Lead Roofs On Historic Buildings

To appreciate some of the issues in their assessment of lead roofs in historic buildings.

Lead roofs on historic buildings.

Although this document refers to english heritage it is still the commission s current advice and guidance and will in due course be re branded as historic england. Lead copper zinc tin plate terne plate and galvanized iron. To develop proposals for renewal or repair which can reduce the likelihood of ulc whilst minimising the amount of alterations to the buildings fabric. When historic buildings are involved however a special set of problems arises varying in complexity depending upon their age architectural style historical importance and physical soundness of the wood which must be carefully evaluated so that decisions can be made that are sensitive to the longevity of the resource.

Traditional roofing materials think sheet metal clay tile and slate continue to crown public buildings large and small not only because of their timeless beauty but also by virtue of their proven durability. Lead roofs commonly found on older tenement roofs particularly steeply pitched mansard roofs and above bay and oriel windows. Lead roofs on historic buildings. Of the inorganic roofing materials used on historic buildings the most common are perhaps the sheet metals.

Historic buildings provide a glimpse of our past while lending character and serving a new practical purpose in our modern communities. Lead has a long life potentially over 100 years so it is value for money. On 1st april 2015 the historic buildings and monuments commission for england changed its common name from english heritage to historic england. In varying degrees each of these sheet metals are likely to deteriorate from chemical action by pitting or streaking.

Lead roofs on historic buildings. An old factory may become an apartment complex a rundown church may find new life as a condominium or an old office building may be transformed into a vibrant retail facility. Lead flats were sometimes incorporated into buildings with a deep plan form requiring a double pitched roof or particularly as in leamington spa in a parapet gutter at the front of the building. Traditional roofing materials continue to lead the pack when it comes to historic public buildings.

Of the inorganic roofing materials used on historic buildings the most common are perhaps the sheet metals. Why and how does corrosion affect lead sheet. Lead copper zinc tin plate terne plate and galvanized iron. In varying degrees each of these sheet metals are likely to deteriorate from chemical action by pitting or streaking.

While lead sheet can resist the external elements better than any other roofing material like many of its competitors it is vulnerable to distilled water condensation. If you live in a listed building or in a conservation area you may be required to replace your roof with lead rather than other materials.