of additional labour for leadwork?

Regarding what thickness of lead to use, according to my Lead Sheet Association 'Pocket Guide for Installers of Rolled Lead Sheet', code 4 is for Soakers, Flashings and Vertical Cladding only, whereas code5 can be used for anything except Soakers.

There are also maximum recommended sizes and of lead sections and pitched valleys are specified as 1500mm. Exceeding the recommended sizes can lead to failure due, I understand, to thermal expansion/contraction. One of my flat roofs had failed, I presume, because of this. So it's not quite as simple as rolling out 6m of lead along your valley.

This is all according to BSEN 12588, apparently.