Lead was one of the earliest metals discovered by the human race and was in use by 3000 B.C. Lead and copper were the first types of metal to be used regularly in roofing. Both materials became popular in Europe. Flat-seamed copper was first used on cupolas and church domes in England in the 1700s.

Lead was first used to replace shingles or woods where they would not fit on awkwardly shaped roofs during this same time period Lead is not at all easily corroded, or eaten away.

Unlike iron and steel, it does not need protection by painting. Underneath the film, lead is a bright, shiny bluish-white metal, when you scrape it you notice how soft lead is. It is this malleability that makes it easy to squeeze or roll lead into different shapes.

Guaranteed for 25 years, most have a lifespan of at least 60 years, and many examples of it lasting over 100 years. Lead is malleable, making it easy to install, but strong enough to avoid wind-lift, it is weather tight and requires a low level of maintenance, and it can be installed in most weather conditions. It’s suitable for valleys, flashings, traditional builds and conservation areas, and can form an attractive design feature, lead is flexible and adapts well to awkward detailing.

Case Study showing the manufacturer and replacement of an ornamental cast lead ocular window.

CONWAY PRIMARY ACADEMY, Hemlock Road, Acton, W9

We were called in by Len Goodwin from All Metal Roofing on behalf of Apollo to assess damage to some stolen/damaged ornamental cast lead, to the ocular windows on the dome roof of the School.