23 May Alternatives to Lead Work in Roofing

Lead is the material most commonly associated with roofing, particularly for flashings. However, times have changed, and these days several alternatives can do the job traditionally done by lead just as effectively and at a fraction of the cost.

If you haven’t previously considered a lead alternative, here are a few reasons why you should, along with information about what to look for if you want to move on from lead flashings.

Why you should consider a lead alternative

The cost of lead has increased rapidly in recent years. Having your roof repaired or replaced can be an extremely expensive job if you choose to stick to lead work. Some of the lead alternatives available today can cost you less than 50 percent of the price of lead. This in itself is a great reason to consider an alternative.

Unfortunately, as the cost of lead has risen, so has its scrap value.

Because of this, if your roof has any lead features, these can be vulnerable to theft, as the lead can be sold on for a high price. This is a traumatic and highly inconvenient experience to go through. Using a lead alternative solves this problem, as lead alternatives have little to no resale value, so they are not a target for thieves.

As your roof will be less of a theft risk, you may also be able to save money on your building insurance premiums if you switch to a lead alternative.

What to look for in a lead alternative

Any alternative has to do the same job as lead. This means it has to be strong, durable, capable of withstanding all weather conditions and able to last for many years.

Additionally, one of the main advantages of lead is its ability to be bent, stretched and detailed so it can produce a huge variety of roofing appearances. It is important the alternative you choose is just as flexible.

Some lead alternatives come with self-adhesive backing, making them much easier and quicker for roofers to work with. This is a good idea if you want the job completed as quickly as possible.

Find out more about lead alternatives

If you live in a listed building, you may have to use lead, as all the features of the building have to be kept as authentic as possible.

However, if you are looking for a lead alternative, we are happy to advise you about the many different products available. Please contact us for more information.