Lead

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El Burgo de Osma Cathedral. Lead dome (caption)

Appearance

The natural colour of new lead is a light silvery metal, quite similar to natural zinc. Exposed to the elements, this colour loses its shine gradually whilst darkening a little over time to finish in a grey metal colour.

The colour of the metal evolves more slowly on the facade than on the roof but in the end both attain the same colours, taking approximately 2 years and 1 year respectively to reach their mature state.

Compared to roof panelling in other metals that we use, lead coverings do not present the 'gabled' or wavy features on the metal sheet. This is due to the fact that lead lies very well on the support, due to its greater thickness and weight and nil mechanical resistance. This produces a resounding and solid visual sensation.

Renovation of the cathedral dome, El Burgo de Osma, Soria (caption)

For more information on the different finishes available, please refer to the other files on our metals.

Other characteristics

Lead is extremely malleable, capable of covering any shape. It has several qualities that make it particularly suitable for covering roofs and facades:

Good resistance to corrosion and therefore long lasting, estimated as follows: Industrial/marine atmosphere: between 60 and 80 years; in the city: 100 years; in a rural location: over 120 years
It does not require any maintenance or cleaning
100% recyclable with no limit to the number of recycling times, there are plenty of resources.
It welds well although it is important to use the correct filling metal and stripper
It is compatible with other metals usually used in building, such as steel, aluminium, zinc and copper.

Nevertheless, we have to pay attention to the following aspects:

Condensation on the inside of the metal can cause corrosion of the lead from the inside out.
Lead powder is toxic if inhaled or ingested.
It is very important to limit the size of the lead pieces because the material does not resist any type of tension without suffering gradual and prolonged deformation.

Lead can be used in the following systems of ours:

Clamping
Bar joint, only in the traditional sheet metal system

The following materials can be used as a direct support:

Water-repellent board, 19 mm thick
Plywood board

The following separating sheets/ventilation membranes can be used

Breathable membranes

More information (Lead)
Thickness on seam / butt joint* for roof:	2 and 3mm
Maximum manufacturing dimensions	Width 1000mm, Length 2000mm
Specific weight	11,34kg / dm³
Weight installed on roof or facade in seam / butt joint	25,36kg (2mm), 38,04kg (3mm)
Fusion point	327,4ºC
Thermal dilation	2,9mm / m / 100ºC
Traction resistance	Non appreciable
Manufacturing Standard	UNE EN 12588