I have noticed on the outside wall of my house there is a strip of lead that stretches across one of the window openings about 2 or 3 courses above. What was this used for? It looks like where the lead finishes either side, it is replaced by bitumen instead. Is this some kind of damp proof course? ( Built 1930's, some mods during WW2 )

Thanks

Gammy

CW,

Yes, there is a cavity. As for lintels I have exposed a timber lintel inside but have yet to find an exterior one. I have noticed a lot of houses round here have the same lead strip above window openings so it was obviously common practice to install. There are no obvious weep holes in the wall so can I assume that if it were a cavity tray that the water would run off each end into the cavity?

Strange thing is the second identical window opening in the same room doesn't have this lead strip.

Thanks

Gammy

Trowelhead,

I can see the logic in fitting as a drip and i'm sure it would have been added when that section of the house was repaired after the WW2 bomb damage. I have still got the cavity open not far away so I will prod about to see if it extends into the inner wall

Gammy