Why Do Builders Use Lead For Roofs

The use of lead for its unique properties dates way back in history with the romans utilising it to make water pipes because of its resistance to corrosion and ease to work with the latin word for the metal plumbum is the origin of the english word plumbing.

Why do builders use lead for roofs.

Many new homes are built with lower quality materials than used in the past. Lead sheet one of the oldest and most durable roofing materials has been known to last for over 200 years. Lead is resistant to corrosion from the atmosphere salt water most natural chemicals and and uv degradation. There are several reasons why you might consider using copper on your home s roof.

Everything you need to know about lead in roofing. Anything which rises through or joins to the roof will have a flashing. Lead was incorporated into soft solder an alloy of lead and tin and used for soldering tinplate and copper pipe joints. Copper roofing is initially an expensive purchase but the cost pays off over the life of the home as homeowners save on other maintenance costs.

Copper is extremely durable. Chimney dormer window skylight vents and roof valleys will all have a flashing where they join or disappear through the roof. More recently lead and lead compounds were used for roofs cornices tank linings electrical conduits cladding flashing gutters and parapets. The popularity of green roofs has increased in the united states due to their many benefits while pretty green roofs serve a much greater purpose than simple beautification.

It can be moulded to any shape is highly resistant to corrosion and non combustible making it ideal for all roofing applications. One particular problem which has been the subject of increasing concern speculation and debate is the tendency for condensation on the underside of metal roofs to cause corrosion. Porches walls doors and windows even the foundations but the most common area is the roof. Lead has been used in roof construction for centuries due to its superb malleability and low melting point.

Lead is recyclable and can be re used. From the 13th century lead was used to create stained glass. However even with the best of materials poor design often leads to failure. We are major stockists of one of the world s oldest and most durable building materials lead.

Flashings can be found in many external areas of a house. Unlike traditional black tar roofs green roofs reduce energy costs by absorbing heat instead of attracting it and. A green roof also known as a rooftop garden or a living roof is a vegetative layer grown on a rooftop. Lead lasts an average of more than three times longer than other roofing and flashing products.