Leadworking is an acquired skill, which can be developed through practice after the basic techniques of application and design have been learned. The malleability of leadsheet makes it possible, in the hands of a knowledgeable worker, for it to be (beaten) dressed into any shape without affecting its weather shielding performance as the most durable roofing material available.

Equally, it is essential that the leadworker takes into account the thermal movement that the lead will undergo after being fitted on site and that this is properly accommodated in the method of fixing

Lead sheet has been produced by rolling since the mid 1700's and by the turn of this Century, rolled (milled) lead sheet was being used in the UK as an alternative to sand cast sheet for roofing and weathering.

.Rolled lead sheet is formed by passing a slab of refined lead back and forth on a rolling mill between closing rollers, (nowadays often computer controlled) to a predetermined thickness. The sheet is then slit to width and cut to length for final packing and distribution