Roof valleys are often centers of blockages. They are the ones which are the end points of all debris that comes from various sources of a pitched roof. Therefore, unblocking a roof valley should be a primary roof maintenance job that you have to do. Whenever the roof valley is clogged by debris, you have to use any appropriate measures available to unblock it. This also applies to the lead. Being an important portion of a roof, a lead must be kept in shape at all times.
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Effects of lead maintenance failure
There are several negative outcomes of failing to maintain a lead. The lead lining often lies in the middle of a valley. It is the point at which rain water collects. If it is not in perfect condition, it will begin to allow rain water to permeate the valley. Lead defects can range from cracks to missing lining tiles. Sometimes the sealing material may fail and cause leakages. Irrespective of the underlying cause for cracking and leakages, you have to make sure the valley of your roof is in good shape all the time. Here are some important highlights about repairing a roof valley and the costs that are associated with the entire roof valley repair process.
Causes of blocked roof valleys
Roof valley gutters can be blocked whenever they are filled with debris – When a roof valley is blocked it will no longer be able to channel water to the point of collection. In cases where a sealer has been used to fixed lead, the sealer may eventually wear out. The blockage of valleys is thus undesirable and should be avoided at all times. There are numerous causes of valley clogging as highlighted below:
Growth of moss – Sometimes moss can grow on the surface of the lead or on the walls of the valley. Moss often grows in damp or shady conditions. Therefore, it is likely to thrive in winter and when it is rainy. Moss is among the leading causes of valley blockages. Therefore, it has to be removed using proper methods ranging from chemical reagents to the use of scrapers.
Sediments of leaves and small stems of trees – Sometimes sediments of leaves and small stems can build up and clog valleys. A good number of householders whose roofs are nearby trees often report this problem. You can solve this problem by getting rid of the tree which is responsible for producing the small stems and leaves. Alternatively, you can trim off the branches and that are acting as the sources of the leaves and small stems.
Buildup of sand – Sometimes debris may be comprised of sand combined with several materials such as small stones. This problem is common in areas that are sandy. Removal of sand is done by several methods. The use of hand methods is often enough to solve this problem.
Broken roof tiles – Roof tiles can break down following heavy rains or stormy winds. This often occurs if the roof tiles have lasted for a taste of time. Broken roof tiles can block valleys especially if the pieces are in significant quantities. The solution to this problem is simply gaining access to the roof and removing the broken pieces of roof tiles.
Birds or dead animals – At times, a roof valley can get blocked when a dead small animal or bird finds its way to the lead. Small dead animals include cats, puppies or even mice. Large birds can block a valley if they fall on your roof valley and die. In this case, clearing the valley is often simple and straight forward. You simply have to gain access to the roof and remove the dead small animal or bird.
The roof valley and valley gutter can be blocked due to a number of reasons – But, these are the major reasons that account for the blockage of roof valleys. Generally, getting rid of roof valley debris depends on gain access to the roof by means of a ladder. A safe ladder must be used to successfully come up with a proper roof valley flashing. In case you choose to hire a roof contractor, you can expect to spend anything between £50 and £100.
What next? Factors that affect the cost of unblocking a roof valleys
The unblocking of roofing valleys can be simple or complicated depending on how much debris has built up in the valley. For simple blockages, valley 
lead roof repair costs can be anything just over £80. You may be expected to pay more if the blockage is significant enough to cause extensive damage to the lead and the roof.
Lead cracks and their causes
Cracking of lead can be caused by a number of things. The most predominant one is the cracking caused by expansion. Lead tiles, linings or roof valley flashings are often installed by fixing them in a specific position. They are usually fixed by means of a sealer or nails. Due to continued expansion and contraction of lead flashing alternatives, they tend to form cracks after some time has elapsed. This is often the case on the edges of the lining, points where there are nails and sealing edges. Cracking can also result from impact. This is often the case if tree branches find their way to the lead on a frequent basis. It is reported by householders whose roofs are nearby trees.
Blocked lead valley repair cost
Unblocking a roof valley can be a difficult task that needs to be handled by professional roofers, as a blocked lead valley can cause water to overflow. Lead valley repair cost can be high or not depending on the extent of the damage associated with it. For leads that have been damaged extensively, replacing them is often inevitable. In such cases, the cost of repair is almost equal to the cost of installing new lead linings. Since lead can last for many years, replacing it on a frequent basis is not always appropriate. If a house is old and the lead lining is showing signs of wearing out, you can do well to have it replaced and repressed using special pressing equipment. The edges must be properly sealed using mortar or nails to prevent the lead lining from leaking following the installation. Lead strips are often laid in strips of 1.5 m.