What is lead used for in roofing?
For ordinary modern roofs, however, lead is most often used to seal places where two parts of roof or masonry meet. This could, for instance, be at the bottom of a valley in the roof, but most often lead is used for flashing where the roof meets a wall or a structure like a chimney stack. Why Use It for Roofing?
Is lead roofing dangerous?
However, the danger normally comes from either touching lead or breathing in particles. With your lead roofing high above you, the risk is almost non-existent. A more problematic issue is that the run-off water from your roof can wear away the lead and become contaminated.
How long does a lead roof last?
Lead has a long life – potentially over 100 years – so it is value for money. If you live in a listed building or in a conservation area, you may be required to replace your roof with lead rather than other materials. Professional help recommended?
Do I need to replace my roof with lead?
Commonly found on older tenement roofs, particularly steeply pitched mansard roofs and above bay and oriel windows. Lead has a long life – potentially over 100 years – so it is value for money. If you live in a listed building or in a conservation area, you may be required to replace your roof with lead rather than other materials.
Why Use It for Roofing?
Could Lead Be Dangerous For Roofing?
Why is lead laid on a sarking board?
Lead is normally laid over a layer of building paper or geotextile membrane to allow it to slide over the sarking boards below as it moves with heat.
Why is my lead buckling?
Look out for buckling or cracking of the lead which is often caused by inadequate movement joints. Leaks (and rot) can follow.
Why change the original detailing of the lead?
In some circumstances it may be necessary to change the original detailing of the lead to ensure that expansion is coped with
What to do if flat roof is covering a large part of building?
If the flat roof is covering a large part of your building and needs major repair or replacement, get a professional survey before proceeding as it may be possible to carry out other repairs at the same time .
Why is lead used on flat roofs?
Lead is commonly used for flat roofs because of it's long life and ability to be formed to fit many positions. Lead must be laid and formed correctly to achieve this long life however..
Where should lead be laid?
Lead should be laid in bays (sections) with joints between the bays formed over a wooden roll. Thicker lead is used on longer bays
Can you weld lead patch on roof?
A skilled worker may be able to weld a lead patch onto a roof that is otherwise in generally good condition.
What is Terne II?
Terne II - Classic Terne-Coated Steel ... is a new and improved version of historic Terne metal, ... Terne II has improved capability for resisting corrosion in all environments ... also has excellent formability, solderability, and affinity for paint ... without compromising mechanical characteristics. It can be used in flatlock, standing seam, vertical wall designs and virtually any other application in which original Terne has been used. It is strong and ductile, having high yield and tensile strengths as well as workability. This new material can easily be formed with conventional roofing tools.
How long did the LCC stay in place in Massachusetts?
Using the Massachusetts Public Health Nuisance Laws, an Abatement Order was issued to remove the LCC, but stayed for six months pending study by all parties. The LCC wall was removed, but roof runoff still contaminated the patio and building perimeter.
How many pages are in Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction?
Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
Why is lead a malleable material?
Because lead is malleable, it easily is shaped at relatively low temperatures (70 F [21 C]) without the need for periodic annealing to soften the lead and make it workable. Lead sheets can be manipulated readily with hand tools and formed into complicated shapes.
How are lead roofs assembled?
Shown above is a closer view of how this lead roof is assembled. The lead panel edges are folded upwards, abutted together, and the raised seam is covered by the caps that you see as rounded ridges.
Who makes Terne roofs?
Follansbee Steel is the only manufacturer of a pre-painted or natural Terne roof and is a leading supplier of metal roofs for new and retrofit commercial, institutional, residential and historic preservation projects.
Where is the oldest building in England?
Shown above and below we see lead roofing atop the Saxon Tower at St. Michaels in Oxford, England in the U.K. Nearly a thousand years old, this is the oldest building in Oxford, dating from at least 1040 A.D., about the time of the Norman Conquest or shortly afterwards.
What is lead used for?
Whilst shaping some of the oldest and most beautiful architecture, Lead is regularly used in more modest commercial and domestic roofing too - from whole roof coverings, porches, turrets and parapet roofing to modern roof waterproofing details like flashings, valleys and gutters . Lead is one of the most effectively recycled materials in ...
How fast can lead flashing be fixed?
These high tensile ‘v’ shaped stainless steel clips, designed by a roofing contractor to save time, allows flashing to be fixed up to twenty times faster than with standard lead wedges.
What is a patination oil?
Applied on site, Patination Oil (1) is a protective coating applied to the lead after it has been shaped. It protects the new Lead until it has developed a patina, preventing initial corrosion and the white carbonate that forms on newly fitted Lead, along with staining that might occur any adjacent roofing materials.
Why is it important to have lead sheet on roof?
Getting the correct lead code is not only important for the look and longevity of the roof, but also for the rest of the building. Most lead applications fail when the roofing lead of the incorrect size is installed. Surprisingly this often occurs when sheets are too big for their purpose! Where a code is too thick and heavy it could potentially result in the failure of the roof, but by sticking to the right code when you attach your lead sheet to a roof (with the appropriate fixing methods) you will have peace of mind that your leadwork will be weather tight with no cracking.
What is expansion joint 10?
Expansion Joints (10) are available for use with lead lined gutters with restricted falls or as a low-cost alternative to the restructuring of existing details.
Why do people use lead in their pipes?
The use of lead for its unique properties dates way back in history, with the Romans utilising it to make water pipes, because of its resistance to corrosion and ease to work with (The Latin word for the metal, plumbum, is the origin of the English word "plumbing".) Churches throughout history have also used lead for their roofing ...
What is PPE in lead?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) To minimise the hazards when working with Lead, protection must include a suitable mask to prevent ingestion or inhalation of dust. Additionally protective clothing, including disposable overalls, gloves, eye protection and safety footwear must be worn.
What is lead flashing?
Lead flashing is used in roofing systems to eliminate leaks at intersections and roof edges. The most common locations for lead roof flashing include Roof joints, valley flashing, chimney flashing, and roof penetrations such as lead roof jacks.
Can lead flashing be replaced?
Lead flashing materials produce long lasting roof components, however proper installation requires some experience and skill. Damaged lead roof flashing should be replaced as soon as practical. Lead flashing where shingles meet a wall or other vertical surface may be patched.
Is it a listed property?
If a property is listed, this will impact what work can be done on the roof. If you are using the proper matching materials and simply repairing damage such as a crack, you may not need any kind of Listed Building Consent.
What to do if lead roof cracks?
Patching the cracked lead with other materials such as flashing or felt is a temporary solution that will protect the roof whilst you arrange a more substantial repair. Beware of bitumen or similar paints as these are very-short term solutions that can make the proper repair more difficult.
How long does it take for a lead roof to buckle?
Professionally installed lead roofs do allow for the natural movement caused by thermal expansion, but fatigue cracks or buckling can appear in lead roofs from continued expansion and contraction, usually over the course of 100 years or more. These cracks can quickly become big enough to allow water to ingress into the property, which can lead to further problems such as rot or structural damage to the roof rafters.
Can a professional roofer strip slate?
Once you have identified the problem, the necessary method of repair and any planning permission required, you should get the help of a professional roofer who specialises in lead roofs. They will be able to strip the slates and re-lead them in a safe way. It is worth noting that not all roofers will be capable of this if they are not leadwork specialists, as this trade takes years to master. If you need help inspecting the roof and identifying the problem to begin with, a professional roofer will be able to assist you with this too.
Can you weld a lead patch on a cracked roof?
Small cracks may be able to be soldered shut, and it may be possible to weld a lead patch onto a cracked roof which is otherwise in good condition.
Is a lead roof impervious to damage?
Lead roofs are known for their durability and hardiness – that’s why they’ve lasted hundreds of years on churches and other historic buildings – but, unfortunately, they are not completely impervious to damage. Repairing a cracked lead roof quickly will be essential in preventing further and more serious damage to the property.
What is flashing on a roof?
Flashing can be used on various parts of your roof, and therefore it comes in different forms including step flashing, apron flashing and chimney flashing. Each of these serve a different purpose by protecting different parts of your roof and ensuring that all areas are covered and protected against rainwater and weather damage. ...
Why do we need lead flashing on roofs?
Lead flashing is a key component in keeping your roof safe against weather and rainfall. As roofing specialists, this is something we would advise people to have on their roof for the extra protection and security. So, we wanted to tell you a bit more about lead flashing and why it is good for your roof….
What is lead flashing?
Lead flashing is an integral part of your roofing structure. Without flashing in place, water can flow through and cause severe damage to critical parts of your roofing structure, which can have a really serious impact and leave lasting damage, potentially requiring roof replacement or extensive repair. Flashing can be used on various parts of your ...
Why do we need a roof?
One of the main purposes of a roof is to keep the building protected and secure. This means that the roof itself must be able to withstand all weather conditions and the forces that come with this. Rain water and severe weather can cause a lot of damage to roofing which can as a result lead to further problems within the building.
Does lead flashing help with insulation?
Furthermore, lead flashing creates a very efficient barrier. Along with sealing all parts of your roof and preventing an ingress of water, it can also help contribute towards insulation and noise reduction. This can positively impact your energy bills, as it will help to retain heat in your home for longer.
Is lead good for roofing?
Lead is a very durable, hard-wearing and weather resistant material. Therefore, it is ideal for roofing and a really reliable material to use as you know it will do the job in keeping your roof safe and ensuring that no water is able to cause damage.
What is a lead roof boot?
LEAD. Pro - Lead, shown above, is the time-tested standard roof boot. It is easily malleable to wrap over the top of a vent pipe. Con - Lead is considered an environmental hazard and can have negative health effects if handled or disposed of improperly. It is not that attractive.
Can squirrels chew lead boots?
It is not that attractive. Also, squirrels love to chew on lead boots, with an example shown below, which causes a roof leak at the vent pipe. Although poisonous, lead has a sweet taste that they apparently find attractive. It is possible to wrap the lead boots in a coarse screening or there are sleeves designed to slide over the boot to protect it.
Can lead boots be wrapped?
It is possible to wrap the lead boots in a coarse screening or there are sleeves designed to slide over the boot to protect it.
Why Use It for Roofing?
The same quality means that it isn’t vulnerable to temperature swings. Because it easily expands in the heat and contracts in the cold , it’s unlikely to crack like many other materials.
Could Lead Be Dangerous For Roofing?
However, the danger normally comes from either touching lead or breathing in particles. With your lead roofing high above you, the risk is almost non-existent.
