Sand Cast Lead – an essential material for traditional roofing
When it comes to roofing traditional and period projects, finding a professional roofer who can cast lead themselves can make all the difference in preserving the authentic look, durability and integrity of the building. Sand cast lead is highly valued in the roofing industry, particularly for historically significant and listed properties. At West Country Tiling, we can manufacture lead sheets using our sand cast lead production facility.
What is Sand Cast Lead?
Sand cast lead is a specialised type of lead sheet produced using a traditional casting process. It involves pouring molten lead onto a prepared bed of sand, which gives the lead sheet a distinct, slightly textured finish. Unlike milled lead, which is mass-produced with a smoother and more uniform surface, sandcast lead retains a unique, handcrafted appearance. This authentic finish works perfectly on traditional properties.
Expertise and Heritage
At the heart of the Master Tiler’s profession is the dedication to heritage conservation. Our Master Tilers are proficient in traditional roofing and tiling methods and are experienced in working with unique materials native to historical British architecture. This expertise ensures that every restoration or roofing project enhances the character and durability of the building.
The Process of Lead Sand Casting
The techniques we use for our sand cast lead production process dates back centuries and remains largely unchanged.
- Sand preparation – a layer of sand is carefully prepared to create a smooth, level surface. The sand bed acts as a mould for the molten lead and any imperfections in the sand will be reflected in the cast lead, lending it a characteristic texture.
- Melting the lead – lead is melted in a furnace until it reaches the right temperature and consistency, ready for casting.
- Pouring the lead – the molten lead is then poured over the prepared sand bed, spreading out evenly to create a consistent sheet thickness. Our skilled craftsmen ensure the lead spreads evenly across the sand mould.
- Cooling and shaping – once poured, the lead is left to cool and solidify. After cooling, it can be trimmed and shaped according to the specifications required for each roofing project.
This process produces sheets of lead that are highly flexible, corrosion-resistant and particularly well-suited for complex roof designs where it needs to conform to various shapes. Our cast lead comes in Code 6 to Code 10 thicknesses to suit our client’s requirements.
Why Choose Sand Cast Lead?
For those working on traditional or period properties, sand cast lead offers a range of benefits that are difficult to achieve with other materials.
Sandcast lead aligns with listed building standards and is the material of choice for conservationists and historical architects due to its traditional look and feel. It maintains the authentic look of period properties, providing a faithful replacement that complements the historical character of the building.
Lead has an impressive lifespan, often lasting over a hundred years when properly installed. This makes it an ideal choice for roofs, gutters, rainwater goods and flashings that need to stand the test of time.
Sand cast lead is known for its resilience against weather conditions, particularly in our damp and variable climate. It is highly resistant to corrosion and can adapt to the natural expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes.
Sustainability is important to us and our sand cast lead offers a high level of eco-friendliness. Lead is 100% recyclable, so any waste produced can be melted down and repurposed without a loss of quality.
Roofing often involves intricate details, especially for traditional properties. Sandcast lead can be moulded and shaped to accommodate even the most complex roofing structures, from flat roofs, domes and spires to unique gutter shapes and hoppers.
Using Sand Cast Lead
At West Country Tiling, we understand the importance of using high-quality materials that align with our clients’ expectations, especially when it comes to traditional and heritage roofing. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to providing superior roofing services across the South West of England. We regularly work with sand cast lead to restore and maintain the timeless beauty of period properties.
Get in Touch
Whether you are looking to restore a historical roof or need expert advice on incorporating cast lead into your roofing project, our team can help. Using lead manufactured in-house, we have complete quality control. Our skilled craftsmen will ensure that each project respects the original character of the property while providing robust, weather-resistant protection.
For more information on how West Country Tiling can support your traditional roofing project, please call us on 01373 462 224 or email us on info@westcountrytiling.com for a free, no obligation quote.