Lead for Fixing Metals in Construction

Abstract

Lead, one of the most widely used metals since ancient times, is characterized by being soft, ductile, malleable, and highly resistant to corrosion – characteristics allowing it to be worked with ordinary manual tools. Lead fixings allow joints between metal elements and the masonry structures to which they are attached to be formed in an exceptionally durable way. The deformability of lead allows it to absorb the stresses transmitted by movements and changes in the volume of the iron without these being transmitted to the masonry and thereby causing cracks. Despite these properties, it has fallen into disuse. This text reviews the history of its use in historic buildings and outlines its qualities and the techniques for its application.