lead roof surveys
ROOFING SURVEYING SERVICES

BS 6915 Leadwork Surveys

Independent BS 6915 leadwork survey services for lead flashings, valleys, gutters, parapets, lead roofs, thermal movement defects and workmanship disputes.

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Independent BS 6915 Leadwork Surveys

A BS 6915 leadwork survey focuses on one of the most common causes of roofing failure: defective leadwork.

Lead is a highly durable roofing material when detailed correctly. However, poor workmanship, incorrect sizing, inadequate expansion detailing, poor fixing methods and inappropriate code selection can result in cracking, splitting, fatigue failure and water ingress.

Strut Building Surveyors inspect lead flashings, lead valleys, parapet gutters, box gutters, lead roofs, abutments, secret gutters, stepped flashings and bespoke leadwork installations.

Our role is to identify the defect, explain the underlying cause and provide practical recommendations for repair or replacement.

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What is BS 6915?

BS 6915 is the recognised British Standard covering fully supported lead sheet roof and wall coverings. It provides guidance on lead sheet sizing, bay lengths, thermal movement, fixings, detailing and installation methods.

A BS 6915 leadwork survey helps determine whether leadwork has been designed and installed in a way that is likely to provide long-term performance.

Useful technical references include the British Standards Institution, the Lead Sheet Association, the Building Regulations Approved Documents and the HSE construction guidance.

What We Inspect

Flashings are often the first point of failure. We inspect stepped flashings, cover flashings, apron flashings and secret gutter flashings for cracking, poor dressing, inadequate chase depth, insufficient cover and movement restrictions.

Lead valleys are exposed to significant water flow and thermal movement. We inspect valley widths, bay lengths, support, welt details, fixings and evidence of fatigue cracking.

Many of the most expensive roofing failures occur within lead-lined gutters. Our inspections consider falls, outlets, expansion joints, bay sizing, support and evidence of standing water.

Lead roofs require careful attention to bay sizes, thermal movement and fixing methods. We assess whether the installation appears consistent with accepted leadwork practice and BS 6915 principles.

Common Leadwork Defects

Lead expands and contracts significantly. When movement is restrained, fatigue cracking frequently develops. This is one of the most common findings during a BS 6915 leadwork survey.

Lead sheet thickness should be appropriate for the application. Underspecified lead often fails prematurely, particularly within gutters and valleys.

Lead sheets installed beyond recommended maximum dimensions frequently crack as movement stresses accumulate.

Mechanical restraint, inappropriate clips, exposed fixings and poorly formed joints can all significantly reduce the lifespan of a leadwork installation.

When Should You Commission a BS 6915 Leadwork Survey?

A BS 6915 leadwork survey is commonly instructed where:

  • Lead flashings are leaking.
  • Lead valleys have split or cracked.
  • Parapet gutters are overflowing.
  • A new leadwork installation is disputed.
  • A heritage building contains extensive leadwork.
  • A roof replacement project is being planned.
  • Lead fatigue or thermal movement failures are suspected.
  • Acquisition due diligence is required.

Report Deliverables

  • Photographic inspection record.
  • Leadwork condition assessment.
  • Commentary on defects and causes.
  • Reference to BS 6915 principles where relevant.
  • Practical repair recommendations.
  • Priority and risk assessment.
  • Optional remedial specification.
  • Optional contractor tender support.

Further Investigation

Where concealed details cannot be inspected visually, we may recommend:

  • Drone inspection.
  • Scaffold access.
  • Opening-up investigations.
  • Moisture testing.
  • Contractor installation record review.
  • Historic repair record analysis.

BS 6915 Leadwork Survey Process

Review of photographs, drawings, previous reports and defect history.

Inspection of flashings, gutters, valleys, roofs and associated leadwork details.

Preparation of a detailed report identifying defects, likely causes and recommended actions.

Specification writing, contractor liaison, tender support and periodic inspections where required.

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