Most lead applications fail when the roofing lead codes used are the incorrect size, often when they’re applied in sheets that are too big for their purpose. To minimise this, all rolled lead is manufactured to meet BS EN 12588, with different lead codes (thicknesses) having different applications and weights. Another factor in meeting the standard is that the thickness of roofing lead may only have +/- 5% variance across its entire length.

Lead codes are important to get right for their longevity, their looks and for the rest of the building. Even though Code 4 lead is the most popular choice, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for your project.

For example, if your soakers are made out of Code 8 lead this could compromise the structure of the building, as the lead is far too heavy and thick for that purpose.


Table of contents:


What are the thicknesses of each roofing lead code?

Below are the applications, weight per m2 and the thickness of each of the lead codes. If you need any assistance in identifying which lead codes you need for your project, contact our customer service team who are able to help.

Lead CodeThicknessWeight (kg/m2)Uses
Code 31.32mm14.97Soakers
Code 41.80mm20.41Soakers, flashings, and vertical cladding
Code 52.24mm25.40Flashings, flat roofing, parapet and tapered valley gutters, pitched roofs, vertical cladding, dormers, and bay roofs and canopies
Code 6 2.65mm30.10Flashings, flat roofing, parapet and tapered valley gutters, pitched roofs, vertical cladding, dormers, and bay roofs and canopies
Code 73.15mm35.72Flat roofing, parapet and tapered valley gutters, pitched roofing, dormers, and bay roofs and canopies
Code 83.55mm40.26Flat roofing, parapet and tapered valley gutters, dormers, and bay roofs and canopies


Where else can I find information about roofing lead codes?

Calder is known for their Guide to Good Leadwork which has aided roofers and lead workers for years. The contents of this book will help you ascertain which lead codes you need and how to implement them correctly in each application. The contents include the correct use of lead codes and lead sheet flashings, gutter linings, good use of patination oil, and more. With diagrams, tables and interesting information about the history of lead and lead codes, Calder’s Guide to Good Leadwork is worth a read!


lead-codes-leadwork
Front cover of Calder Industrial Materials LTD guide to good leadwork manual

Where and how can I buy lead?

Lead can be purchased from most good roofing and builders’ merchants, including from us at Roofing Superstore. Once you’ve used our above guide to work out which lead codes you need for your project, and you’ve read Calder’s Guide to Good Leadwork, you can click here to view all of our lead flashings. We supply Code 3 to Code 8 lead in 3m or 6m rolls and we update our prices regularly so you get the lowest possible price. To make your leadwork even easier you could use our cut-to-size lead tool. Simply select your lead code, your dimensions and how many rolls you need. This will be cut for you out of recycled lead compliant with BSEN 12588 and delivered to your site.

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Mark C.
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
23/09/24
Lead flashing roll
Review by Mark C. on 23 Sep 2024 review stating Lead flashing roll
The lead roll was perfect for the job of repairing 2 dorma roofs, shame I can't say the same about the supplier and carrier both were inept at making a delivery. Won't use them again
P
Paul M.
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
25/05/24
Thank you, Well Pleased with
Review by Paul M. on 25 May 2024 review stating Thank you, Well Pleased with
Thank you, Well Pleased with service and delivery. Will use again when required many thanks, Paul.
F
fairlawnsroofing
Little bit of lead work from Friday 🔨 • • #Leadwork #Lead #LeadFlashing #ChimneyStack #Roofing #Roofer #Tiling #Slating #LeadWelding #RoofingContractor
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David S.
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
25/08/23
First time I’ve knocked up
Review by David S. on 25 Aug 2023 review stating First time I’ve knocked up
First time I’ve knocked up rolls, the cores were top quality and good value.
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austinroofingservices
Plain tiling+leadworks completed on this garage conversion. #roofing #roofer #leadwork #northamptonshire
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austinroofingservices
16/08/23
Plain tiling+leadworks completed on this garage conversion. #roofing #roofer #leadwork #northamptonshire
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fairlawnsroofing
05/06/23
Little bit of lead work from Friday 🔨 • • #Leadwork #Lead #LeadFlashing #ChimneyStack #Roofing #Roofer #Tiling #Slating #LeadWelding #RoofingContractor
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tgsleadwork
Lead domer top all completed #leadwork #leadroofer #leadroofing
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fbleadwork_ltd
2 bay windows completed today on berkeley site in hawkenbury, back soon to complete the flashing alongside a 6 bay porch. Please dm for quotations. #leadflashing #leadworker #leadworkspecialists #leadsheet #leadwork #flatroof #roofer
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fbleadwork_ltd
11/05/23
2 bay windows completed today on berkeley site in hawkenbury, back soon to complete the flashing alongside a 6 bay porch. Please dm for quotations. #leadflashing #leadworker #leadworkspecialists #leadsheet #leadwork #flatroof #roofer
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fbleadwork_ltd
11/05/23
2 bay windows completed today on berkeley site in hawkenbury, back soon to complete the flashing alongside a 6 bay porch. Please dm for quotations. #leadflashing #leadworker #leadworkspecialists #leadsheet #leadwork #flatroof #roofer
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F
fbleadwork_ltd
11/05/23
2 bay windows completed today on berkeley site in hawkenbury, back soon to complete the flashing alongside a 6 bay porch. Please dm for quotations. #leadflashing #leadworker #leadworkspecialists #leadsheet #leadwork #flatroof #roofer
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F
fbleadwork_ltd
11/05/23
2 bay windows completed today on berkeley site in hawkenbury, back soon to complete the flashing alongside a 6 bay porch. Please dm for quotations. #leadflashing #leadworker #leadworkspecialists #leadsheet #leadwork #flatroof #roofer
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tgsleadwork
10/05/23
Lead domer top all completed #leadwork #leadroofer #leadroofing
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tgsleadwork
10/05/23
Lead domer top all completed #leadwork #leadroofer #leadroofing
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lbest87
#lead #leadwork #leadworker #roof #roofer #roofing
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brandonroofingltd
01/02/23
Little Slate bay and porch roof replacement using Spanish natural slates and new lead flashing/hips. #roofer #roofing #slate #lead #leadwork #leadhip #leadflashing #spanishslates #bayroof #porchroof #ashtead #epsom #tadworth #surrey
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rossramsey7414
31/01/23
Nice work by the team today, fibreglass flat-roofing using Flexitec primer and topcoat, and renewed all code 4 lead cover flashing. Info@ramseyroofingltd.co.uk Www.ramseyroofingltd.co.uk #roofers #Roofing #pitchedroof #flatroofing #flexitec #liquidroofing #leadwork #repairs #redlandtiles #marleytiles #traditionalroofing #mordernroofing #restec #andersonroofing #painter #paintsprayer #teamwork #ramseyroofing #externalpainting #interiorpainting
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lbest87
22/01/23
#lead #leadwork #leadworker #roof #roofer #roofing
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lbest87
22/01/23
#lead #leadwork #leadworker #roof #roofer #roofing
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bespoke_leadwork_by_pete_field
Another one completed today for briscoecreaneroofing this one will look awesome once all tiled in by his team. #leadworkspecialists #lleadroofer #leadbossing #leadman #leadwelding #leadroofingspecialists #leadwork #leadworkers #leadroof #leadroofing #lead
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mpbespokeroofingltd
12/01/23
Some of our recently completed lead jobs #lead #leadroofing #roofing #roofingcontractor #northwestroofing #leadwork #leadwelding
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mpbespokeroofingltd
12/01/23
Some of our recently completed lead jobs #lead #leadroofing #roofing #roofingcontractor #northwestroofing #leadwork #leadwelding
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cathedral_construction
A bit of a lead work week! 💪🏻💪🏻🥶 #leadworks #lead #buildingwork #builder #leadwelding #chimley #lichfield #lichfieldcathedral #leadbossing #construction #leadspecialist #cold #coldone
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dexcooper_dcroofing
Another one completed for danco.building. Too Low of a pitch for old hollow tiles so we used the klober extreme felt to overcome this.lead cladded walls and smooth cement verges just what we like #roofer #roofing #lead #leadcladding #smoothcement #leadwork #norwichroofer #norfolkroofer #theartofroofing #roofersofinstagram #roofinglife #lovemyjob #skilledtrade #skilledtradesman #mastersofthetrade #roofershelper #roofingcompany #roofingcontractor #leadroofing #horstead #extension #sandtoft #sandtoftrooftiles #kloberextreme #calderlead #tradectory #roofingworld #roofingcompany #roofingcommunity
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jdleadwork
Lead ridge #leadwork #leadworker #roofing #roofer
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trenddesign_build
Bowdon Project 🚨🚨🚨we are just waiting for the overlay system under floor heating to go in and this will be a wrap up. Great design for architectureunknownltd for the dormer looks great. Scaffold from hammac_scaffolding #bespokejoinery #joinery #joinerydesign #joinersofinstagram #verticalcladding #leadwork #redland #flushcasementwindows #scaffolding #roofing #guttering #ridges #fine #finish #dormer #cheshire #trafford #trend
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_millerroofing_
Loft conversion completed in redhill 👌😁✅ #surrey #surreyroofers #roofer #roofing #elite #builder #surreybuilders #surrey #luxury #extension #newbuilds #roofporn #leadwork #velux #integra #muckwork #qualitythatisthroughtheroof
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lombardimasonry
New lead flashing. Restored chimney as needed. New stainless steel cap from our friends newenglandchimneysupply #lombardimasonry #wecanlayanythingbesideseggs #chimney #brickchimney #chimneyrestoration #chimneyrepair #stainlesssteelcap #stainlesssteel #lead #leadflashing #danversma #danvers #masonry #masonryrestoration
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