Local roofing specialists working in Highfields every week. Victorian and Edwardian terraces, lead valley repairs, clay tile sourcing and conservation area work across LE1, LE2 and LE5.
Full roofing service covering Highfields and surrounding Leicester areas. Same team, no subcontractors.
Slipped tiles, failed flashings, cracked ridge mortar. Fast repairs with no call-out fee.
Get a quote →Full re-roofs for all property types. Itemised quote, correct material specification, 10-year guarantee.
Get a quote →GRP fibreglass and EPDM for extensions and garage roofs. Correct drainage specified before installation.
Get a quote →24/7 call-outs to Highfields for storm damage, active leaks and structural concerns.
Call now →Repointing, lead flashing replacement, pot removal and stack stabilisation.
Get a quote →Free quotes, no call-out fee. Local team, same-week availability.
Highfields is one of Leicester's most densely built Victorian residential areas, developed rapidly between the 1870s and 1910s to house the growing workforce of Leicester's hosiery and boot and shoe trades. The terraces along Evington Road, Sparkenhoe Street, Tichborne Street and the side streets running off them are predominantly two and three storey brick terraces with clay plain tile roofs — many on their original tile covering, now 110–140 years old. Clay plain tiles on these properties are often in better structural condition than expected, but the associated lead work — valleys, chimney step flashings, party wall soakers — is typically at or past end of life.
The area also contains a significant number of larger Edwardian semi-detached and detached properties on the main thoroughfares, where Welsh slate rather than clay tile was often the original specification. Parts of Highfields fall within or adjoin conservation designations that restrict material choices on visible roof slopes.
Lead valley failure is the single most common repair call we receive from Highfields. The open valleys on Victorian terrace rear roofs were lined with lead in the original build; after 100+ years, this lead has typically cracked at the roll joints or been repeatedly patched with sealant products that have since failed. We re-run lead valleys in new code 4 sheet rather than patching — the only approach that provides a lasting repair.
Chimney stack problems are the second major category. The tall, slender chimney stacks on Highfields terraces were built in lime mortar; this washes out from exposed joints over decades. Matching lime mortar repointing rather than hard cement is essential on these stacks to avoid moisture trapping and spalling. Lead flashing failures at the chimney-to-roof junction are frequently found alongside pointing failures.
Highfields sits at relatively low elevation within the Soar Valley. North and north-east facing rear slopes receive little direct sunlight and stay damp longer after rain, creating consistent conditions for moss and lichen growth on aged clay tile. The density of Victorian terrace development means rear roof slopes are frequently shaded by adjoining properties for significant parts of the day — a factor that accelerates biological growth on already-porous old clay surfaces. Autumn leaf fall from the mature street trees on Evington Road and surrounding streets contributes to annual gutter and valley blockage that homeowners often don't discover until a wet winter reveals the leak.
"Lead valley on our Evington Road terrace had been leaking since we bought the house three years ago. Two previous roofers patched it. These lads stripped and re-ran it in new lead. Not leaked once since."
"Chimney stack repointing in lime mortar. They knew straight away that hard cement wasn't suitable for the age of the building. Very skilled, matched the original mortar colour well."
"Three clay tiles cracked on the rear slope. Sourced matching replacements, repaired the area properly, checked the valley condition while they were up there. Found a section needing attention before it became a leak."
Yes. Victorian and Edwardian terrace roofing in Highfields is a core part of our work. We repair clay plain tiles, re-run lead valleys, repoint chimney stacks in lime mortar and re-dress chimney flashings. We're familiar with the specific roofing details on this housing stock.
Parts of Highfields are within or adjacent to conservation designations. For like-for-like repairs using the same materials, no approval is typically needed. For replacement with different materials on visible slopes, we advise on any requirements as part of the free survey.
Re-running a lead valley on a typical Highfields Victorian terrace costs £400-£700 depending on length and access. Sealant patching is not something we offer — it's a short-term fix that masks the problem. We quote for a proper repair that will last 40+ years.
Yes. We source matching clay plain tiles for repairs on Highfields Victorian stock. Exact colour matching isn't always achievable due to decades of weathering on the original tiles, but we carry sample materials to find the closest available match before ordering.
Yes. 24/7 emergency call-outs to Highfields for storm damage, active leaks and structural concerns. Call 0116 319 1348 any time.
Yes. GRP fibreglass and EPDM flat roof replacement on rear kitchen and living room extensions in Highfields is regular work for us. Most are felt installations from the 1980s-90s now at or past end of life.
Standard repairs are typically scheduled within 3-5 working days. Emergency call-outs to Highfields are attended same-day or next morning depending on time of call. Call 0116 319 1348 for availability.
This depends on the housing era. For Victorian and Edwardian properties: lead valley and chimney flashing inspection every 5 years is the highest-value action — these details fail slowly and expensively if left unattended. For post-war concrete tile properties: nail sickness inspection every 3–5 years to catch corrosion before tile displacement. For all property types: annual gutter and valley clearing in November. A free roof survey confirms which maintenance category your specific property falls into.
Highfields was developed rapidly in the 1870s–1890s to house Leicester's expanding industrial workforce. The result is a dense grid of two and three-storey brick terraces on streets like Highfields Street, Tichborne Street, Melbourne Road and Springfield Road. The roofing specification throughout is almost identical: clay plain tile at approximately 35–40° pitch, open lead valleys where rear additions meet the main roof, lime mortar chimney stacks with two or three pots per property. This stock is now 120–140 years old. The tile itself is often still serviceable — the failures come in the supporting details. Lead valleys at 140 years are at fatigue point. Chimney mortar has eroded through multiple weather cycles. Flat roofs added during 1970s–80s kitchen extensions are at replacement age. Highfields requires traditional materials and methods throughout.
No call-out fees. No obligation. A local Leicester roofer who turns up when they say they will.
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