Split gutters into bays so each panel can move without stress. Introduce drips between bays to step water and break capillary action. Where spans are wide, use wood-cored rolls or welted seams at junctions. Keep bays symmetrical where possible.

Provide continuous fall toward outlets (and cross-fall from the parapet if needed). Align bay drips with outlets to avoid ponding behind steps. Place outlets/overflows before long internal corners where debris can build up.

Lead expands/contracts. Use clips and copper/stainless fixings that permit slip — never fix rigidly across the sheet. Provide laps/welts that remain weather-tight during movement.

Use a smooth, ventilated timber deck with an appropriate slip layer/underlay. Avoid rough or resinous surfaces that may abrade the underside. Ventilated voids beneath long runs help moderate condensation risk.

Form upstands to adequate height; use check-kerbs to corral water away from vulnerable edges and direct it toward drips/outlets. Finish into chases with Code 4 flashings where required.

Confirm bay widths, drip positions, and outlet locations. Mark centre lines and square across the deck to keep seams/plants straight.

Fix the timber substrate flat and smooth. Lay the slip layer uniformly with laps in the direction of water flow. Provide ventilation where specified.

Pre-form drips on the bench for accuracy. For long runs, use wood-cored rolls to control movement. Dress lead carefully with bossing tools to avoid work-hardening and splits.

Fix perimeters and clips to allow expansion. Do not nail tight through the field of the sheet. Ensure fixings do not create stress points at drips or outlets.

Dress lead into outlet sumps and secure mechanically where necessary. Provide secondary overflows to prevent back-up in extreme events. Finish into masonry chases with appropriate flashings.

A townhouse parapet gutter was re-lined in Code 6. Bays were divided with two drips aligned to downpipes. The roofer reported fast installation due to pre-formed drips and trouble-free movement through the first heatwave.

A light-industrial unit had long box gutters with historic ponding. The team re-set falls, added intermediate drips, and re-lined in Code 6. Palletised delivery from The Lead Lads Shop simplified handling on a tight programme.

A listed church parapet required Code 7 for longevity and conservation acceptance. Wood-cored rolls controlled movement; outlets and emergency overflows were added discretely to avoid façade staining.

Large, uninterrupted sheets will fatigue and split. Always break into bays with drips/rolls and keep sizes within recommended limits.

Using Code 5 where Code 6 is warranted (or Code 6 where Code 7 is required) shortens lifespan. Up-spec for high rainfall, long spans, or heritage work.

Never pin the sheet rigidly. Use clips and perimeter fixings that permit thermal movement and preserve weather-tightness.

Ponding accelerates oxidation and invites leaks. Design clear falls; align drips to outlets; add overflows where needed.

Uneven or abrasive decks damage the underside of lead. Use smooth timber and a suitable slip layer to protect the sheet during movement.