Order Traditional Sand Cast Lead Sheet

At The Lead Lads, we supply premium traditional sand cast lead sheet for the repair and restoration of historic roofs, churches, listed buildings and heritage structures. Unlike modern rolled lead sheet, sand cast lead is manufactured using the historic process of pouring molten lead onto a prepared sand bed. This creates the distinctive "orange peel" surface texture and mottled finish associated with traditional lead roofing.

For conservation projects, this traditional appearance is often essential. Architects, conservation officers and heritage roofing contractors frequently specify sand cast lead where the original roof was historically cast rather than rolled.

Available Codes and Specifications

Because sand cast lead is typically used for heavy-duty roofing and structural details, the material is generally supplied in thicker lead codes starting from Code 6 and above. Our bespoke ordering system allows you to request pricing for a wide range of traditional lead sheet specifications.

  • Code 6 (2.65mm) – Often the minimum specification for sand cast lead roofing.
  • Code 7 & Code 8 – Commonly used for heavy-duty heritage leadwork.
  • Codes 9–12 – Extra heavy lead sheet for specialist structural and historic roofing applications.

These heavier codes provide increased durability and rigidity, making them suitable for large lead roofs, gutters, bays, domes and other demanding traditional roofing details.

How to Request a Sand Cast Lead Quote

Because sand cast lead sheet is produced using a traditional casting process, every order is manufactured specifically for your project. We do not stock standard sheet sizes. Please use the Quote Request Form below to build your order list.

  1. Select your Code: Choose the required lead thickness from Code 6 through Code 12.
  2. Enter Dimensions: Input the exact width (mm) and length (m) required.
  3. Add Multiple Sheets: Use the “Add Another Size” button to include multiple dimensions or lead codes.
  4. Submit your request: Send the order list directly to our pricing team for review.

Once received, our team will review your requirements and prepare a detailed quotation including manufacturing lead times and delivery options.

⚠ Important Pricing Information:
Sand cast lead is a bespoke manufactured product and its price is linked directly to the live lead market. Because of this, quotations must be calculated individually for each project. Please allow approximately 5–7 working days for us to confirm pricing and production lead times.

If your project does not require traditional cast lead, most roofing installations today use rolled lead sheet, which can be selected by code, width and roll length using our interactive lead chart.

Request a Sandcast Quote

Code 6 to Code 12 available. Please check dimensions carefully.

Note: Sandcast Lead is bespoke. Please allow 5-7 days for pricing.

Sand Cast Lead in Heritage Roofing

Sand cast lead sheet plays an important role in the conservation and restoration of historic roofs. Many churches, cathedrals and traditional buildings were originally constructed using cast lead rather than modern rolled lead sheet. When repairing or replacing sections of these roofs, it is often necessary to use traditional sand cast lead so that the new material matches the appearance and character of the existing roof.

The casting process produces the distinctive orange-peel surface texture associated with historic lead roofs. This finish is visually different from rolled lead and is often required where conservation officers or heritage specifications call for historically appropriate materials.

Where Sand Cast Lead Is Commonly Used

  • Church roofs and cathedral leadwork
  • Listed buildings and conservation projects
  • Historic estates, halls and public buildings
  • Traditional lead bays, gutters and domes
  • Large structural lead roofing installations

Traditional Manufacturing Process

Unlike rolled lead sheet, which is produced by rolling lead between industrial rollers, sand cast lead is made by pouring molten lead onto a prepared sand bed. The lead cools and solidifies into thick sheets which are then trimmed to the required dimensions. This slower, traditional process is what gives sand cast lead its distinctive historic texture.

Important: Sand cast lead sheet is normally manufactured to order. Each sheet is cast specifically for the dimensions requested, which is why pricing and production lead times are confirmed through the quotation process.

For standard roofing installations that do not require traditional cast lead, most contractors use rolled lead sheet, which can be ordered by code, width and roll length using our interactive lead chart.

Specification Guidance for Sand Cast Lead Roofing

When specifying sand cast lead sheet for heritage roofing projects, it is important to consider both structural performance and conservation requirements. Many historic buildings were originally roofed using cast lead, and conservation specifications may require that the replacement material replicates the original manufacturing method and visual appearance.

Typical Specification Considerations

  • Matching existing lead thickness and code where historic material remains.
  • Selecting heavier lead codes to suit structural roofing applications.
  • Allowing for appropriate bay sizes and thermal movement joints.
  • Designing correct falls and drainage to prevent standing water.
  • Ensuring compatibility with existing historic roof structures.

Common Lead Codes for Heritage Roofing

Traditional sand cast lead roofs are commonly specified using heavier lead codes due to the scale and structural nature of historic roofing details.

  • Code 6 – Often the minimum specification for sand cast roofing repairs.
  • Code 7–8 – Commonly used for larger heritage roof bays and gutters.
  • Codes 9–12 – Heavy lead sheet used for structural roofs, domes and large gutters.
Heritage projects: Where a building is listed or located within a conservation area, architects and conservation officers may require traditional sand cast lead rather than rolled lead sheet to preserve the historic character of the roof.

For most modern roofing installations that do not require traditional cast lead, contractors typically use rolled lead sheet, which can be selected by code and width using our lead ordering chart.