Under the scheme, an LCA member is required to offer a twenty five year guarantee of workmanship and material for leadwork projects over a value of £2,500. 

The scheme is supported by an annually renewable insurance underwritten through Lloyd’s of London to provide, with the insurance, financial surety through an independent Trust Fund of £250,000 in total during any one year, as long as the insurance that the supports the fund remains in force.

To qualify under the scheme, the design and application must comply with the recommendations of the Lead Sheet Association and the current Code of Practice (BS6915). The lead used must be rolled sheet (to BSEN 12588) or sand cast sheet from a nominated supplier that has provided a written undertaking for their material.

Details of each project must be separately registered by the LCA member concerned and a nominal Registration Fee paid.

Upon completion of the work and payment of all sums due to the contractor, the client is issued with a Guarantee Certificate covering a twenty five year period commencing from the date of completion.

All projects thus registered remain covered by the guarantee, regardless of whether the contractor involved remains a member of the LCA. If the contractor withdraws from membership or even ceases to trade, the Guarantee remains in place for the duration of the term and will be honoured at the discretion of the Trustees of the scheme. 

Therefore, whilst any roofing contractor can claim to guarantee their work, the value of the guarantee offered is often limited to the extent of the contractor’s own continuing existence. 

An LCA member’s guarantee is endorsed by their Association and provided for through an independent Trust Fund, which is insurance-backed. It doesn’t matter therefore, what happens to the contractor after the project has been registered and completed, the guarantee remains throughout the 25 year term.