Scottish Lead

[Toddyplumb]

A question for our brothers over the wall (good result against South Africa by the way) Or our lead experts
I have done a few lead ridges over the years , usually on victorian style sunrooms , they look sooooo much better that tiles cut at angles
Now we use copper clips formed over the wood core roll and then last inch turned over the lead.
It has always puzzled me that when driving through the borders that the Scottish lead ridges have an external type clip over the lead , they always seem to be rusting ( steel or galvo ???) What are they and why use this method ? The staining seems to detract from some great work

 

[justlead1]

Hi There. It may well be a combination of cost and lack of knowledge that causes it. Where in years gone bye plumbers were involved in roof weathering, along with their training in metals etc. However this seems to have changed over the years. Roofers although they are hard working people, often lack any formal training in the finer parts of there trade, especial where weathering is concerned. I have also heard on many occasions "We wont use copper nails to fix slates they are too expensive" Which seems to me to be a false economy?

 

[Toddyplumb]

I did wonder if it was just cost justlead. The actual ridges look great though .

 

[justlead1]

Hi. Cost can be an issue but the benefits are :- The run off keeps the roof clear of moss/alge, although a damp job, lead ridge can bet fitted during wet conditions and as you have recognised they look good and traditional. As for cost, the inflated price of properties is to do with profit not the cost of building materials.