Church Roof Lead Theft Replacement Options

Lead thefts are an unfortunate – but increasing – crime here in Norfolk. Our county’s churches are often the target of these crimes, and considering there are 650 of them the thieves don’t have to look far and wide for the next victim. Lead thefts cost the church money and damage the structural safety of the building. In this blog, we will be talking about the options available to churches when thieves do target them. 

Replacement Roof Materials Available 

Replacing the roof of a church is an important process that needs to be done quickly and professionally. Here at RG Leverett, we are experts in the roofing industry. We have over 30 years of experience and have worked on many different churches over our years in the industry. 

Before carrying out any work we will undertake a thorough evaluation of the roof, to see which materials will best suit the property. Here are some of the options we can offer and the benefits of each:

• Felt – These roofing systems come in three layers, which are both insulated and fire resistant. They can withstand extremely cold temperatures without cracking and they come with a guarantee of between 15 – 25 years and have an expected lifespan of over 30 years. We have installed these on church roofs successfully in the past following lead thefts.
  
• EPDM – We can install the firestone EPDM roofing system, which is widely recognised as the best within the industry. Each system is created from one piece of rubber and is airtight, due to a lack of seams and joints. This roofing system is perfect for flat roofs.
  
• Clay, concrete and slate – For pitched roofs, we can replace the stolen lead with a tiled roof. And depending on what will suit property, the tiles can come in three different materials. Tiles will protect your church from the elements for years to come. 
  
• Cold applied liquid roof systems – Another viable option to replace lead stolen from roofs. We have used them on churches before and it is great for waterproofing. It can be erected quickly and should be of no interest to thieves making it perfect for roof replacements. 
  

Lead Theft Statistics 

As a county with over 650 churches (the most in Britain) thefts from church are, unfortunately incredibly common. Since 2012, there have been 26 lead related crimes in churches around Norfolk. These crimes are among a long list of offences against or in churches. 

In one case, 20 sheets of lead roofing were stolen from a church in Kings Lynn. Another case of lead theft from a church saw the lead trim from several wooden headstones stolen. Earlier this year, a gang of four men was sentenced to a total of just under 11 years for their parts in a string of a lead thefts from churches. 

Has your property or local church been affected by a recent lead theft? We can help, contact us. Call us on 01603 418818 or email us enquiries@roofsuk.co.uk.

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