Brighton

Full Roof Refurbishment, Lead Gutter Replacement & Chimney Interface Rebuild in Brighton

Full Victorian roof refurbishment in Brighton — lead box gutters, slate re-roofing and chimney interface rebuilt to LSA standards by Kirby's BPM.

Project Details

This large-scale project involved the complete refurbishment of a complex Victorian roof structure in Brighton. The existing roof had suffered extensive water damage due to failing box gutters, perished leadwork, rotten timbers and slipping slates. To restore the property and prevent further deterioration, our team undertook a full strip-back, structural reconstruction and installation of new high-performance lead guttering. We began by removing all defective slates, rotten battens and decayed underlay. The original timber box gutter structure was dismantled and rebuilt using new treated timbers and robust plywood decking, ensuring a solid and long-lasting foundation. A high-grade breathable membrane was installed to improve ventilation and moisture protection throughout the roof. Once the structure was stabilised, we fabricated and installed new Code 5 and Code 6 lead box gutters, complete with correct drips, upstands and expansion joints. All leadwork was fully welded, dressed and fixed to Lead Sheet Association (LSA) standards, guaranteeing decades of durability and weather resistance. Additional lead flashing and apron details were installed where the roof meets the chimney stack and adjoining walls to ensure a watertight seal. The roof was then re-slated using new natural slates, securely fixed to modern standards while maintaining the property's traditional appearance. The final installation not only restored the roof's integrity but significantly improved drainage, reduced future maintenance requirements and enhanced the aesthetic of this historic building. If you're looking for lead gutter replacement, slate roofing, heritage roofing repair, or full roof refurbishments in Brighton, our specialist team provides expert craftsmanship and long-lasting solutions for period and modern properties alike.

Project Gallery

Full Roof Refurbishment, Lead Gutter Replacement & Chimney Interface Rebuild in Brighton — Kirby's Building & Property Maintenance — before works
Full Roof Refurbishment, Lead Gutter Replacement & Chimney Interface Rebuild in Brighton — Kirby's Building & Property Maintenance — works in progress
Full Roof Refurbishment, Lead Gutter Replacement & Chimney Interface Rebuild in Brighton — Kirby's Building & Property Maintenance — detail view
Full Roof Refurbishment, Lead Gutter Replacement & Chimney Interface Rebuild in Brighton — Kirby's Building & Property Maintenance — close-up of repair area
Full Roof Refurbishment, Lead Gutter Replacement & Chimney Interface Rebuild in Brighton — Kirby's Building & Property Maintenance — mid-works progress
Full Roof Refurbishment, Lead Gutter Replacement & Chimney Interface Rebuild in Brighton — Kirby's Building & Property Maintenance — structural detail
Full Roof Refurbishment, Lead Gutter Replacement & Chimney Interface Rebuild in Brighton — Kirby's Building & Property Maintenance — installation detail
Full Roof Refurbishment, Lead Gutter Replacement & Chimney Interface Rebuild in Brighton — Kirby's Building & Property Maintenance — lead flashing detail
Full Roof Refurbishment, Lead Gutter Replacement & Chimney Interface Rebuild in Brighton — Kirby's Building & Property Maintenance — ridge line detail
Full Roof Refurbishment, Lead Gutter Replacement & Chimney Interface Rebuild in Brighton — Kirby's Building & Property Maintenance — completed works

Frequently Asked Questions

A lead box gutter is a concealed drainage channel built into the roof structure, typically behind a parapet or between a roof slope and a wall. They fail because the original lead sheets were undersized, joints were not correctly lapped, or expansion allowances were omitted — causing the lead to crack under thermal movement. Rotten timber decking beneath is a secondary cause.

Box gutters require Code 5 or Code 6 lead depending on the gutter width and depth. Heavier code lead is more resistant to thermal fatigue and gives longer service life. For gutters carrying significant water volumes or in exposed positions, Code 6 is the recommended standard.

The Lead Sheet Association (LSA) publishes technical standards for lead installation covering joint details, fixings, expansion allowances and minimum thicknesses. Work carried out to LSA standards is correctly detailed to prevent the premature failure that results from common installation errors, and many roofing warranties require LSA-compliant installation.

Natural slate is the historically correct material for Victorian roofs and performs excellently when fixed correctly with stainless steel nails to treated battens over a breathable membrane. We source premium slates suited to each project and fix them to current standards, maintaining the period character of the property while ensuring modern weather performance.

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