BUILDING ENVELOPE


How to choose a ead-free flashing


Klober UK’s Nick King details six things self-builders and their roofers should be aware of when considering leadfree flashing.


N


ot all things are made equal, and this saying can certainly be applied to leadfree flashing.


rom the material the leadfree flashing is made from, to the adhesive backing and how easy it is to apply, through to testing, accreditations and how much wind uplift it can withstand, there are several considerations that self-builders and their roofers should have in mind.


COMPLEX DETAILING For self-build projects with complex features and considering speed of application leadfree flashing provides the perfect solution. hanks to its easy to-work-with nature, the product can be applied by hand and is much more suited to detailing such as saddle flashing. In addition to clay and concrete tiled


roofs lead flashing alternatives can be applied to metal roofs. t can also be used on existing structures, making it a great solution for both refurbishments and new builds. Leadfree flashing can be used on:


• Chimneys – the join between chimney and roof tiles can be perfectly finished off with leadfree flashing


• Roof to wall – providing a watertight solution between roof and wall, such as on an extension or low level roof


• Solar panels – giving a watertight solution for in-roof solar panel systems


• Dormers – giving a waterproof connection between dormer and tiled roof


• Pipes and outlets – can be secured with leadfree flashing and specially designed accessories


• Saddles – designed to help weatherproof vulnerable sections of the roof.


SECURITY When working on any project, roofers 40 www.sbhonline.co.uk


and self-builders want assurances that the products they are using will be secure once the work is complete. his is not just in reference to weather conditions, but also the risk of theft. Lead theft is a common occurrence often on significant buildings such as churches, due to the material’s high resale value. he risk of theft is reduced with


lead-free alternatives as it has no scrap or resale value. or roofers protecting their work is the ultimate challenge after leaving the site. Flashing-alternatives provide roofers with security and knowledge that the products they are using are not going to be stolen by thieves, leading to unnecessary reparatory works.


EASE OF APPLICATION For roofers, ease of application is one of the major considerations when choosing any material  especially flashing. any roofers may have previously worked with lead flashing and are wellversed in how to fit the product. So when it comes to


sourcing alternatives, there may be some understandable apprehension. owever leadfree flashing alternatives


are often easier to manage given they are lightweight and pliable. or eample some solutions on the market use perforated release paper and two butyl adhesive strips to help roofers position and apply the product, which if needed can be installed in wet conditions with the use of lue.


In addition, certain lead-free flashing uses selfwelding technology which instantly welds together when overlapped, becoming homogenous and making it impossible to separate. his saves time and increases efficiency as only minimal overlaps are needed and an instant watertight connection is made. Leadfree flashing allows roofers to carry out the entire installation process while on the rooftop, without needing to use specialist tools. hey will only need to go up on the roof once to measure and fit the product. n contrast to lead where roofers traditionally measure


nov/dec 2024


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