Lead roofing is one of the oldest roofing techniques currently used today. Leads durability, reliability, malleability and longevity has ensured it remains a popular choice of roofing material to this day.
Available in three main forms, lead roofing is suitable for a wide range of roofing projects:
- Sand cast lead roofing is the ideal solution for historical renovations, for example a church roof.
- Milled lead is better for precision in homes and commercial buildings.
- Machine cast lead roofing is mass produced and offers a similar finish to milled lead, but at a more cost effective price.
As well as being used for a variety of roofing applications including:
- Flashing
- Cladding
- Guttering
- Chimneys
- Roof coverings
- Guttering
- Waterproofing
Advantages of Lead Roofing
Lead is a great material for roofing because of how easily it expands and contracts with the temperature. This makes it a very reliable roofing material because it can match the constant changes in temperature during the day.
Because of this ability, lead flashing can act as a barrier against rain and moisture for a lot longer than standard flashing. This in turn protects key roofing components such as the timber or joints from the weather.
Lead roofing is also very malleable, which means that it can be bent and moved into new shapes to fit different purposes. This allows it to help a variety of different roofing projects and designs. This manipulation of lead to be used for roofing is a method known as dressing.
As well as benefiting the waterproofing of your home, lead roofing is one of the most environmentally friendly building materials available. It’s energy efficient as most standard lead roofing has an energy rating of A to A+. Lead also has a considerably smaller carbon footprint compared to most other building materials.
The Lead Roofing Association, one of the most influential professional partners in the lead roofing industry, have produced a short film ‘The Truth About Lead’ which explains the findings of a recent study into how lead roofing can improve a building’s carbon footprint.
In summary:
- Lead has an established recycling infrastructure, which cuts out on waste products
- Lead has a much lower carbon footprint when compared with other hard metals
- The long-life span of lead complies with Euro code requirements, which is perfect for architects
- Lead is not impacted by cold or wet weather, so roofing projects will not run over
- The lifespan of lead is thought to be around three times longer than other flashing products.
For more information about this research please visit www.leadsheet.co.uk/research-summary
Lead roofing is a useful roofing material that can help you lower your carbon footprint. If you believe that your home could benefit from lead roofing, then please feel free to give Keay Roofing a call. We are a professional roofing company that caters to the needs of our client in any way we can. Feel free to give us a call on 01753 358267 or send us an enquiry.
