Why Is Lead Used For Flashing On Roofs

Lead is used in roofing in many capacities from flashing to flat roofs valleys gutters downspouts and water hoppers.

Why is lead used for flashing on roofs. Open valleys have metal flashing to protect this critical area of the roof. Base flashing is installed over underlayment but under siding and shingles so you may not be able to see it from the ground. Lead can be molded into a variety of shapes to suit different types of flashing design. Counter flashing cap flashing covers a base flashing.

The edge of the roof has thin metal flashing that helps water drip off the roof without damaging the home or causing a leak. Now due to cost and because of concern about lead contamination materials such as zinc sheet rubber plastic and even waterproofed impregnated paper are also used. Base flashing is one length of flashing that is bent along the length to match the pitch of the roof. Generally speaking lead roofing or flashing that is in good shape may safely be left in place.

While some skylight manufacturers include flashing in their products sometimes roofing professionals have to create it or purchase it separately. Good flashing should allow for this movement while also creating a tight seal that keeps moisture out of the roof and the home. It can be adapted so that it will fit along the edge of many different types of roofs. Lead roofing and flashings can last over 200 years.

Base flashing is the solution for front walls. Underfelts cushion the lead against any imperfections in the surface of the substrate and may allow air to gain access to the underside of the lead sheet where gap boards are used. Lead has been used for roofing for centuries and is one of the oldest flashing materials. The material that is used for flashing needs to be malleable so that it can be formed around the different contours of the roof.

Firstly the importance of a properly fitted roof flashing cannot be overstated. One of the first metals to be smelted lead is thought to have been first mined in 6500 bc in anatolia. Fitting a roof flashing. What materials are used for flashing.

This is where lead has proven the best it can be formed easily. Step flashing should always be used where the roof deck meets a. Flashing can be made from many different materials including metal copper aluminum stainless steel lead etc plastic or composite materials. It was used extensively in roman aqueducts between 500 bc and 300 ad.

A metal used at the edges of a roof. The most durable and. Step flashing soaker base flashing pieces of flashing material which overlap each other in steps. Pipe flashing pipe boot vent boot pipe flange a product used where pipes penetrate roofs.

Chimney flashing a general term for flashing a chimney. A building paper to bs1521 class a is normally adequate for laying lead sheet on plywood and as a separating membrane where there is a serious risk of corrosive.