A dormer is a roofed structure that sits on a sloping roof, the shape of the roof can be flat, pitched or curved and can vary in size depending on the building. A lead dormer is where sheet lead is used to cover the dormer structure to make it watertight. Lead can be used solely or in conjunction with other roofing materials to cover the dormer.
Whether the lead dormer roof is flat, curved or pitched a lead roof is commonly used. The lead can be installed to overcome complex details yet still provide a superior finish and long-lasting protection from the weather.
Lead sheet on the sides of the dormers are generally called lead cheeks or lead cladding. Depending on the size of the cheek, the lead will be in separate pieces joined together using a jointing technique called ‘welting.’
If the dormer has a pitched roof and has a window in it, then above the window is called a dormer head. It is very common to clad this in lead using the same ‘welting’ method as the dormer cheeks.
If the dormer roof is pitched then lead valleys will be required, these weather the junction between the existing roof and the new dormer roof.
Where the front and the sides of the dormers penetrate the roof, lead flashings will be required. At the front of the dormer, lead dormer corners will be required as well as an apron flashing, these lead flashings cover the top of the roofing tile and return up the face of the dormer. Depending on the roofing material, either lead soakers or lead apron flashing will be used on the sides of the dormer.
Lead dormers are proven to last 50 – 100 years
Once the lead is installed it never requires any work again. No paint, no special treatments and nomaintenance are needed for the lifetime of the lead.
Lead dormers are highly resistant to corrosion and can withstand the most extreme weather conditions, which is very important when building in coastal areas.
After the initial outlay of installing the lead dormers, there are no more costs for you to incur. Therefore, if compared to the life span of other materials lead becomes a cost-effective option.
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