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The Lead Lads | Rolled Lead Sheet Guide

Lead Colour Codes

A practical guide to rolled lead sheet colour codes, lead thicknesses, weights and common roofing applications — with direct links to buy Code 3, Code 4, Code 5 and Code 6 lead from The Lead Shop.

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Rolled Lead Sheet Colour Codes Explained

Rolled lead sheet is identified by a colour-coded stripe or label that shows the lead code, thickness and approximate weight per square metre.

This system helps roofers, builders, surveyors and suppliers quickly identify the correct lead sheet for different roofing applications, including soakers, flashings, chimney details, valleys, gutters, cladding and conservation work.

The most commonly ordered roofing lead codes are Code 3 lead, Code 4 lead, Code 5 lead and Code 6 lead. For correct installation, you should also consider suitable leadwork fixings, clips, underlay and patination oil.

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Code 3 Lead

Green stripe. Lightweight rolled lead sheet for soakers and concealed details.

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Code 4 Lead

Blue stripe. Popular roofing lead for flashings, abutments and general roof details.

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Code 5 Lead

Red stripe. Heavier roofing lead for exposed flashings, valleys and chimney details.

Lead Codes 3 to 8: Colours, Thicknesses and Uses

The table below explains the standard rolled lead sheet codes, their identifying colours, approximate thicknesses, weights and typical roofing applications.

Code 3 Lead — Green Stripe

  • Thickness: approximately 1.32 mm
  • Weight: approximately 14.97 kg/m²
  • Common use: soakers and concealed details beneath roof coverings.
  • Important: Code 3 lead is not normally used as an exposed flashing because it is relatively thin.
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Code 4 Lead — Blue Stripe

  • Thickness: approximately 1.80 mm
  • Weight: approximately 20.41 kg/m²
  • Common use: cover flashings, apron flashings, abutments, lead slates and general roof detailing.
  • Best for: many domestic roofing applications where a workable and durable sheet is required.
Buy Code 4 Lead

Code 5 Lead — Red Stripe

  • Thickness: approximately 2.24 mm
  • Weight: approximately 25.40 kg/m²
  • Common use: exposed flashings, step flashings, chimney details, valleys and more demanding leadwork.
  • Best for: projects requiring additional durability compared with Code 4 lead.
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Code 6 Lead — Black Stripe

  • Thickness: approximately 2.65 mm
  • Weight: approximately 30.05 kg/m²
  • Common use: valley gutters, dormer tops, channels, small flat areas and heavier exposed detailing.
  • Best for: more robust applications where heavier sheet lead is required.
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Code 7 Lead — White Stripe

  • Thickness: approximately 3.15 mm
  • Weight: approximately 35.72 kg/m²
  • Common use: large gutter linings, channels, valleys, cladding and specialist conservation work.
  • Ordering: contact or order through The Lead Shop for project-specific requirements.
Order Code 7 Lead

Code 8 Lead — Orange Stripe

  • Thickness: approximately 3.55 mm
  • Weight: approximately 40.26 kg/m²
  • Common use: high-exposure, high-specification and specialist leadwork applications.
  • Important: Code 8 lead is heavy and should be designed and installed by experienced leadworkers.
Order Code 8 Lead

Buy Lead by Code from The Lead Shop

The Lead Shop is set up to make ordering roofing lead simple. Choose your lead code, check the common application, add the correct fixings and accessories, then order online.

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Which Lead Code Should I Use?

The right lead code depends on exposure, detail type, bay size, substrate, fixing method, movement allowance and whether the work is exposed or concealed.

  • Use Code 3 mainly for soakers and hidden details.
  • Use Code 4 for many common domestic flashings and abutments.
  • Use Code 5 where more durability is required.
  • Use Code 6 and above for heavier, more exposed or more demanding applications.

For more detailed technical guidance, visit our Ultimate Guide to Lead Roofing.

Lead Codes, Fixings and Accessories

Ordering the correct lead roll is only part of the job. Leadwork also needs the correct clips, fixings, underlay, laps and movement allowance. If the lead code is wrong, the detail may be harder to form, less durable or unsuitable for exposure.

  • Code 3 lead is generally for soakers and concealed work, not exposed flashings.
  • Code 4 and Code 5 are common choices for roof flashings and chimney details.
  • Code 6 and above are used for heavier-duty, more exposed or specialist leadwork.
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The Purpose of Lead Colour Coding

The rolled lead sheet colour code system gives a quick visual reference for identifying lead thickness on site, in storage and during ordering. This helps reduce mistakes and makes it easier to select the correct material for each roofing detail.

Colour coding is particularly useful when ordering lead rolls online, checking deliveries, pricing leadwork and confirming that the correct code has been selected for flashings, soakers, valleys, gutters and roof coverings.

For compliant and long-lasting leadwork, the code must still be matched with good design, suitable fixing, correct substrate preparation and competent installation.

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