Carolyn
Google review · 5.0 ★
The work was carried out efficiently and well and I am very pleased with the result.
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Independent Kent roofer with over 30 years experience · Direct personal service across Sittingbourne and North Kent
Call Chris: 01795 904566Checkatrade & Three Best Rated® verified
Lead valley repairs in Sittingbourne and Swale that pinpoint and cure the leak
Roof valleys carry the heaviest volume of water off your roof pitches. When aged lead splits, cracks with thermal expansion, or slips out of place, water ingress quickly rots the underlying valley boards and support battens. With over thirty years of hands-on roofing experience across Sittingbourne and Swale, I inspect the exact point of failure, strip back the surrounding tiles, and replace deteriorated valley metal with correctly dressed Code 4 or Code 5 milled lead. No subcontractors, no sales reps—just direct trade accountability. Call 01795 904566 to arrange an inspection.
Approved & Accredited By
Lead Valley Repairs and Professional Leadwork in Sittingbourne
I provide professional lead valley repairs and leadwork maintenance for homeowners across Sittingbourne, Swale, and the surrounding Kent area. Your roof valleys are the most critical drainage channels on your property, and when they fail, water ingress can cause significant damage to your internal rafters and ceilings. With over thirty years of hands-on experience, I specialise in diagnosing and fixing cracked lead troughs and perished mortar joints. Whether you own a period property in Faversham requiring traditional Kent peg tile work or a Victorian terrace in Rochester with complex party wall gutters, I ensure your leadwork is dressed correctly using high-quality Code 4 or Code 5 milled lead. As an owner-operator based in Bapchild, I do not use subcontractors or sales reps. I personally survey every job to ensure your valley is watertight and properly integrated with your roof tiles or slates.
Deal directly with your roofer from survey to sign-off
With over thirty years of trade experience across Sittingbourne, Chris Baker personally inspects your property, quotes the job, and completes the work with no salesmen or subcontractors.
What is included
- Full valley leak inspection and rafter diagnosis across your roof pitch
- Careful stripping and salvaging of adjoining plain tiles, slates, or Kent pegs
- Removal of split, fatigued lead and remediation of rotten valley boards
- Timber valley lay boards renewed or reinforced to provide a solid base
- Breathable membrane underlay dressed cleanly into the valley channel
- New Code 4 or Code 5 milled lead fitted with proper expansion steps and laps
- Precision cutting, alignment, and re-laying of valley tiles for clean drainage
- Clear before-and-after photographic records showing your watertight repair
Signs you need a lead valley repair
- Damp patches or water staining spreading down internal ceilings directly beneath where two roof pitches meet
- Visible splits, cracks, or ripples in the lead trough caused by decades of thermal expansion and contraction
- Slipped or chipped valley cut tiles sliding into the channel and forcing rainwater sideways under your battens
- Damp, water-stained timber valley boards or failing underlay visible inside your loft space after heavy rain
- Rainwater backing up or overflowing the lead upstands during storms due to moss blockages or inadequate lap depths
Lead Valley Repairs in Sittingbourne: our recent work
Every photo is one of our own jobs.
How it works
01
Direct Roof Inspection
I personally inspect the roof pitch and ceiling space to pinpoint split lead, failed welts, or rotted timber boards causing your water ingress.
02
Tile Strip & Boarding Check
Adjacent roof tiles are carefully stripped back so we can remove fatigued lead and replace damaged valley timbers with high-performance breathable underlay.
03
Fitting Code-Milled Lead
We install new Code 4 or Code 5 milled lead with correct thermal expansion laps and welted margins to ensure lasting channel drainage.
04
Re-Tiling & Site Sign-Off
Your tiles are neatly cut, bedded, and realigned to leave a watertight finish, with all debris cleared and photographic proof provided.
With over thirty years roofing across Sittingbourne, I inspect the leadwork, valley boards, and adjoining tiles firsthand to fix the root cause of your leak rather than applying a temporary patch.
Lead Valley Repairs in Sittingbourne: your questions answered
Do I need to replace the entire lead valley or can it be repaired?
It depends on the age and condition of the metal. If there is a single small split in otherwise healthy lead, it can sometimes be professionally welded. However, if the lead is thin, brittle, and showing multiple "X" shaped cracks, it has reached the end of its life. In those cases, a full lead valley replacement is the only way to make your home watertight. I will always show you the damage and explain why I'm recommending a specific fix.
How long does it take to replace a roof valley?
For a standard domestic property in Sittingbourne or Swale, most lead valley replacements take between one and two days. This includes stripping back the tiles, replacing any damp battens or timber boards, fitting the new lead, and re-tiling. I keep you updated throughout the process so you know exactly how the work is progressing.
Why is water getting in even though the lead looks okay from the ground?
Water ingress often happens at the "lap"—where two pieces of lead overlap. If the lap isn't deep enough, or if the pitch of your roof is quite shallow, wind-driven rain can be blown up and under the top sheet. Another common issue is "capillary action," where water is pulled through tiny gaps. I use my experience to check these technical details that aren't always obvious to the naked eye.
Can you match my existing Kent peg tiles during the repair?
Yes. If you live in a conservation area like Faversham or Rochester, I make sure that any tiles we move or replace are matched perfectly. If some of your original tiles break during the strip-back because they are old and brittle, I source reclaimed Kent peg tiles to ensure the repair is invisible and keeps the character of your property.
Will I need scaffolding for a lead valley repair?
In most cases, yes. To work safely and to have the space to lay lead correctly, we usually need a stable platform. If your house is on a public pavement in a town like Chatham or Gillingham, I can help arrange the necessary highways licences from the council. I handle the logistics so the project runs as smoothly as possible for you.
Lead Valley Repairs in Sittingbourne and across
- in Ashford
- in Canterbury
- in Chatham
- in Faversham
- in Fordwich
- in Gillingham
- in Gravesend
- in Herne Bay
- in Maidstone
- in Minster
- in Northfleet
- in Paddock Wood
- in Queenborough
- in Rochester
- in Sheerness
- in Sittingbourne
- in Snodland
- in Tenterden
- in West Malling
- in Whitstable
Related services
Why Roof Valleys Fail and Cause Water Ingress
Lead valleys take the brunt of the Kent weather. Because they sit at the meeting point of two roof slopes, they are designed to channel large volumes of water into your guttering. Over time, I see the same common issues. Thermal expansion often causes older lead to split if there is a lack of proper expansion joints, while the buildup of leaves, moss, and silt can force water to back up under the tiles. Furthermore, I frequently encounter older installations that used lead of insufficient weight, leading to premature fatigue. If you notice damp patches appearing on your bedroom ceilings or around chimney breasts, it is often a sign that your valley trough has perished, allowing moisture to track back into the roof space.
Emma Woodcock
Google review · 5.0 ★
The work force went above and beyond to do the job, Very polite, great communication and happy with the work completed. Would definitely recommend these men"
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chloe
Google review · 5.0 ★
Roof repair on my tiled roof. Good communication and a fair price! Would highly recommend 5🌟
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kristie baker
Google review · 5.0 ★
Great service, would recommend.
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david checksfield
Google review · 5.0 ★
Re: refelt garage roof ,Chris was very helpful, and his lads worked very hard on a very hot day, clean and tidy,great finish highly recommend
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Our guarantee
The C.L. Baker Standard for Lead Valley Replacement
When I carry out a valley repair or replacement, I follow traditional leadworking standards to ensure longevity. I begin by carefully stripping back the surrounding tiles or slates to inspect the condition of the underlying timber valley boards and the supporting structure. If there is rot, I replace the timber before fitting a new breathable underlay. I then install fresh Code 4 or Code 5 milled lead, adhering to British Standard BS EN 12588. I use traditional lead bossing and dressing techniques, avoiding modern shortcuts or adhesives that fail under coastal temperature fluctuations. By ensuring the lead is correctly tailored to the specific pitch of your roof, I guarantee a seamless drainage channel that stands up to the driving rain typical of the Swale Estuary.
Covered
- Workmanship on full strip and retile projects and new tiled roofs
- Milled lead flashings, dry valleys, ridges, and verges we install
- Seamless GRP fibreglass and high-performance flat roof systems
- Targeted roof repairs as agreed on your written quotation
On top
- Tile, slate, and membrane manufacturer product warranties
- Clear photographic evidence of battening, felting, and finished work
- Direct contact with Chris Baker throughout—no sales reps or subcontractors
- Guidance on Building Regulations Part L requirements for re-roofs
Not covered
- Extreme storm damage, gale uplift, or tree strikes occurring after completion
- Adjoining roof pitches, shared walls, or areas outside our agreed scope
- Subsequent foot traffic or modifications carried out by third-party trades
- Water ingress caused by uncleaned, blocked, or overflowing gutters
The guarantee for your job is written on your quote before you agree to anything. Read the full guarantee.
Roof trouble in Sittingbourne? Speak directly with Chris Baker
Call 01795 904566 for straightforward advice from an experienced local roofer. I inspect every roof myself, explain the exact issue plainly, and provide a clear, no-obligation quote with zero subcontractors.