MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Lead-Coated Copper, 0.6mm base (0.6mm)

Metallic Laminate
composite › Laminate › Metallic Laminate
compositelaminatelead-coatedcopperheritageroofingarchitecturalmetalliccorrosion-resistanttoxic-materialregulated
ATLAS CODE
COM-LAM-MET-001
Lead-Coated Copper, 0.6mm base (0.6mm)
Category composite
Material Family Laminate
Regulatory Status A2 - Limited combustibility
Density
8.89-8.92 g/cm? (copper base; lead coating adds slightly) kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
4100 kg CO₂-eq/metric ton kgCO₂e
Fire Class
A2 - Limited combustibility
Lifespan
75-100+ years yrs
Description

Lead-coated copper sheet is specified in ASTM B101 for building construction. The standard covers lead-coated copper sheet and strip for roofing, flashing, gutters and general sheet metalwork, with the lead coating applied by hot dipping. Copper base properties include density about 8.89-8.92 g/cm?, thermal conductivity ~397 W/m?K, specific heat ~385 J/kg?K and coefficient of thermal expansion around 17 x 10^-6 /?C. Lead coating improves corrosion resistance and patina behavior, but introduces toxicity and handling constraints.

Primary Sectors
[Institutional]
Typical Uses
  • Heritage building roof restoration
  • Historic cupolas and domes
  • Traditional standing seam roofing
  • Architectural flashings and valleys
  • Period-authentic gutters and downpipes
  • Church and cathedral roofing
  • Museum and gallery restoration
  • Government building conservation
  • Custom architectural features
  • Marine environment roofing
Recycled Content 20-40%
Renewable Content 0%
Recyclability 85-90%
Embodied Carbon 4100 kg CO₂-eq/metric ton kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 47 GJ/metric ton MJ/kg
EPD Available No
Advantages
Exceptional lifespan 75-100+ yearsSuperior marine corrosion resistanceNo green staining on masonryDevelops protective gray patinaExcellent UV resistance100% recyclable materialsPerforms across all climate zonesSelf-healing minor scratchesLow thermal movementHeritage authenticity
Cautions
Lead toxicity hazardsStringent safety requirementsHigh disposal costs as hazardous wasteProhibited for water catchmentIncompatible with zinc/aluminumRequires specialized contractorsHigher installation costsMay 2026 regulatory restrictionsInsurance liability concernsLimited availability
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-LAM-MET-001
Density (Dry) 8.89-8.92 g/cm? (copper base; lead coating adds slightly) kg/m³
Specific Gravity 8.89-8.92
Porosity <1% %
Water Absorption 0% %
Hardness 54 minimum Rockwell F
Surface Roughness Ra 0.8-2.5 μm μm
UV Resistance Excellent (Class A)
Chemical Resistance Excellent to acids/alkalis pH 3-12
pH Tolerance 3-12
Compressive Strength 280-350 MPa MPa
Tensile Strength 200-250 MPa (annealed copper) MPa
Flexural Strength 200-250 MPa MPa
Shear Strength 172 MPa MPa
Elastic Modulus 118-130 GPa (copper) GPa
Yield Strength 138 MPa minimum MPa
Impact Resistance 130-161 J (Charpy V-notch) J/m
Bearing Capacity 150-200 MPa kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.34
Creep Resistance Excellent below 150°C
Abrasion Resistance Good (Taber 15-25 mg loss/1000 cycles)
Thermal Conductivity 390-400 W/m·K W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.0015-0.0025 m²·K/W m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 380-390 J/kg·K J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 17-19 × 10⁻⁶/°C μm/m·K
Melting Point 327°C (lead), 1085°C (copper) °C
Ignition Temperature Not applicable - Non-combustible °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 26-30
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.05-0.10
Optical
Light Transmittance 0% %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 60-75% (new), 40-50% (weathered) %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 45-55

Lead-coated copper emerged in 19th century Europe as premium roofing for significant buildings, with Australian adoption primarily for government, religious, and institutional architecture. Traditional hot-dip coating process remains largely unchanged, applying 2.5-5% lead by weight to copper substrate. Notable Australian installations include Parliament Houses, cathedrals, universities, and heritage-listed buildings across all states. Modern use increasingly restricted to heritage restoration where maintaining historical authenticity under Burra Charter principles justifies regulatory compliance costs. May 2026 regulations limiting lead content to 0.25% will effectively eliminate new installations, preserving existing applications for heritage conservation only.

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SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-LAM-MET-001
Flame Spread Index 15-25
Smoke Developed Index 50-150
Combustibility Class A2 - Limited combustibility
Ignition Temperature Not applicable - Non-combustible °C
Fire Resistance Rating Non-combustible base, A2 composite hours
Heat Release Rate <50 kW/m² kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion Highly toxic - Lead oxide fumes at 500°C+
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 4100 kg CO₂-eq/metric ton kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 47 GJ/metric ton MJ/kg
Water Footprint 2100 m³/metric ton L/kg
EPD Available No
Recycled Content 100%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 3-6 points
Circular Economy Score 7/10 /100
VOC Emissions 0 g/L g/L
Skill Level Professional - Licensed plumber/roofer
Crew Size 2-3 persons
Installation Time 8-12 m²/day flat seam, 15-20 m²/day standing seam hr/m²
Curing Time Solder: 10-15 min cooling, Sealants: 24-48 hours hours
Setting Time Immediate mechanical joints min
Temperature Range 5-35°C installation, 15-25°C optimal °C
Humidity Range <85% RH for solder work %
Required Tools
Metal snips rated 0.6mmSoldering irons 100-200WLead-free solder ASTM B32Crimping toolsSeaming pliersBending brakeSafety equipment (respirators, gloves)Contamination control materials
Certifications Required
Certificate III Roof Plumbing (CPC32612)Lead work safety trainingSafeWork notification
Weather Limitations
No installation during rainWind <25 km/h for safetyAvoid extreme temperatures
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-LAM-MET-001
Material Cost $45-85 per m²
Installation Cost $40-80 per m² (standard), $100-150 (complex)
Annual Maintenance $0-200 typical residential
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $1.70-2.20 per m² annually over 75-100 years
Market Availability Limited - Specialty suppliers
Lead Time 2-4 weeks standard, 6-12 weeks custom weeks
Design Life 75-100+ years years
Warranty Period 20 years typical, 100 year expected years
Maintenance Interval Annual inspection, 5-10 year cleaning optional months
Service Temp Range -40°C to +150°C continuous °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent - No degradation
Dimensional Stability Excellent - Max 25m runs between fixed points
Certifications Held
AS 1562.1:2018 Metal roof and wall claddingAS/NZS 1170.2:2021 Wind actionsAS/NZS 2904:1995 FlashingsISO 14001 Environmental managementGreen Star material credits possibleSafeWork Australia lead exposure standardsWHS Regulations 2017 lead risk workBlood lead monitoring required
Fire Code Compliance
A2 Limited combustibility ratingToxic smoke hazard protocols required
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 Part 7.2 Sheet roofingProhibited upstream zinc/aluminumBanned for potable water catchmentASTM B101-22 Lead-coated copper specificationASTM B370-22 Copper sheet for buildingASTM B32 Lead-free solderISO 9223 Corrosivity categoriesISO 14040 Life cycle assessmentEN 1172 Copper and copper alloys sheetsEN 12588 Lead sheet for building

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: COM-LAM-MET-001 Schema: v3.0
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