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
Leadwork and roof flashing specialist in Sittingbourne dressed properly to keep your property watertight
From split chimney step flashings and worn back gutters to full lead valley replacements on pitched tile roofs, I install durable Code 4 and Code 5 milled lead across Sittingbourne and Swale. With over thirty years on local roofs, I inspect, dress, and complete every installation myself with no subcontractors. Call 01795 904566 to arrange a thorough inspection and a plain-speaking quote.
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Expert Leadwork and Flashings in Sittingbourne and Kent
I have spent over thirty years perfecting leadwork and flashings for homes across Sittingbourne, Faversham, and the Medway Towns. Lead is the most critical line of defence for your roof, sealing the vulnerable junctions where tiles meet brickwork or valleys. At C.L. Baker, I do not use subcontractors; I personally handle every aspect of your lead installation, from dressing Code 4 milled lead around chimney stacks to fitting durable lead valleys and soakers. Whether you have a Victorian terrace in Rochester needing chimney step flashings or a period property in Faversham requiring traditional lead dressing for Kent peg tiles, I provide a calm, professional service. Poorly installed lead is a common cause of water ingress, but my hands-on approach ensures every joint is watertight and compliant with modern standards.
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
- Chimney step flashings and front aprons dressed in Code 4 milled lead
- Individual lead soakers cut and fitted for tiled and slate abutments
- Code 5 lead valley troughs renewed with treated timber valley boards
- Chimney back gutters rebuilt and welted to stop water ponding
- Brickwork chases raked clean, lead securely wedged, and sealed
- Lead saddles hand-dressed over ridge, valley, and dormer junctions
- Patination oil applied to prevent white carbonate streaks on tiles
- Photographs of roof timbers, lead dressed in place, and finished work
Signs your leadwork or roof flashings need repair
- Damp patches or water stains spreading down an upstairs chimney breast or adjacent ceiling
- Stepped lead flashings pulling clean out of the brickwork mortar joints along an abutment
- Visible splits, cracks, or thermal tears along lead valley gutters and flat roof junctions
- Water leaking into your loft space directly beneath a roof valley or dormer cheek after heavy rain
- Perished flashband or makeshift sealant peeling back and exposing worn lead soakers underneath
Leadwork And Flashings in Sittingbourne: our recent work
Every photo is one of our own jobs.
How it works
01
Direct Roof Inspection
I inspect your chimney flashings, valleys, or roof abutments in person across Sittingbourne to identify the exact point of water ingress.
02
Clear Fixed Quote
You receive a plain-speaking, itemised written quote detailing the correct lead code and remedial work with no hidden extras.
03
Precision Lead Dressing
We form, chase, and dress genuine Code 4 milled lead directly into your mortar courses and tile laps without using subcontractors.
04
Site Clearance & Sign-Off
We clear all old mortar and metal offcuts, leave your property tidy, and provide clear photographic confirmation of your watertight roof.
With over thirty years working across Sittingbourne and Kent, I dress and install every lead flashing myself to fix the root cause of water ingress and keep your roof completely watertight.
Leadwork And Flashings in Sittingbourne: your questions answered
What is the difference between lead soakers and flashings?
I use lead soakers on roofs with plain tiles or slates. They are small, L-shaped pieces of lead that sit under each tile against a wall or chimney. The flashing is the visible strip of lead that sits over the top of the soakers and is tucked into the brickwork. Together, they create a double layer of protection. If your roof is leaking near a wall, it’s usually because one of these components has slipped or perished.
Do you use Code 4 milled lead for all residential repairs?
For most chimney flashings and roof valleys in Sittingbourne, I recommend Code 4 milled lead. It provides the right balance of weight and flexibility. If we are working on a larger flat roof area or a very deep valley, I might suggest Code 5, which is heavier and even more durable. I never use thin, inferior lead that can’t cope with the heat of a Kent summer, as it will simply buckle and crack within a few years.
Why is my lead flashing pulling away from the chimney brickwork?
This usually happens because the original fixings have rusted or the mortar has failed. In some cases, the lead wasn't tucked deep enough into the brick joint to begin with. When I come to your property in Medway or Swale, I don't just push it back in. I rake out the old mortar, secure the lead with proper lead wedges, and repoint the joint to make sure it stays put.
Can you repair a leaking lead valley without replacing the whole roof?
Yes, in many cases I can. If the tiles around the valley are still in good condition, I can carefully remove them, strip out the old, cracked lead, and install a new lead valley. It is a common job I do across Chatham and Gillingham. It’s a cost-effective way to make your roof watertight again without the expense of a full strip and retile.
Leadwork And Flashings 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
Guides
Why Traditional Leadwork Outperforms Modern Alternatives
You may have encountered homes where builders used sealant or thin, adhesive flashbands to patch leaks. While these might provide a quick fix, they rarely survive the thermal expansion and contraction cycles of our Kent climate. I exclusively use Code 4 and Code 5 milled lead for all roof flashings, valley replacements, and back gutters. Milled lead offers consistent thickness and exceptional durability, lasting for decades when properly dressed and installed with correct lap joints. Unlike modern alternatives, lead is highly malleable, allowing me to form a perfect, weather-tight seal that follows the contours of your roof tiles and brickwork.
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
Critical Junctions: Chimney Repairs and Lead Valleys
Your chimney and valleys are the most frequent points of failure on a residential roof. Over time, the mortar pointing holding your lead flashing in place can spall and crack, allowing water to track behind the lead and into your rafters. I specialise in installing stepped lead flashings that are correctly chased into the brickwork, ensuring no water can penetrate the joint. For valley repairs, I replace perished linings with heavy-duty lead, ensuring the water flow is unobstructed and the lead is properly supported by durable timber boards. If you have concerns about your roof integrity, I can inspect the rafters and flashings to identify exactly where the water is entering your home.
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.