Why we recommend lead sheet for roofing

Lead sheet is one of the oldest building materials in the roofing industry and has been known to last for over 200 years. In addition, as lead is soft and malleable, it is an excellent material choice to work with and it also comes with some major benefits.

Lead has exceptional thermal expansion, which means it works and moves with the seasons, and in an ever-changing environment this can prove very beneficial. Lead sheet has also been shown to effectively resist the external elements better than any other comparable material, making it the optimum choice for your home.

Falling rainwater contains an appreciable amount of dissolved carbon dioxide, which ultimately attacks metals. However, unlike the alternative materials of tin and zinc, lead has been shown to absorb this dissolved carbon dioxide on its top layer creating a layer of lead carbonate. This layer adheres to the surface and gradually thickens to form a stable and protective patina, which prevents further attacks. Unlike lead, tin and zinc materials would simply rot over time.

When it comes to choosing roof construction materials lead sheet is, therefore, considered to be a superior choice over conventional tin or zinc. With this in mind, we advise and highly recommend that lead is used wherever possible for the formation of valleys, parapets, box gutters, junctions, side slips, watergates, flashings and ridgeline flashings, and, where applicable, flat roof coverings.

All our lead is coated in patination oil to prevent staining of other materials and staining of the lead surface. For detailed work, we can also provide full lead welding services, both on and off site. In addition, we offer a design service for the more demanding of jobs, which will always be done to the specification set out by the British Lead Association.

To discuss the leadwork requirements of your current home, prospective home, or housebuilding project, contact us here for a consultation and free estimate.