How Much Does a Lead Roof Replacement Cost in Brighton?

What actually determines the price

Lead roofing is quoted by the kilogram of lead used plus labour, so the first question is always area and lead code (thickness). A small bay window roof needs far less material than a flat roof over a kitchen extension, and a roofer worth hiring should tell you which code they're specifying and why, not just give you a lump sum.

Access matters more in Brighton than in many towns. Terraced streets around North Laine, Hanover and Kemp Town often need scaffolding or tower hire just to reach a bay or dormer roof safely, and that cost gets added whether the lead area is large or small. The condition of the timber deck underneath also affects price, since rotten boarding found once the old lead comes off needs replacing before new lead goes down.

• Roof area and lead code (3 to 8) required
• Pitch, height and scaffolding access
• Condition of the timber substrate underneath
• Number of joints, upstands and welded details
• Whether the property is listed or in a conservation area

Typical costs you'll see quoted

For a single bay window roof, most Brighton homeowners are looking at roughly £800 to £1,800, depending on size and how many welded joints and flashings are involved. Dormer cheeks and valleys tend to run from £1,200 to £3,000 per dormer once scaffolding is factored in.

A full flat roof over a single-storey extension or garage, typically 20 to 30m², usually costs between £4,000 and £9,000 supplied and fitted. Larger projects, such as re-leading a whole Victorian terrace roof or a church-sized section, can run well into five figures. Lead itself is traded like a commodity, so prices move with the metal market, which is why quotes are usually only valid for two to four weeks.

Why Brighton homes often need lead specifically

A lot of Brighton's housing stock, from the Regency squares around Clifton Hill and Montpelier to the Victorian bay-fronted terraces further out, sits inside conservation areas or is listed. Planning and conservation officers in these areas routinely expect lead to be used on bay roofs, parapet gutters and dormer cheeks rather than modern single-ply alternatives, specifically because it matches the original detailing.

Coastal exposure is the other factor. Salt-laden wind off the seafront is harder on cheap, thin lead or poorly formed joints than it is inland, which is why specifying the right code and proper welded joints rather than just lapped seams matters more here than in a sheltered inland town.

Getting a quote you can trust

Ask for the lead code being used and the area in square metres, not just a single price. A roofer confident in their work will also explain whether joints are lead welded to BS 6915, which is the recognised standard for durable lead welding, rather than simply dressed and lapped.

Be cautious of quotes that sit well below others for the same job. The usual explanation is thinner code lead or fewer welded joints, both of which shorten the life of the roof considerably, especially on an exposed Brighton elevation.

Is the cost worth it?

A properly installed lead roof, correctly coded and welded, can last 70 to 100 years with very little maintenance, which puts the annual cost well below cheaper short-life alternatives once you factor in how often those need replacing. On a period Brighton property, it also tends to matter for resale and for keeping the building looking right, which isn't something you get back from a cheaper fix.