What is traditional cast sand lead?
Traditional sand cast lead is almost entirely a manual process, considered an artisan trade, with scrap material forming the bulk of the feedstock.
Sand cast sheet is made on a large sloping table on which a bed of casting sand is carefully prepared, with molten lead held in a large pot at the upper end.
The finished sheet retains its crystalline grain structure and is easily recognised by one side having a smooth, mottled finish, and the other described as an “orange peel” texture where it was in contact with the sand bed.
This rough surface texture is a perfect match for older lead that must be replaced, making sand cast lead a preferred material for listed buildings and conservation or restoration projects.
Common questions about traditional cast sand lead
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about specifying, ordering and installing traditional cast sand lead for heritage and conservation projects.
View All FAQsSand cast lead is available from Code 6 (2.65mm), the minimum standard for sand cast roofing, through Code 7 and Code 8 for heavy-duty heritage applications, and heavier codes for specialised structural leadwork.
The casting table enables a maximum roll size of 1.2 metres wide by 6 metres in length, and any dimension within this is possible.
Sheets are made to order to your exact bay dimensions, minimising waste on site.
From early medieval times, churches and fine houses used lead sheets cast on a bed of sand to cover their roofs. Sand cast lead sheet is still made using this oldest method of manufacture, as it remains in demand for restoration and refurbishment work where like-for-like replacement is required.
Since sand cast lead is a specialist material, there is no BBA certification or British Standard for this product. It is therefore extremely important to select a trusted and reputable source to ensure an even thickness, high quality, and an accurate cut-to-size service.
Sand cast lead is used extensively in renewing the roofs of historic buildings, where existing lead coverings can be stripped and sent to the casting company for recasting into new lead sheets for replacement.
This reduces waste and material costs on larger heritage contracts.
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