Lead has been popularly used as a high quality roofing material for many years due to its durability, resistance to corrosion and malleability.
Lead is commonly found in the roofs of schools and churches but can also be found on some commercial and residential properties too.
Unfortunately, over recent years, the value of metals like lead have dramatically risen, making properties with lead roofing a target for thieves.
As the value of lead soars, more and more people are returning to their properties to find their roofs have been stripped by thieves who will then sell the lead as scrap metal.
Here are five ways to protect a lead roof from thieves.
Remove access to roof
Don’t make it easy for thieves to access your roof. Remove ladders, bins, or garden furniture that may make it easier for thieves to scale your building and prune back any nearby trees that might provide easy access to the roof.
Secure the perimeter
Make sure the boundaries surrounding your property are secure and always keep your gate locked to make it difficult for thieves to access the property.
Apply anti-climb paint
Consider applying anti-climb paints to your property’s drainpipes to make it difficult for thieves to climb them. Remember, if you choose to do this, you’ll also need signs informing of the anti-climb paint for liability reasons, these also make excellent deterrents.
Install CCTV and security lighting
The presence of CCTV systems and security lighting is often enough of a deterrent in itself to stop opportunist thieves in their tracks.
Apply spray foam insulation
When you apply spray foam insulation to the underside of your property’s roof, not only will it improve your property’s energy efficiency, it can also help to prevent lead theft. Spray foam insulation works by bonding your roofing materials to each other and to the roof’s structural timbers. This makes your roof stronger and prevents thieves from easily removing materials from your roof.
For more information about our spray foam insulation, or to request a free consultation, get in touch with our team by calling us on 0800 028 4042.
