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
The Problem
This large Victorian roof in Brighton had suffered extensive water damage from multiple sources: failing lead box gutters, perished leadwork, rotten timbers and slipping slates. The box gutters were the primary failure point — without correct drips, expansion joints and properly weighted lead, they had cracked and allowed water to track into the timber structure beneath over many years.
The Work
We stripped 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. A high-grade breathable membrane was installed throughout, then Code 5 and Code 6 lead box gutters were fabricated and installed complete with correct drips, upstands and expansion joints — all welded, dressed and fixed to Lead Sheet Association (LSA) standards. Additional lead flashing and apron details were installed at the chimney stack and adjoining walls. The roof was then re-slated using new natural slates fixed to modern standards.
The Result
A fully refurbished Victorian roof with compliant leadwork, improved drainage and a natural slate finish that maintains the character of the period building. Future maintenance requirements are significantly reduced and the roof is now built to last for decades.
Project Gallery
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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