Lead worker

Lead has been used for centuries as a roofing material and remains a prominent feature of the modern skyline, providing protection from the elements for some of the UK’s most cherished buildings.

Lead has been used for centuries as a roofing material and remains a prominent feature of the modern skyline, providing protection from the elements for some of the UK’s most cherished buildings.

The skills of a lead worker in shaping and forming (bossing) the metal have hardly needed to change over many generations and – together with more modern welding techniques – can be applied just as easily to modern-day applications of lead sheet as to more traditional uses. Over 100,000 tonnes of lead sheet is used in UK construction each year, both in heritage work and modern weathering installations. A skilled lead worker can therefore be found just as often working on a modern roof as carrying out the refurbishment of a historic building.

Lead sheet durability and performance continues to provide long-term peace of mind for those charged with the responsibility of preserving our built heritage: the skills of the lead work craftsperson therefore remain at a premium for both traditional and modern installations.

Visit our training provider database to find specialist heritage courses in lead working.