Many know lead to be a metal that is considered toxic, which is true - when you come into contact with lead or breathe in lead particles, it can be highly dangerous. However, if it is nowhere near you, say, like high above your head, then it is completely harmless. This is why it is not uncommon to see lead roofing, especially so considering all the benefits that it has to offer.
Being suitable for use as both heritage roofing and on new-builds, we’ve listed the reasons why lead makes an excellent roofing material, focusing especially on why it’s a good choice for commercial buildings.
The Benefits of Leadwork Roofing
Sealing Properties
When constructing a roof, one of the most important qualities you want it to have is the ability to be water-tight. Lead is a great material to ensure this, since it is highly weather-resistant, making it the perfect material for protection from windy, wet weather (that we often experience in the UK - especially in the highlands of Scotland!) without being damaged in any way.
This is one of the reasons that makes it such a good sealant, as well. Along with its flexibility (as we will discuss further later on) that allows it to be tightly fit to buildings, its water-resistant properties make it an ideal material to use as a sealant between two-joints or as a coating for guttering, allowing for a completely water-tight roof. To achieve this, it simply needs to be mixed with a neutral cure sealant (one which cures without releasing acid) in order to fill the gaps between joints more easily.
Since commercial buildings often contain very valuable contents, whether these be products that are sold to customers or expensive equipment used by employees, it is imperative that water damage be avoided at all costs by adequate roofing. Should water get into the building, this could result in damage to the goods inside, which would be costly and inconvenient to fix. Not to mention, customers and/or employees would potentially be unable to occupy the building during this time, resulting in loss of profit and/or productivity.
Longevity
As well as its water resistant properties, lead can withstand a number of weather conditions, resisting the corrosive effects of UV rays, atmospheric pollutants and temperature changes. Not only does this make lead appropriate to use in all kinds of different environments, but its excellent durability means it will stay robust for a very long time before it begins to lose its quality and functionality
In comparison to other materials, lead can last up to three times as long. It is for this reason that you may notice lead roofing on many historical buildings, such as churches - in fact, it can last hundreds of years assuming it is well maintained (this is also why lead is the popular material of choice when repairing heritage roofing).
This long lasting durability works out as cost-effective in the long run, making it ideal for commercial buildings. Despite the initial investment of lead roofing being rather expensive, you are far less likely to need to then pay for roof restoration or replacements in the future due to its longevity. This makes it a worthwhile investment that works out as cost-effective for your business in the long run.
Appearance
The appearance of lead lends itself to buildings of all purposes. Being relatively simple, sleek and with a slight silver sheen, lead has a pleasant and understated appearance. This makes it suitable for use on all kinds of buildings, whether domestic, historic or commercial.
Though most commercial buildings are, understandably, made with practicality in mind, that doesn’t mean you have to completely forego style with yours. Not only would you have the abundant functional qualities that lead has to offer by making it your choice of roofing material, but it would give your building an ageless, sophisticated finish that can be admired by passers by and will not seem out of place in years to come.
Sustainability
You may be thinking that the benefits so far are all well and good, but surely a lot of emissions are produced in the manufacturing of lead? Actually, there aren’t (when taking into account how most of our lead is produced in the UK). That’s because lead is one of the most recycled materials worldwide and effectively so. In fact, more lead is produced through recycling nowadays than it is through the mining of raw ore.
In the day and age that we’re in, sustainability is a crucially important factor that contributes to both our lifestyle choices and industrial practices. By using recycled lead as the roofing material for your commercial building, you can rest assured that your business is making an environmentally conscious choice that reduces the reliance on the world's (now very limited) raw resources, as well as reducing the fossil fuels that would be needed to produce new lead.
This can encourage others around you to do the same, especially competitor businesses who may see the sustainable steps you take in all aspects of your business, such as the choice of material for the roof of your commercial property, that wish to keep up their own pretences.
Furthermore, if, for whatever reason, in the future you need to replace your roof or your building goes under reconstruction, then your lead roofing would be recycled once more by being melted down and reformed, meaning it will not go to waste and can continue to benefit both people and the environment in years to come.
Flexibility
Lead is known for its malleable properties, which makes it the perfect material for all kinds of roofing shapes, sizes and applications. Lead sheeting is lightweight and flexible before it has been set, so it is easily able to be pulled taught around awkward shapes whilst giving these areas full coverage. It also has a relatively low melting point in comparison to other metals, meaning it can be effectively heated up to increase its flexibility further.
For example, you may see lead used on churches in order to cover spires, or on historical buildings or pavilions that have domed roofs, or even for the flashing around chimneys; all of these have been done using lead primarily because of its malleable nature.
Lead has also been known to expand and contract depending on the outside temperature. However, it does so equally in all directions, meaning its structural integrity is not compromised, allowing it to withstand the unpredictable temperature changes of British weather throughout the seasons.
Finding a Roofing Contractor
Not all roofing contractors will work with lead roofing, so if you are looking to use lead on your commercial building, then you will need to find a local roofer who does offer this, such as B & D Roofing and Building. This may be listed on their website, or you can always contact them directly and ask.
When you do find a roofing contractor that can complete this work for you, it is important that you be reassured they know how to do so safely whilst conforming to regulations. To ensure that the lead used for your building is safe and will have long lasting results, your roofing contractor must use rolled lead sheets that are manufactured in compliance with the British Standard.
It may also be a good idea to check what roofing services they offer. Whilst some roofing companies will only offer roof construction, others will offer a number of services, including:
Roof construction
Roof restoration
Roof replacement
Flashing
Decorative features
So, it is important to consider your roofing work requirements and whether they can perform this for you, on top of being able to work with lead.
B & D Roofers and Builders: from Leadwork to Roof Slating
If you live in Scotland and are looking for expert roofing services for your commercial building, B & D Roofers and Builders takes the time to understand all your roofing goals and requirements.
We carry out a number of roofing services, including high-quality leadwork. We only use rolled sheet lead that is manufactured to British Standards, and our qualified team of lead workers have years of onsite experience, so you can rest assured that we will finish your roofing project to a standard that will withstand the test of time and the Scottish weather.
As well as roof construction, we also offer roof maintenance and repair services, as well as other bespoke services such as green roofs and chimney work. Whatever you require, we try our best to find the right solutions for you.
Get in touch with us today to enquire about our services and discuss your requirements. We serve the East Central Scotland areas, including Edinburgh, Fife, Lothians and more.
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