Lead Prices Per KG
A practical guide to rolled lead sheet prices, the London Metal Exchange, lead-code weights, delivery costs, scrap values and better-value buying.
What does “lead price per kg” actually mean?
Rolled lead sheet is commonly sold by weight, but the visible kilogram rate is only one part of the real buying decision.
The same market rate can produce very different roll prices because Code 3, Code 4, Code 5 and heavier sheets contain different kilograms per square metre. Width, length, delivery, VAT, quantity breaks and wastage then change the final amount paid.
A useful comparison therefore starts with the same code and dimensions, then moves to total roll weight, delivered cost per kilogram and usable material for the actual roof detail.
Compare delivered cost and usable yield—not only the advertised £/kg
A lower kilogram rate can be poor value if it involves the wrong code, excessive offcuts, long lead times or expensive freight.
Why do lead prices fluctuate?
LME lead benchmark
International lead prices provide a market reference for physical and financial contracts.
Sterling exchange rate
LME values are quoted in US dollars per metric tonne, so GBP/USD movement affects UK conversion.
Recycled material supply
Recovered lead is an important production input and can influence availability and cost.
Manufacturing cost
Rolling, alloy control, quality assurance, packaging and plant energy add to raw-metal value.
Supplier stock
Code, width and roll-length availability affect how quickly and cheaply an order can be fulfilled.
Freight
Lead is dense, so parcel weight, pallet use, postcode and unloading materially affect delivery.
Quantity
Some suppliers offer lower kilogram rates at higher basket or total-weight thresholds.
Trade terms
Account pricing, branch promotions and negotiated project rates can differ from web list prices.
VAT treatment
Always confirm whether a displayed rate is excluding or including VAT.
What does the LME lead price tell you?
The LME publishes global reference prices for lead and other industrial metals. Official prices are derived from defined trading sessions and are stated in US dollars per metric tonne.
That benchmark is useful for understanding market direction, but it is not the same as the price of a delivered roofing roll. Finished sheet includes conversion, rolling, stockholding, packaging, supplier margin, currency effects and transport.
- 01Benchmark for the underlying metal
- 02Quoted in USD per metric tonne
- 03Can move independently of retail promotions
- 04Does not include manufacturing or delivery
- 05Best used as a trend indicator, not a retail quote
Scrap lead price is not rolled-lead price
Value of recovered material
Scrap yards price lead by grade, cleanliness, contamination, quantity and current resale conditions. The rate reflects material ready for recovery—not a certified roofing product.
- May contain old flashings, pipe or mixed sheet.
- Can require sorting and processing.
- Not supplied to a roofing code or dimension.
- Not equivalent to BS EN 12588 rolled sheet.
Finished roofing product
New sheet is manufactured, rolled and supplied in defined codes, widths and lengths for building applications.
- Known thickness and kg/m².
- Traceable manufacturer and product standard.
- Suitable commercial dimensions.
- Packaging, stockholding and delivery included.
Do not use a local scrap-yard rate as the expected purchase price of new roofing lead
In June 2026, one Leeds recycler displayed a guide price of £1.10/kg for lead scrap. That is a resale or recycling value, not the cost of compliant rolled lead sheet delivered for roofing work.
Why different lead codes have different total prices
The kilogram rate may be similar across Codes 3, 4 and 5, but heavier codes contain more lead per square metre.
Cheaper code does not mean better value
Code selection should follow the application, sheet dimensions, exposure, support and movement requirements. Under-specifying to reduce material cost can create premature failure.
Why freight can change the best supplier
Total weight
Heavy baskets may need pallet or specialist freight rather than standard parcel delivery.
Roll dimensions
Wide and long rolls can attract oversize handling charges even before weight limits are reached.
Postcode
Remote, island and restricted-access locations may carry surcharges.
Unloading
Very heavy rolls may require mechanical handling or a planned team lift.
Lead time
A lower price is not useful if the material arrives after labour or scaffolding is booked.
Damage risk
Packaging, edge protection and claims procedures matter for heavy, soft metal rolls.
Branch collection
Local collection can reduce freight but transfers vehicle, loading and handling responsibility.
Combined orders
Clips, fixings, sealants and tools may improve delivery efficiency when ordered together.
How to calculate roll weight and delivered £/kg
Roll weight
Multiply width in metres by length in metres and then by the code weight per square metre.
Roll weight = width × length × kg/m²Example: Code 4 at 0.45m × 3m × 20.41kg/m² ≈ 27.55kg.
Delivered price per kilogram
Add product cost, delivery and surcharges, then divide by roll weight.
Delivered £/kg = total delivered cost ÷ roll weightCompare excluding or including VAT consistently.
How roofers and contractors can buy more efficiently
Specify first
Confirm code, application, maximum sheet sizes and detail requirements.
Measure accurately
Include laps, upstands, drips, rolls and forming allowances.
Optimise widths
Choose roll sizes that reduce repeated cuts and unusable strips.
Compare weight
Confirm each roll contains the expected kilograms for its code and area.
Price delivery
Add freight, surcharges, access and unloading before ranking suppliers.
Use quantity breaks
Combine project requirements where this improves pricing without overstocking.
Order accessories
Include clips, wedges, fixings, oil, sealants and underlay in the same cost plan.
Protect offcuts
Store usable lead safely for later details and recycle genuine waste responsibly.
Move from £/kg to the correct lead roll
Use code, dimensions, roll weight, delivery and application together to select better-value lead for flashings, valleys, gutters, bays and architectural details.
Lead prices per kg FAQs
How much is lead per kilogram?
The live price varies by supplier, code, quantity, dimensions, VAT and delivery. Check current rolled-lead listings at the point of order.
Is the LME lead price the same as the retail price?
No. The LME is a benchmark for underlying metal. Retail rolled sheet also includes conversion, rolling, stockholding, packaging, margin and freight.
Why is scrap lead cheaper than new rolled lead?
Scrap is priced for recovery and reprocessing. New rolled lead is a manufactured, standardised roofing product supplied in defined codes and dimensions.
Does lead price change every day?
The underlying market can move daily, but suppliers may update finished-product prices on different cycles.
Why is Code 4 more expensive than Code 3?
Code 4 contains approximately 20.41kg/m² compared with 14.97kg/m² for Code 3, so the same area contains more metal.
Does Code 5 have a higher £/kg rate than Code 4?
Not necessarily. The kilogram rate may be similar, but Code 5 costs more for the same area because it weighs more per square metre.
How do I calculate lead-roll weight?
Multiply width in metres by length in metres and by the code weight per square metre.
How much does a 450mm by 3m Code 4 roll weigh?
Approximately 27.55kg, using 0.45 × 3 × 20.41.
What is the best way to compare lead prices?
Compare identical code, width, length, total weight, product standard, VAT basis and delivered cost.
Does a lower price per roll mean better value?
No. The roll may be narrower, shorter, lighter or create more waste.
Why is lead delivery expensive?
Lead is very dense, and heavy or wide rolls may require pallet freight, oversize handling and planned unloading.
Can I collect rolled lead from a branch?
Often, depending on stock. Check vehicle payload, load restraint and safe manual handling.
Are bulk lead discounts available?
Many suppliers offer quantity or basket-weight price breaks, though thresholds and terms vary.
Should I buy the widest roll available?
Not automatically. The most economical width is the one that suits the cutting schedule and approved detail with minimal waste.
What is BS EN 12588?
It specifies requirements for rolled lead sheet used in roofs, flashings, weatherings, cladding and similar building work.
Can old roof lead be sold as scrap?
Yes, subject to lawful ownership, identification, recycler requirements and any contamination or attachment.
Is recovered lead worth the same as new sheet?
No. Scrap value reflects recovery potential, while new sheet includes manufacture, quality control and supply-chain costs.
Can lead offcuts be reused?
Usable clean offcuts may suit smaller details if the code, condition and dimensions are appropriate.
What accessories should be included in the budget?
Common items include clips, wedges, copper or stainless fixings, patination oil, sealant, underlay and wood rolls.
Does VAT affect advertised lead prices?
Yes. Merchant and trade pages may show prices excluding VAT, including VAT or both.
Can lead-price promotions be used as a long-term benchmark?
No. Promotions are time-limited and may be branch-, stock- or quantity-specific.
How far in advance should lead be ordered?
Confirm stock and delivery before labour or scaffolding is committed, especially for wide, heavy or unusual rolls.
Where can I buy rolled lead in Yorkshire?
Rolled lead is available through roofing merchants and specialist online suppliers. The Lead Lads supplies code-based products and ordering tools.
Can Neal Roofing advise on the right code?
Yes. Neal Roofing can advise within a roof survey or leadwork project, taking account of application, exposure, dimensions and detailing.
What is the Lead Chart?
It is an online ordering route that helps buyers select code, dimensions, roll weight and current product price.
Authoritative supporting information
- London Metal Exchange: LME Lead
- London Metal Exchange: Official Prices explained
- BSI: BS EN 12588 rolled lead sheet
- BSI: BS 6915 lead-sheet design and construction
Lead prices and stock change. Confirm the current quote, VAT basis, delivery and product specification before ordering.
