You would never know by looking at it, but the lead work was originally used to protect buildings from water damage. Its practical and decorative nature means that you can find this metal in any kind of building - whether old or new!
When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, lead flashing is the ultimate solution. Lead usually goes around chimneys where leaks are more likely to occur and can be a practical as well as an aesthetic necessity for any homeowner.
Lead not only provides protection against rainwater entering through joints or seams in the building that cannot easily be seen underground but also prevents heat coming up from fireplaces trapping itself inside of ceilings when walls close off openings with bricks, plasterboard or lath-and-plaster
Lead work services can include
Standard benefits:
- Your roof will be waterproof and free from leaks.
- You'll have peace of mind knowing your home is safe.
Emotional benefits:
- All the family members in your home can relax, knowing that their house is protected from the elements.
People have been working with lead for at least 6,000 years. It's a versatile and useful material that is naturally waterproof and easy to shape. Even so, it requires specialist knowledge and expertise to handle it safely and skillfully.
The term 'lead work' usually refers to the use of lead as 'flashing' on roofs where it is placed around chimney stacks and junctions where water would otherwise enter. As well as being practical, it can also be decorative, used for cladding on any building type, including period properties and even contemporary new builds.
Although it has an expected lifespan of up to 100 years, all lead work will need maintenance and repair at some point to keep it in good working order. Lead expands and contracts as the temperature changes, which can cause it to pull away from joins. Strong winds, corrosion, and extreme water flow can affect and distort the shape.
Roof repairs should include regular inspections of any lead work to ensure that it protects your building from water damage.
There are a number of tools used in leadwork, including:
All of these are used by our dedicated team to provide expert roof repairs to your lead work.
You might see codes used on rolls of lead. These refer to the varying thicknesses of lead sheets that are suitable for different jobs. Obviously, the thicker it is, the heavier it will be, which will add to material and labour costs.
High exposure to lead and lead alloys can cause serious and long-term health problems. However, this mostly applies to cases where lead is inhaled in dust and fumes or ingested accidentally through the mouth.
All responsible roofing professionals adhere to the Control Of Lead At Work regulations 2002 (CLAW) which stipulate that exposure to lead is carefully managed. This is done through the use of personal protective equipment and strict hygiene routines.
The Control Of Substances Hazardous To Health is a set of regulations that are designed to protect employees who may be exposed to potentially harmful materials.
It mostly relates to chemicals, gasses, germs, vapours, any kind of biohazard. Therefore, lead, asbestos, and radioactive materials aren't included. All three have their own separate regulations.
The Lead Sheet Association is a highly-respected body within the construction industry with over 85 years of experience in all aspects of sheet lead work. They offer invaluable advice to lead workers to ensure a high standard of work every time.
Likewise, the Lead Contractors Association, established in 1984, an independent not-for-profit organisation that encourages members to offer the best quality service possible when it comes to lead work. All responsible and reputable roofing service contractors who use lead work regard these two bodies as the leading authorities on lead and its use in the construction industry.
All lead work should be completed to the standards suggested by these organisations.
Flat roofing can be problematic, especially if the installation wasn't up to standard or an inferior quality material was used.
It is essential to keep your flat roof watertight so that rainwater doesn't leak through, damaging your home. Lead is commonly used for flat roofs because it is easily moulded and flexible. When patina oil is used it can help to protect against corrosion. Lead roofs, with the right level of repairs and maintenance, can last for many years.
When you need professional lead work, you can rely on us to provide roofing services that are second to none. Contact us today to discuss your project and for a no-obligation quote.
When it comes to lead work and professional roofing services, you need the assurance that your contractors will do a good job. You can rest assured that our knowledge and experience of all aspects of roofing services means that you'll receive the highest standard of work.
