| PROJECT BASICS |  |
PRICES & COSTS | |
POPULAR MATERIALS | |
ROOFING STYLES |
Lead Roof
Lead roofs are no longer a popular primary roofing material, although they are still used as a coating for either copper and sandstone roofs. The lead is used to help reduce the risk of corrosion and does not stain with prolonged interaction with water and moisture. Read more about the basics, costs, advantages and disadvantages associated with lead roofing.
Lead Roof Basics
A lead roof was the main roofing material used many years ago. Because lead is such a soft metal, installers would be able to pound it into shape using hand tools. Today it's mostly used for flashing, especially where water runs off the roof. The reason for this is that lead doesn't stain over time; it is also corrosive resistant, making it exceptionally appealing as a layer under a copper roof. Lead roof materials do have health risks associated with them, which is another reason why this material has reduced dramatically in popularity over the years.
Pricing
Unfortunately there are no exact prices available for lead roofs.
Lead Roof Advantages
Durability
Lead roof material is exceptionally durable and has the ability to be left as is or be painted to provide the visual appeal to enhance the property. When used with copper, lead is lightweight and therefore doesn't compromise the structure of the building in any way. This material will become a gray color over time.
Life Span
A lead roof has an excellent life span. This type of material doesn't corrode or oxidize and can last up to one hundred years, if not more.
Flexible
Lead is a very malleable material, which means it is flexible enough to be used with any roof shape. The advantage is that the installer can shape it on-site using hand tools.
Disadvantages
Strength and Weight
When used as the primary roof, the material is exceptionally heavy. This is the reason that it is usually used to cover copper or as flashing. When used as the primary roofing material, it will require a good structural support.
Perceived Health Risks
A lead roof is often perceived as dangerous. The public perception of this roofing material is poor, which has resulted in the lead roof barely being used or seen in today's housing market. The fact is that while lead is known to poison water for consumption, you need a high concentration and the lead roof will never produce enough poison to create a problem.
Visual Appeal
Unfortunately the lead roof isn't the most beautiful roofing material, there are so many other metal options which will enhance the home and make it spectacular.