{"id":9749,"date":"2026-11-03T15:34:49","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T14:34:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leadax.com\/uk\/?page_id=9749"},"modified":"2026-11-03T18:23:11","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T17:23:11","slug":"stuart-penrose","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/leadax.com\/uk\/stuart-penrose\/","title":{"rendered":"Stuart Penrose"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\u2190 Back to Leadax<\/a>

EXPERIENCE FROM THE TRADE<\/p>

Why I believe there is now a genuine alternative to lead<\/h1>

Four decades on the roof. More than three years of putting Leadax to work.<\/p>

By Stuart Penrose<\/p>

Award-winning domestic and heritage roofing specialist<\/p><\/div>Read the full story \u2193<\/a><\/div>

\"Stuart
Stuart Penrose \u00b7 Leadax ambassador<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/section>
40+ years<\/strong>Working in roofing and restoring traditional properties<\/span><\/div>
3+ years<\/strong>Installing Leadax on customers\u2019 properties<\/span><\/div>
First-hand<\/strong>Confidence built through practical experience<\/span><\/div><\/section>

01 \/ LOOKING FOR A BETTER WAY<\/p>

Craftsmanship, with an open mind<\/h2>

I have spent more than four decades working in roofing, much of that time restoring traditional and historic properties. I have always believed that traditional craftsmanship should be preserved, but that doesn\u2019t mean we should resist better materials when they become available.<\/p>

For more than 15 years, I have questioned why our industry continues to rely so heavily on lead. We have progressively removed lead from paints, petrol and many other everyday applications because of its environmental and health implications, yet it remains widely used in roofing.<\/p>

My concerns weren\u2019t simply environmental. Over the years, I have encountered failed lead valleys, poorly executed flashings and unsightly staining to otherwise beautiful buildings. I began looking seriously at alternatives.<\/p><\/div>

\"Leadax<\/a>
Leadax flashing on site.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

02 \/ PUTTING THE MATERIAL TO WORK<\/p>

Confidence earned on the roof<\/h2>

Copper and zinc have always been excellent materials, and I continue to use both. However, they require specialist skills and fabrication, particularly around complicated roof details. I also experimented with several manufactured lead alternatives, but none convinced me that they offered the appearance, workability and long-term confidence I expected.<\/p>

That changed when I began using Leadax more than three years ago.<\/p>

What impressed me wasn\u2019t a manufacturer\u2019s sales pitch. It was how the material actually performed in my hands and on the roofs we were restoring.<\/p>

Leadax has the appearance and flexibility of traditional lead, but is considerably lighter. It can be dressed into complicated details, supplied in continuous lengths of up to six metres, reducing the number of joints, and installed without the hot works associated with lead welding.<\/p>

For my business, these are significant practical advantages. My apprentices can develop their skills working with a modern material while maintaining the craftsmanship our customers expect.<\/p><\/div>

\"Leadax<\/a>
A closer look at the flashing detail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\"Leadax<\/a>
Leadax shaped to a slate roof detail.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

03 \/ A CONSIDERED CHOICE<\/p>

A reputation built over decades<\/h2>

Of course, no material compensates for poor workmanship. Correct preparation, detailing and installation remain essential, regardless of the product.<\/p>

I also recognise that some heritage projects require traditional materials to satisfy conservation specifications. That is entirely understandable.<\/p>

But where we have a choice, I believe we should be prepared to question established practices.<\/p>

After more than three years of installing Leadax on customers\u2019 properties, I have developed genuine confidence in what it offers.<\/p>

I have never been someone who endorses products lightly. My reputation has taken decades to establish, and I wouldn\u2019t put it behind a material I didn\u2019t believe in.<\/p>

For me, Leadax is no longer simply another alternative on the market. It is a genuine, practical alternative to lead.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/div><\/article>

EXPLORE THE MATERIAL BEHIND THE STORY<\/p>

Get to know Leadax Original<\/h2>

Discover the product, explore its applications and see how to work with it.<\/p><\/div>Discover Leadax Original \u2192<\/a><\/section>