The Benefits of a Lead-Coated Copper Roof

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:

• Leak Resistance: Lead-copper panels, properly installed, are extremely watertight. To form seams, lead edges are bent up and a cap placed over the top. A small tab will then be soldered on to keep the cap in position, while also allowing for movement to prevent buckling.
• Versatility: Lead coated copper can be used on steep or low pitched roofs. It can be painted with far better results than other roof metals or it can left with its natural patina, which is very "visually compatible" with older buildings and new construction alike.
• Ideal Weight: Lead coated pieces of copper are lighter than lead-only panels, which reduces the roof load—this is often very important on aged structures. It is also heavy enough, however, to avoid serious risk of wind damage or blow-off.
• Stain Resistance: Not only does lead coated copper avoid corrosion, but it does not easily stain nor cause staining on other parts of the building. The lead coating creates a grayish patina that is non-water-soluble. This means the lead will help shed water faster than plain copper and not dissolve into the run-off and get deposited elsewhere. It will not stain your stone, brick, or other masonry.
• Environmentally Safe: Some fear that, because lead paint can be harmful to humans and pollute nearby groundwater, lead roofing will do the same. This simply is not true. The lack of solubility that prevents staining also prevents there being a health hazard or contamination of the surrounding environment.

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!