If you are looking for an ideal material to use on your architectural or heritage roofing project, lead coated copper is one of the most popular roofing materials. Here is a look at why you should consider lead coated copper for your next project.
What Is Lead Coated Copper Roofing?
Lead coated copper sheeting and flashing combine the positive aspects of both copper and lead, yielding a finished product that is superior to other metal roof options in many situations.
Copper roofing has been used since Medieval Times and is still very popular today. This is for good reason, as it is lightweight, flexible, resistant to weather and corrosion, and extremely durable—the typical minimum lifespan is 75 years. When installed correctly so that copper edges are lined and not touching other materials, the lifespan can easily reach to 100 years.
Lead, coated on one or both sides of copper sheeting, helps to further shield the roofing from weathering. Lead is also very malleable, allowing it to be formed into complex shapes at relatively low temperatures. Even on the job site, lead can be easily manipulated by skilled workers using only simple hand tools.
The lead-copper combination creates a material that is highly durable and easy to work with. It is ideal for wrapping complicated facades, flashing around chimneys, and for protecting a roof from the elements for more than a lifetime.
What Are the Benefits of Lead Coated Copper Roofing?
There are many benefits to using lead coated copper on your roof. We already mentioned durability and flexibility above, but there are other benefits as well, including:
The benefits of a lead-coated copper roof make it a premier choice for projects that demand longevity and a specific, dignified aesthetic. Its immediate, uniform grey patina is often sought by architects to complement stone or to achieve a timeless look without the wait.
But the world of heritage roofing materials is vast, and the right choice always depends on the unique challenge a building presents. Sometimes, the goal isn't a new patina but the faithful replication of a completely different, failing material. This is where the versatility of architectural metal roofing truly shines.
A compelling example is our restoration of The Sun Tower in Vancouver, BC. This landmark heritage building was famous for its distinctive, bright green dome. However, the "faux-finish" terra cotta tiles covering the dome were failing and posing a significant risk. The challenge was to replace them with a material that was lighter, more durable, and could perfectly replicate the original look.
Before (Image Source Wikipedia)
After
Our solution was to custom-fabricate and install 8,900 new, stamped sheet metal tiles. This allowed us to match the exact profile and appearance of the original terra cotta, while providing a long-lasting, weather-resistant solution.
This project highlights a key principle in heritage work: flexibility. While a lead-coated copper roof is the perfect solution for achieving a noble, grey finish on a historic institution, projects like The Sun Tower demand a different kind of craftsmanship. Whether it’s providing the classic patina of lead-coated copper or custom-fabricating stamped tiles to replicate history, our expertise lies in finding the ideal architectural metal solution to preserve these irreplaceable landmarks for future generations.
Contractors and homeowners looking for the best possible roofing material to use on restoration projects in particular, or on construction projects in general, should consider the benefits that lead coated copper roofing brings. It has the ability to conform to intricate patterns, does not harm your stonework nor the environment, and endures for as long as a century. Its silvery grey patina is highly attractive, and yet able to "blend in," in a wide range of situations, and its cost is justified by its performance and longevity.
Contact us today to learn more about copper roofing and get a quote!
If you are looking for a second opinion on your project or have a particularly complex issue that needs a fresh eye, such as historic building restoration, we’re here to help. Tackling tricky restoration projects is our specialty, and we welcome the opportunity to provide consulting services. We apply a keen attention to detail to all our commissions.
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