Lead flashing is integral to any roofing system, protecting your property from leaks. When installed correctly, it forms a watertight seal, ensuring longevity, but incorrect installation quickly leads to numerous problems with the roof.
Tiny leaks can soon cause issues throughout your property, and many people have to pay for extensive repairs. However, ensuring proper installation of lead flashing dramatically decreases these risks.
We’re about to reveal the common mistakes people make when dealing with lead flashing and how to avoid them.
What is lead flashing, and why is it important?
Lead flashing is known for its durability, and its applications in roofing ensure protection around vital components of the building. For example, the joints, windows and chimney are vulnerable to water and failing to install lead flashing could increase your chances of leaks.
Proper installation is vital for the following reasons:
- Waterproofing: Lead is water resistant, making it ideal for your roof as it will protect vulnerable areas from moisture.
- Longevity: Installing lead flashing is also a wise investment, as it can withstand extreme heat and cold.
- Security: Lead flashing is also flexible, allowing a seamless application. It creates a tight seal, which is particularly beneficial for older buildings.
- Compatibility: Most roofing materials, including asphalt, tile and slate, are well suited to lead flashing.
Lead flashing is like taking out an insurance property on your home in many ways, as it can seal up vulnerable areas and prevent expensive leaks. With that in mind, let’s consider the biggest mistakes when installing it.
Mistake 1: Failing to inspect the lead flashing properly
Proper inspection is essential whether replacing old lead flashing or constructing a new roof. However, so many people forget this vital step, and it can cause numerous issues, including:
- Water Damage: The primary role of lead flashing is to prevent water damage, but cracked or damaged flashing won’t perform properly, resulting in potential leaks.
- Weakness: Lead is highly durable, but cracks and holes can form during transportation. Checking it first ensures there are no issues.
- Compatibility Problems: You’ll also need to ensure the flashing is the right size for your roof. Any compatibility issues could result in improper installation.
- Expensive Repairs: When you don’t install lead flashing properly, it can lead to costly roof repairs and damage to the interior of a property.
Mistake 2: Poor surface preparation
Lead flashing must adhere properly to its installed surface, and poor surface preparation can result in more roofing problems. You’ll need to clean the roof’s surface correctly and ensure no dirt or moisture.
Failing to do this can impact the flashing’s ability to block water, leading to rot and mould. When you prepare the surface correctly, it’s also easier to notice potential structural issues that might impact the flashing’s performance.
Mistake 3: Selecting incompatible materials
We see this mistake all too often, and it can cause significant damage to your roof. Whether it’s patches, sealants or coatings, any materials you use should be compatible with lead flashing.
Using incompatible materials can cause harm to your roof, including:
- Expensive Repairs: Lead flashing is renowned for its flexibility and durability, but using inadequate materials can compromise these properties, resulting in damage that requires immediate repairs.
- Reactions: Using the wrong materials could create a chemical reaction that causes roof deterioration.
- Health Issues: Some materials can be toxic when used together, resulting in reactions that can compromise health.
Always check with the manufacturer and use common sense to ensure you know which materials you should use.
Mistake 4: Careless sealant application
Applying sealant when using lead flashing is critical in the application process. The sealant ensures no gaps and protects the chimney and roof joints. There are distinct steps to follow when applying sealant, including:
- Check compatibility to ensure the sealant matches your lead flashing and other materials.
- Apply the sealant evenly along any cracks, ensuring it fills all gaps properly.
- Use a spatula to smooth the sealant out, fully covering the joints.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time; no sealant is the same, and some will dry quicker than others.
- If there are gaps after the sealant dries, fill them in with more to ensure a watertight seal.
- Applying Cromapol Acrylic Roof Coating can add a layer of protection to the roof, enhancing durability.
Mistake 5: Not selecting the correct thickness
The thickness of your lead flashing determines its strength, with thinner flashing less likely to protect your roof. Ideally, you want to choose flashing thick enough for your area – especially if the property is in an area with severe weather conditions.
However, thicker lead flashing also adds more weight to the roof, which might compromise older buildings, causing unnecessary strain. If you’re using lead flashing on the side of the roof, it can be thinner, but valleys or flat roofs might require thicker flashing.
Mistake 6: Buying cheap flashing
We all love a bargain, but lead flashing is one of those things you shouldn’t compromise on. Buying from a reputable supplier ensures a quality lead flashing that will withstand strong weather and give you years of security.
E-Roofing has a wide range of lead flashing suitable for heavy-duty weather. With various sizes available, we fulfil all of your roofing needs.
Mistake 7: Going it alone
If you’re new to lead flashing, it might be best to seek specialist support. The installation process can be challenging, and you’ll need to consider ensuring a smooth application and using suitable materials.
Being experienced in DIY doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to tackle the installation, and any mistakes can result in serious leaks. Sometimes, getting an expert can prevent further expenses in the future.
Final thoughts
Lead flashing is a central component in any commercial or residential roof. Avoiding the common mistakes during installation ensures you don’t waste money on materials and avoid costly repairs.
If you need any advice on lead flashing materials, please feel free to contact our friendly customer service team. We’re happy to help.
