But as usual, Curt Genga did his homework. He learned that the plastics boom had created a surplus of inexpensive lead. He learned that sheet lead comes in rolls, that Europeans have used it extensively to protect the their ancient, cherished rooftops and steeples. He learned that lead is durable, but also recyclable. Another option, asphalt, would eventually be consigned to a landfill.
Asphalt is much more toxic.
We wanted to make sure nothing was coming off that could be considered toxic. Not in the building, but under these sheets. And, as he stood among workers unrolling monolithic lead sheets and welding them together, slowly assembling the mansion s new roof, Curt Genga began talking about something that you might not expect a Preservation Society staff member to talk about. And that makes it pretty economical. This seemed appropriate for a house that was rapidly closing on its much-anticipated centennial.