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Lead flashing - call the experts!
Lead flashing has been applied to chimneys since roman times and is still an outstanding choice now where a durable flashing material is required. Unlike some other metal flashings it’s highly resistant to corrosion, and it has stood the test of time. It is quite malleable, permitting it to be formed into elaborate shapes.
But, roofers who work with lead flashing need a good deal of ability to achieve the right results. In this article we would really like to discuss a number of the usual flaws found with lead flashing work. We’ve fixed hundreds of lead flashings where the fault may be traced back to the first installment at a time perhaps, when information regarding the thermal properties of lead was not widely known.
The biggest cause of failure in lead flashing is caused by thermal movement. This is mainly because of the Coefficient of thermal expansion. Simply said the lead grows in volume as the temperature increases. This constant expansion and contraction of the roofing material will eventually cause fractures or splits in the flashing.
Fortunately, there are a couple measures we can take to minimise the damage brought on by thermal movement. Size definitely issues. Care should be taken to make certain the correct level of lead is used for every situation. Lead sheet comes in rolls graded by the width. Between 1.3 to 3.5mm are the most typical. The smaller widths are used for roof soakers and the heavier codes taken for box and parapet gutters. When you purchase your lead from your roofing supplier tell them what you want it for. They are going to advise you of the right level for your own application. Do not scrimp on materials. The thicker grades are pricier but crucial if you need to prevent roof leaks.
The length of is of paramount importance. Roofing flashings that are cut too long will deteriorate faster. Thus the lead will split faster. To sum up, make certain you’ve got the correct grade lead for the region you want to flit and keep all of your cuts under 1.5 meters in length.