Lead flashing dormer side wall or concealed gutter

A concealed gutter is a barely visible gutter between the side of a dormer and the roof tiles. It runs under the roof tiles to the gutter or a flat roof, allowing drainage from the dormer's side walls. During a building inspection, all the leadwork in a dormer is automatically carefully inspected for defects.

If lead strips or a replacement are visible, the following defects/comments apply.

• If cracks are found in this seal (lead or lead replacement): Small cracks can usually be repaired, after which the material can function as intended for several years. Such repairs can be easily done yourself. Repair kits for repairing cracks in lead are available at any hardware store, as well as various types of tape and bitumen adhesives. If this connection and/or seal is defective, there is a risk of water ingress (and leakage). Therefore, repair any defects as soon as possible.
• It's also possible that the defects are so severe that repair is no longer possible . These defects also pose a direct risk of water ingress, resulting in leakage. Therefore, replacing the connection and/or seal (with lead or lead substitute) as soon as possible is recommended. Installing and/or replacing such a connection and/or seal under an existing sidewall is usually not easy; have a professional carry out this repair!

• Lead strips on the side of the dormer are too long : The strips may have a maximum length of 1 meter and must overlap by at least 8 cm. The materials are subject to weathering. Because they are too long, there is insufficient space to accommodate the shrinkage or expansion. The material cracks more quickly, thus causing defects. Once the lead has been applied in this way, there's little that can be done other than accept it. This shortens the material's lifespan, and the lead will need to be replaced sooner than usual.
• Lead age : if the material is approaching the end of its lifespan, there is an inherently increased risk of defects and water ingress, resulting in leaks. Installing and/or replacing such a connection and/or seal under an existing sidewall is usually not easy; have a professional carry out this repair!
• The lead strip under the frame (connecting to the roof) can sometimes come loose from beneath the frame . If repair is still possible, the material (lead or lead replacement) can be reattached. If this seal and/or connection is defective, there is, of course, a risk of water ingress (and leakage). Check this seal and/or connection annually; this has proven to be a vulnerable point and will remain so. It is possible that more material will come loose at some point.

For further information:

• Roof boarding, chipboard roof boarding, plank roof boarding
• Roof or roof construction wood, trusses, purlins and rafters