More detail can be found by clicking below
More detail can be found by clicking below
Jump to a topic:
In common with other metals lead suffers from fatigue when continually subjected to small stresses and strains that stretch the metal before releasing it to return to its original state. These changes are small and don’t cause immediate problems, but over time they find weak spots deep within the metals molecular structure. Minute cracks are formed and continue to grow, little by little,, unit they break through the surface, allowing rainwater to seep through to the structure beneath. The small stresses and strains in the South Aisle roof are caused by expansion as the sun’s rays heat the roof every day of the year and contraction as it cools in the evening. Facing south it is subjected to greater temerature changes than others sections of All Saints' roof.
Recently cracks have been repaired by welding. Unfortunately, although giving immediate respite the repair welds themselves are susceptable to small imperfections providing the weak spots that allow new cracks to develop.
Lead expands up to four times more than stonework, so each day, although subject to the same temperature changes extra forces try to pull the lead sheets away from the stonework. This has resulted in sections of the mortar pointing holding the lead in place to work loose, giving rainwater another point of entry.
The unique properties of lead have established its use as a building material since Roman times.
Its malleability means it can be moved and moulded into a variety of shapes.
It is recyclable, once an old roof has no life left in it the material can be recycled. Today more lead is recycled than newly mined.
Aesthetically it offers a certain understated beauty.
Its weather-resistance provide protection against precipitation and UV rays.
It is proven to be long lasting and can provide adequate protection for 200 years
Because of its resistance to corrosion and ease with which it can be worked, churches throughout history have used lead for their roofing. The malleability of lead is perfect for their hidden gutters and valleys and it suits these ancient buildings with their complex structures well. At one time there was no viable alternative. Today modern materials can be considered, but they do not always provide a cost effective solution. Many churches are Listed Buildings, required to be maintained in such a way that their original designs are respected. The Church of England operates a "Faculty" process to to evaluate repairs and alterations to listed buildings that removes the need to obtain local authority listed building consent. There is a strong preference to the use of traditional materials, particularly where the work is visible to the public, as is the case with All Saints' south aisle.
Following theft of the original lead sheets the North side of All Saints' Nave has been resheeted with a coated steel material.This roof section is not readily visible from the public highway. The congregation are aware that the steel roof does not deaden the noise of heavy rain as well as lead .