What is the purpose of the lead in Lead Coated copper?
Lead coated copper is the copper industry’s response for a strong, durable, easy-to-install gray metal finish on a copper substrate. The material has been available since the early 1900s. Lead coated copper does not extend the life of copper. Its purpose is to provide an alternative color to architectural copper applications. In addition, lead coated copper runoff fulfills the objective of providing a metal whose runoff staining is compatible with light-colored materials such as masonry, limestone, stucco and light painted woodwork.
