What are the key benefits of Lead Roofing?
27 March, 2023
Lead roofing is one of the most popular types of metal roofing in the UK, and it’s easy to see why.
This specialist type of roofing offers a huge range of benefits, spanning everything from exceptional durability, to its modern aesthetic.
So, to help you see the value of investing in a lead roof for your property, we’ve outlined the key benefits of lead roofing below.
What are the Benefits of Lead Roofing?
Long Lifespan
Lead roofs commonly feature on historic properties, and this is a testament to their remarkably long lifespan. Typically, lead roofs boast a lifespan of over 60 years. In fact, in some cases, this lifespan can exceed 150 years.
Durability
Lead roofs are exceptionally durable, and remain unaffected by changing temperatures and weather conditions for many decades.
Corrosion Resistant
A big part of its durability is the fact that lead is resistant to UV rays, pollutants and any other form of corrosion.
Low Maintenance
Thanks to the properties listed above, lead roofs are also known for their low maintenance requirements. This means that your lead roof will achieve a long lifespan, with minimal maintenance required from you. Win-win.
Flexible
Despite its strength, lead is actually a surprisingly flexible material. This means that it can be stretched and pulled across difficult roof shapes, providing complete coverage and weather-roofing. What’s more, lead can expand and contract, to effortlessly accommodate varying temperatures.
Strong Sealant
As a result of the material’s flexibility, lead roofs provide properties with strong, weather-resistant and long-lasting water-tight seals.
Environmentally Friendly
Because lead is 100% recyclable – and has one of the highest recycling rates of any metal – it is a great sustainable roofing option.
Great Value for Money
Lead roofs can last up to three times longer than other common roofing materials. As you can see, they represent a fantastic long-term investment.
Striking Aesthetic
The elegant, sleek grey colour of lead is a timeless choice, and enhances the appearance of both modern and historic buildings alike.
What are the Cons of Lead Roofing?
Although lead roofing does possess many critical benefits, it does also have some drawbacks.
The main cons of lead roofing are:
Toxicity
It is important to note that lead is a highly toxic material. Over time, this can cause water pollution problems.
High Short-term Cost
Lead is a relatively rare metal. Not only has it been used in buildings for many centuries, but it is also a key material for the manufacturing and electronics industries. But although it comes with a high upfront cost, its remarkably long lifespan means that it does still present good value for money, on the whole.
Weight
Comparatively, lead roofing is heavier than other metal roofs. If you think this could be a problem for your property, then we recommend consulting with your metal roofing supplier.
What are Popular Alternatives to Lead Roofing?
The other most popular metal roofing options on the market are zinc, copper and aluminium.
Like zinc, these materials all offer high durability, weather resistance, low maintenance and a long lifespan.
Each metal boasts its own unique strengths and weaknesses. So, if you’re unsure what the differences are between each type of metal roofing, get in touch with Salmon Solutions. One of our friendly metal roofing experts will be able to offer you specialist advice for your property and its specific requirements.
Is a Lead Roof the Best Option for my Property?
In summary, the properties that set lead roofing apart are its high level of flexibility, its remarkably high recycling rate, and its corrosion-resistance, which gives it one of the longest lifespans of any type of metal roof.
So, if you want to make a long-term investment into your property, and choose a metal roof that you can depend on throughout your lifetime and beyond, lead is a fantastic choice of material.
And, if you would like to find out more about the benefits of lead roofing, or enlist a reputable, accredited installer for your new lead roof, contact our team for a quote.
