Rolled lead for roofing and plumbing
The roofing trade has always relied on rolled lead. Lead is particularly impressive in the field of plumbing, in the manufacture and installation of sheet metal roofs, rain gutters and downpipes, thanks to its exceptional durability, corrosion resistance and flexible processing.
A particular focus is on the reconstruction of listed roofs. Lead is irreplaceable in this area: it enables the faithful restoration of historic roofs that are intended to last for centuries. In this way, we preserve not only buildings but also cultural heritage.
Typical solders
Why lead has been popular for centuries
At first glance, lead appears to be a heavy metal. But it really comes into its own in roofing. When rolled thinly, it has a low surface load, is easy to bend and can be soldered well. This makes it ideal for ensuring that even complex roof shapes and connections remain permanently watertight. It is also extremely corrosion-resistant, which is one reason why lead roofs can withstand wind and weather for centuries.
picture: Nexusseven / Adobe Stock
An impressive example is the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, which was completed in 537 AD. Its monumental dome was covered with lead sheets – a solution that has endured for many centuries despite numerous earthquakes and structural challenges. Even today, this building impressively demonstrates that lead has proven itself as a roofing material thanks to its durability, corrosion resistance and adaptability.
Lead was also the material of choice in European architectural history. Another famous example is Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, whose roof surfaces have been covered with lead since the Middle Ages. For centuries, the metal provided reliable protection against wind and weather and helped the building maintain its status as a European landmark. Even though a devastating fire destroyed large parts of the roof structure in 2019, lead will once again be used in the reconstruction – because no other material combines authenticity, historical construction and durability in a comparable way.
picture: Bill Perry / Adobe Stock
Solder for copper pipe/plumbing installation
In copper pipe installation, a distinction is made between soft soldering (below 450 °C) and hard soldering (above 450 °C), whereby the choice of method is strictly based on the area of application and applicable regulations such as DVGW TRGI.
Soft soldering This process is standard for plumbing installations (cold and hot water) and heating systems with operating temperatures up to 110 °C. Tin-containing alloys are used as fitting solder, which, together with a suitable soldering paste, ensure a capillary connection. One of the most typical fitting solders for soft soldering is | Hard soldering It is mandatory for gas installations (according to TRGI) and for pipes in refrigeration and air conditioning technology, as these connections have higher thermal and mechanical strength. In drinking water pipes, brazing is often prohibited or viewed critically for small pipe diameters (up to 28 mm) due to the structural change in the copper, whereas it is preferred for larger dimensions or special industrial applications. Copper-phosphorus alloys and copper-silver alloys are used for hard soldering.
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Organ building & musical instruments
The composition of tin-lead alloys plays a decisive role in organ building. Even slight changes in the mixing ratio alter the sound: more tin brings brightness and brilliance, more lead provides warmth and depth.
When restoring historic organs, it is often necessary to replicate the original alloys exactly – in some cases with a lead content of up to 95%. This is the only way to preserve the authentic sound of these unique instruments. Despite strict EU chemical regulations, lead remains indispensable and permitted in order to protect cultural heritage.
Typical alloys
Please contact us if you are interested in replicating historical alloys!
picture: Organ restored with Feinhütte tin in Dittersbach, Saxony
Tin and lead are also important materials in brass instrument manufacturing. Their use as soldering agents allows even delicate components to be joined with precision, which is crucial for the fine mechanics of wind instruments.
Historically, brass instruments were occasionally coated with tin or lead on the inside, but this practice is uncommon today. Modern instruments are mainly made of brass or other copper alloys and do not contain any lead or tin in the actual instrument.
Typical alloys
![[Translate to English:] Bild: Dmitriy / Adobe Stock](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/d/csm_AdobeStock_248610931_4ddb7cb675.jpeg)
[Translate to English:] Bild: Dmitriy / Adobe Stock
Metals & alloys for arts and crafts
For centuries, arts and crafts have benefited from the unique properties of lead and tin. Traditional casting processes – such as casting, die casting and pressure die casting – are used to produce detailed tin figures, ornaments and medals. These metals enable high dimensional accuracy and lasting quality.
From standardised to highly specialised
Replication of historical alloysWe also carry out reliable material analyses with a high degree of precision and expertise. For example, we can determine the material composition of the soft solders used in organs or window frames for listed buildings and accurately reproduce the necessary historical alloys.
The right format for your process
Every production process has its own requirements – whether in metalworking, instrument making or arts and crafts. The right format plays a crucial role here: it influences the processing, precision and ultimately the quality of the end product.
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Your contact person
Maxim Richter
Head of Sales & Logistics