Why Lead roofing is the future
Why Lead Roofing is the Future
Quality Leadwork Contractors & the Benefit of Lead Roofing
If you want to know more about lead as a quality roofing material, then have a read through our latest blog. Our experience as Leadwork contractors will help guide you on the benefits of this durable material.
When considering materials for your new roof, lead might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Lead roofs are often synonymous with old buildings such as churches, but rather than associating leadwork with the past, it may be time to think of it as the material of the future. The world is becoming more eco-conscious and we have a big responsibility to manage our own environmental footprint caused by our emissions and the materials we are using in everything from packaging to building supplies. This is one of the reasons why trained leadwork contractors are so sought after.
One of the best things about lead is that it is much more environmentally friendly than other, synthetic materials. This is because it is 100% recyclable. Once lead has reached the end of its tenure on a building, it can be melted down to be reformed once again, meaning that there is no waste. The majority of lead you see on buildings will have already been recycled at some point. For this reason, lead is one of the most recycled materials in the world and therefore much more sustainable than any type of man-made product. Roofing doesn’t get much greener than leadwork.
Contractors will often recommend lead because of the protection it provides, and how long it lasts compared to other types of roofing. It is incredibly durable, and once set in place, it works as one of the best sealants against rainwater and is also resistant to many types of common corrosion and sun damage. This is why you will often see lead flashing even on roofs made from other material, and why lead has been used for centuries on churches and listed buildings. It ages better than other materials, showing little signs of age which is handy, as when installed correctly, a lead roof can last up to 200 years!
Lead is very light and flexible before it sets in place, which makes it an excellent choice for awkwardly shaped or large roofs. It is also more affordable than a lot of other roofing materials, considering repairs are rarely necessary. Lead is great in all different temperatures too. For many other roofing materials, their weatherproofing will eventually wear off, especially in unpredictable climates, such as we have in Britain, allowing water and moisture to seep in, but lead naturally contracts when it is cold and expands when it is hot, meaning it retains its weatherproofing qualities. Installation is also not affected by wet or damp conditions, so you can be sure that whatever time of year your leadwork contractors fit your new roof, it will be there to stay.
Leadwork is a specialist trade that takes years to master - this is a testament to the long-lasting quality of lead roofs. If you use tried and tested leadwork contractors, you are getting the very best tradespeople. A huge amount of experience is necessary to understand how to manipulate the lead properly so that it doesn’t stretch or weaken when positioning, but once the job is done, the quality is second to none.
If you are looking to make some changes to your roof, it may be time to stop thinking of lead as a material just for churches and listed buildings and start thinking of it as part of your new building project. Not only is lead roofing good for the environment, it also provides some of the longest-lasting and most watertight protection available.
