Lead & Copper

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.