Form · Sizes pending
Metallic — indicative fig. M·95
Fire A1 Non-combustibleEmbodied carbon 1.50kgCO₂e/kg Low–mediumCompressive 8-12MPa StructuralDesign life 100yr Durable
Traditional lead sheeting for specialized waterproofing applications and heritage building restoration
01 Physical
Density 11340kg/m3
Specific gravity 11.34
Porosity 0%
Water absorption 0%
Hardness 1.5Mohs
UV resistance excellent
Chemical resistance good
pH tolerance 6-10pH
Surface roughness 0.5-20um
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 12-17MPa
Compressive strength 8-12MPa
Flexural strength 8-12MPa
Shear strength 10-13MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.44
Impact resistance lowJ
Creep resistance poor
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 35.3W/mK
Specific heat 129J/kgK
Thermal expansion 0.029mm/m/degC
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Non-combustible (A1)
Fire resistance level N/A - cladding elementminutes
Ignition temp N/A - does not ignitedegC
Flame spread index 0
Smoke dev. index 0
Heat release rate 0kW/m2
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon 1.5-2.5kg CO2-eq/kg
Carbon footprint 30-50kg CO2-eq/m2
Embodied energy 8-35MJ/kg
Water footprint 30-80L/kg
Recyclability 100%
Recycled content 60-95%
Renewable content 0%
Circular score 7.5/10
VOC emissions 0ug/m3
Toxicity rating high
LEED contribution 0-1points
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 100-200years
Maintenance interval 1095-1825days
Warranty period 25-50years
Material cost (range) 30-180AUD/m2
Material cost (per unit) 55-80AUD/m2
Lead time 3-84days
Lifecycle cost 150-300AUD/m2
Annual maintenance 1-3AUD/m2/year
Market availability moderate
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Unmatched malleability - can be cold-worked to any complex shape or junction detail
- Proven 100-200+ year lifespan in building applications
- Self-protecting lead carbonate patina provides excellent corrosion resistance
- Non-combustible - does not burn or contribute to fire
- Excellent sound insulation due to very high density (mass law advantage)
- 100% recyclable - established recycling infrastructure
- Irreplaceable for authentic heritage building restoration
- Excellent radiation shielding properties (medical/industrial applications)
Constraints
- HEALTH HAZARD: Lead is toxic - classified hazardous substance under Australian WHS Regulations Part 7.2
- Very high density (11,340 kg/m3) - heaviest common roofing metal, requires substantial structural support
- High thermal expansion (0.029 mm/m/degC) - requires strict panel size limits to prevent fatigue cracking
- Susceptible to creep under sustained load at ambient temperatures
- High embodied carbon (~41 kg CO2-eq/m2) compared to alternatives
- NCC restrictions: cannot be used upstream of zinc/aluminium-coated steel or on drinking water catchment roofs
- Environmental concerns with lead runoff into waterways
- Low tensile strength (12-17 MPa) - easily damaged by foot traffic and impacts
08 Applications
A1 Heritage Building Restoration Replacement and restoration of historic lead roofing, flashings, and decorative elements on listed heritage buildings
A2 Complex Waterproofing Details Flashings, weatherings, and junction details at chimneys, dormers, valleys, and parapets where lead's malleability is unmatched
A3 Box Gutter Linings Lead-lined box gutters for heritage and specialist applications where long-term waterproofing reliability is critical
A4 Radiation Shielding Lead sheet linings for X-ray rooms, medical imaging suites, and radiation therapy facilities
A5 Acoustic Barrier Lead sheet used as a high-density sound barrier layer in wall and floor assemblies for acoustic isolation
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.