Lead Roofing Guides • Buying Help • Technical Advice

Lead Roofing Advice & Guides

This part of The Lead Lads Shop brings together practical lead roofing advice covering rolled lead sheet, lead flashing, soakers, bay sizing, gutters, chimneys and heritage leadwork.

Browse the latest Lead articles below, or move directly into products, sizing tools and buying guides.

Explore lead topics, buying routes & quick FAQs

Popular Lead Topics

Lead Flashing

Aprons, soakers, stepped flashings, cover flashings and chimney details.


Explore Lead Flashing →
Lead Codes & Sheet Sizes

Compare Code 3, 4, 5, 6 and heavier rolled lead sheet.


Browse Lead Roll →
Lead Weight & Buying Tools

Calculate roll weights before choosing code, width and length.


Lead Weight Calculator →
Leadwork Standards

Technical guidance for correctly detailed rolled lead roofing.


Read Leadwork Standards →

Quick FAQs

What code lead should I use for chimney flashings?

Code 4 is widely used for exposed chimney and stepped flashings, while Code 3 is commonly used for concealed soakers. Deeper or more exposed details may require Code 5 or heavier lead.

How do I calculate lead roll weight?

Use the Lead Weight Calculator to calculate weight from lead code, width and roll length.

I know the width I need — where should I start?

Use the Lead Chart to move directly from code, width and roll length into the relevant product.

lead roof failures
11 Dec
Lead, Lead Detail Inspiration, Lead Flashings, Lead Handbook

Lead Roof Failures Explained: 8 Building Pathology Patterns Every Surveyor Should Know (2026 Edition)

Posted by author-avatar
0
Lead roof failures can occur as a result of poor workmanship, incorrect detailing, and improper substrate design. Leadwork, done properly should last for decades, but it is critical that common standards are intertwined to produce an appropriate substrate onto which rolled leads sheet is formed. Commonly, failures occur as a result of a lack of understanding.
Continue reading
Sand Cast lead
25 Nov
Lead, Lead Detail Inspiration, Lead Flashings, Lead Handbook, Lead Work Projects, Leadwork Tools, Wood In Lead Work

The Definitive Sand Cast Lead Buyer’s Handbook (2025 Edition)

Posted by author-avatar
0
The definitive 2025 buyer’s handbook to sand cast lead for heritage and conservation roofing. Discover how sand cast lead is manufactured, when to specify it instead of rolled lead, how to design bays and substrates, and how to order, store and maintain it on cathedrals, palaces and historic buildings.
Continue reading
code 10 sand cast lead
25 Nov
Lead, Lead Detail Inspiration, Lead Flashings, Lead Handbook, Lead Work Projects

Code 10 Sand Cast Lead: 7 Elite Heritage Applications for Sovereign & Monumental Roofs

Posted by author-avatar
0
A definitive conservation guide to code 10 sand cast lead, used on palaces, cathedrals and monumental roofs requiring the highest possible durability. Includes 7 elite heritage applications, movement design, substrate rules, SPAB and NHIG principles, QI defect insights and a complete ordering workflow for specialist projects.
Continue reading
code 9 sand cast lead
25 Nov
Lead, Lead Detail Inspiration, Lead Flashings, Lead Handbook, Lead Work Projects

Code 9 Sand Cast Lead: 9 Heritage-Grade Applications for Monumental Roofs

Posted by author-avatar
0
A definitive heritage guide to code 9 sand cast lead, used on cathedrals, historic buildings and monumental gutters where extreme durability is essential. Explore 9 conservation-grade applications, bay sizing, substrate design, movement joints, and how to integrate sand cast lead into a compliant ordering process.
Continue reading
code 8 lead
25 Nov
Lead, Lead Detail Inspiration, Lead Flashings, Lead Handbook

Code 8 Lead: 7 Ultimate Heavy-Duty Uses (BS EN 12588)

Posted by author-avatar
0
A specialist guide to code 8 lead, focusing on 7 ultimate heavy-duty uses including monumental gutters, deep parapet channels, heritage roofs and cathedral-grade details. Learn how to size bays, design substrates, choose fixings and turn technical drawings into a fully built basket using the Shoppable Lead Chart.
Continue reading
Load more posts
Loading...