Mal Leadworks Specialists Ltd Deliver Exemplary Re-roof and Leadwork Restoration
Restoring the Roof and Preserving Character
The Guild is delighted to showcase the outstanding workmanship of Mal Leadworks Specialists Ltd, who recently completed a full reroof and lead restoration project on a unique property now operating as a dance studio. Originally built by a skilled stonemason for his own family, the building was full of character features such as hand-carved stone cills and lintels. However, time and weather had taken their toll, and a persistent leak in the central valley led the current owners to seek expert help.
Mal Leadworks Specialists were the perfect choice, bringing together both roofing expertise and specialist knowledge of traditional leadwork. Their approach exemplifies The Guild’s ethos: combining heritage skills, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to delivering long-lasting solutions.
Once the scaffolding was complete, the team carefully stripped the handmade Staffordshire blue tiles, storing them for reuse to preserve the property’s heritage. During this stage, they identified significant bowing at both gable ends. Rather than overlook this, Mal Leadworks recommended straightening and repairing the structures, preventing potential collapse and ensuring the verge lines remained true. The repairs were completed to a high standard, with one gable fully re-rendered and repainted, leaving the property both safe and visually restored.
Internally, the stripped roof revealed sagging in the ceilings. Although structurally sound, the team identified that heavy items stored in the loft were adding unnecessary pressure to the ceiling joists. These were removed, and, in keeping with best practice, the team also advised and installed 300mm of modern rock wool insulation. This decision not only safeguarded the structural integrity but also enhanced the building’s energy efficiency, evidence of their forward-thinking and holistic approach.
Precision Roofing and Traditional Leadwork
With the groundwork complete, the reroof began. A Roofshield breathable membrane was installed, followed by new battens fixed with precision using stainless steel nails. The original tiles were then reinstated with great care, preserving the authentic aesthetic of the property while ensuring the highest standards of weatherproofing.
Attention then turned to the failing lead valley, which had suffered numerous substandard repairs over the years. Mal Leadworks carried out a complete renewal, replacing deteriorated timbers, treating all wood with preservatives, and installing new Code 7 lead bays using traditional bossing methods. Fixings were made with copper nails, ensuring durability and craftsmanship true to the trade’s heritage. The decision to tile the valley last demonstrated not only technical skill but also an eye for detail, allowing reclaimed tiles to blend seamlessly with the original roof.
The final stage saw the complete restructuring of the porch roof, which had been subject to patch repairs and rot. Mal Leadworks redesigned the coverings, dividing the roof into smaller bays to accommodate expansion and contraction. The use of hardwood ply provided a smooth, stable base and prevented future damp transfer, ensuring the porch is now both practical and visually in keeping with the main structure.
A Project Aligned with Guild Values
The Guild warmly congratulates Mal Leadworks Specialists Ltd on this exemplary project. Their dedication to traditional techniques, combined with modern standards of safety and efficiency, reflects the very best values of our membership. This project not only restored a characterful property but also safeguarded it for generations to come, an achievement that stands as a testament to the skill, care, and integrity that define Mal Leadworks’ craft.
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