ROOFING
FLASH, BANG, WALLOP
T
raditional lead flashing has been widely used in the roofing industry for centuries and roofers and merchants alike tend to know what they are getting when using the product. However, now the lead-free flashing alternative market is growing, and more roofers are turning to other materials to waterproof and secure their roofs. Nick King, portfolio manager at Klober UK says: “Both lead and lead-free flashing have a place on the roof, and lead-free flashings are often developed with a lead-like appearance. So, it need not be one or the other, but importantly, not all lead-free flashing is made equal. To help merchants understand the difference between the two, Klober’s Training Zone provides all the information they will need at the trade counter, allowing them to talk confidently about the products.”
King explains that stocking lead-free flashing that is tried and tested gives installers peace of mind that once fitted, the product will withstand the test of time and mitigates the chance of returns. “Lead-free flashing such as our Wakaflex, for example, is UV-resistant and has a 20-year guarantee,” he says. Typically, what sets lead-free flashing alternatives apart from each other is their material composition. “While flashings made from thinner materials can be more susceptible to tearing, high-quality lead-free materials are usually made of multiple layers that stops this from happening. For example, Wakaflex consists of four layers made up of a flexible PIB (Polyisobutylene), reinforced with an aluminium mesh, making it extremely strong and tear- resistant. It is highly water-repellent, has superior properties against corrosion, and wear from heat,” King says.
The product is stretchable in both directions - up to 50% in length and 15% in width. He adds: “Merchants can reassure roofers that they do not have to worry about tearing the product when installing and can treat the product as they would in the main with traditional lead flashing. As well as being UV, tear resistant and easy to handle, some lead-free flashing alternatives are tested to high standards and have certifications that will fill merchants with confidence. Wakaflex, for instance, has been
Roof flashing is a key component of a roofer’s job, and merchants need to know their way around the product from traditional lead flashing through to newer lead-free alternatives.
tested for winds up to 114mph, with the butyl strips providing extra security, and the material is BBA-approved.”
King adds that BBA certification shows a company has gone the extra mile on product quality and safety. To meet the accreditation standards, products must undergo a rigorous set of tests that prove they are fit-for-purpose. “With its innovative self-welding technology, Wakaflex seamlessly welds together when overlapped, creating a homogenous, inseparable bond. Lead-free flashing allows for the entire installation process to be carried out on the rooftop without the need for specialised tools. Roofers can simply measure and fit the product on the roof, eliminating the need to measure and cut the lead on the ground or scaffold before returning to the roof for installation.”
Supply and demand
One of the key considerations for merchants stocking roofing supplies will be supply and demand. King says it is somewhat of a hot topic in the wider housebuilding industry with the Government’s proposals to build 1.5 million homes in England over the course of this parliament.
“The inevitable increase in demand for homes to be built across the UK is good news for merchants stocking flashing who can increase their supply in accordance. Both lead and lead-free flashing alternatives will be needed to meet this target but merchants should be aware of the uses for each so they can help specify and advise roofers.” Roofers facing a rooftop with lots of complex features may benefit from lead-free flashing as it can speed up the job and is easier to work with compared to lead flashing. As well as traditional clay and concrete tiled roofs, lead flashing alternatives can be applied to metal roofs, and can also be fitted on top of existing structures.
November 2024
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
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 – provides a watertight solution between roof and wall such as on an extension • Dormers – gives a waterproof connection between dormer and tiled roof • Pipes and outlets – can be secured with lead-free flashing and specially designed accessories like Klober’s Uni Outlet • Saddles – designed to help weatherproof vulnerable sections of the roof
King says: “We have UK-based distribution centres meaning low stock levels can be replenished quicker than sourcing products from overseas. Local centres provide merchants with peace of mind that orders can be fulfilled, and deliveries can be completed on time without wasting stock. Any returns can also quickly be processed and queries can be handled closer to home without delaying customers on tight project timelines. “While both lead and lead-free flashing alternatives will form part of merchants’ stock, it is important that staff behind trade counters feel empowered with the knowledge of traditional and new products. This means flashing solutions can be tailored to individual projects, leaving roofers returning for trusted and reliable advice.” BMJ
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