Leading has come off side of dormer window, help please (UPDATE)

gentlepurr

I've just been outside and noticed that a big piece of leading (if thats what you call it) has come off the side of a dormer window. Its hanging on at the corner atm, so reckon its salvagable if i can get up to it and stick it back on, as its in one piece, but what do i stick it back on with please? I'm assuming it must be some kind of adhesive as i cant see any nails holding the piece on the other side on? Optimistically it'll be something i can get from wilkies or focus cos the builders merc by us shuts at twelve!!

TIA for any help

gp xx

Edit to add, it looks like plywood underneath that it needs to be stuck back on to.

Flyfisher_2

Where exactly is the lead flashing and are you sure it is made of lead and not a stick on bitumen tape flashing ?

gentlepurr

Leading is on the side of the window, it covers the bit that juts out of the roof, its not the flashing that seals the window to the roof tiles, thats still sound. I havnt climbed up to feel the "leading" it doesnt look like bitumen it looks sort of plyable, but not like thick shed felting, iykwim. It also looks like "lead", it has the consistency of those rols of leading you can get to give your windows a leaded effect

The piece on the side, such as the one this guy is working on! :

Edinburghlass_2

Was that why you weren't answering your phone :rotfl::rotfl:

andrew-b

If you can take a picture that would make it much clearer how to go about fixing it. Assuming it's lead, I'd have thought nailing it would be better than sticking but i'd use clout nails with a wide head on them so water can't find its way through the nail holes and touch-up around the nail head with suitable oil-based paint. Ideally you want to be nailing into the framework that presumably the plywood will be attached to.

Andy

gentlepurr

Edinburghlass wrote: »

Was that why you weren't answering your phone :rotfl::rotfl:

Was it ringing then

xx

Flyfisher_2

If your window is a similar size to the one in the photo I would leave it to a professional.
You will need a roofing ladder and possibly scaffolding to do the job. A piece of lead that big will be deceivingly heavy and could cause a serious injury if it fell on someone.
Lead should not be stuck on and should only be nailed at one end, in your case at the point where it meets the underside of the roof; it should then hang down as a curtain possibly fixed at the bottom by straps or a notch in the soakers.
The reason for this is that the lead will expand and contract in hot or cold weather; if it is nailed at both ends or in the middle it will eventually crack, split or tear.

gentlepurr

Thank you all for your advice, it all makes sense.

In the meantime, the ex has been round and had a look, we've come to the conclusion that when the new double glazing was fitted a couple of years ago, the lead wasnt tucked back enough behind the new window frame that was fitted (hope that makes sense) so i rang the double glazing company, thankfully still in business, and they are comming round to have a look, will revert to your advice if dg coy cant/wont do it.

Thanks all

xx

gentlepurr

Just to update you all, double glazing company came round last week to look at the problem and they have done a temporary repair, they're comming back on Thursday to repair it properly as it was a two man job. I have to say i am surprised that they are doing it because it looks like the original builders were too scimpy with the amount of leading they allowed to tuck inside the window frame, but im grateful nonetheless,

Thanks all for your advice before,

gp xx