Lead, the most durable and the oldest roofing material of the world is known for its unique properties. The uniqueness of this material dates back in history when the Romans used lead to manufacture water pipes. Lead has regular, modest application in building domestic and commercial roofs. Lead is a material that is most effectively recycled. Although it may marginally appear expensive, still its sustainability is worth investing the money for it. Here is a list of things you need to know before installing lead roofs. Read on to know them.
Milled lead
Lead might appear to be a very hard metal material. It is only after you scrap off a layer of the material that you will realize how malleable and soft lead actually is. This malleability of the material is used for giving various shapes to the material. Milled lead, for example, is rolled lead sheets that is prepares by passing thin sheets of the material through steel rollers. The thickness of the material remains the same and it completely depends on the production process. Milled lead is achieved by passing a slab of lead through two hydraulic rollers continually until the desired thickness of the material is achieved.
Why does lead require Patination Oil?
A roofing material has to endure a lot of harsh conditions. From bad weathers to stout branches of trees and many other tough conditions. When lead is used as a roofing material, it is usually believed to endure all these harsh conditions as well. In order to make lead deal with these initial effects of the weather, patination oil is applied on its surface. It provides a protective coating on the surface of lead that forms a layer of patina. It prevents corrosion and carbonation on lead’s surface.
Monitor the roof flashing
Flashing is immensely dangerous that directly puts the lead’s shelf life at risk. Therefore, you will require to look at the lead roofs and check them on a regular basis and check the flashing on or around the lead roof. Flashing can lead to quick wear out of the layers of shingles. Regular checks will keep you informed about the flashings and help you know the actual time when you need to replace the flashing. Lead roof maintenance steps re easy but it requires you to do them consistently. Besides monitoring the roof flashing, you need to inspect the roof regularly, particularly the sealants to keep the roof in a good condition.
Personal protective equipment
Whenever you are working on a lead surface or even with a material like lead, it is important for you to wear a PPE kit. You might ingest or inhale lead dust particles that is hazardous for your body. Cover you entire body with masks, glasses, gloves, and the special personal protective kit. Make sure lead related work is always carried out by a competent person.
These are the things you need to keep in mind when working with lead material or installing lead roofs. If you have any questions about lead roofs for your home in Sydney, the South Coast or the Southern Highlands, feel free to contact The Slate Roofing Company today.
