Do you know what that strip of metal you often see along the edges of roofs on older buildings is? That’s lead flashing, and it’s been stopping leaks and winning battles against the elements for years.
But with all the modern materials on the market today, you might ask, “Is sticking with lead flashing worth it?”
Well, yes, in the sense it keeps your loft dry. But it also boils down to whether lead can give you the best value for money and last through whatever weather tricks Britain decides to play.
Is Lead Flashing Expensive?
Whether you’re fixing up a family home or sorting out a quick repair on a rental, the price tag matters when it comes to lead flashing.
Popular for its shiny finish, lead is durable and its ease of use has kept it on the shopping list for builders for ages.
But what makes one bit of lead more expensive than another? Well, usually, that’s down to a few things—thickness, market prices for raw materials, and not forgetting the good old supply and demand.
Thicker lead, like the robust Code 8, will cost more than the lighter Code 3, simply because there’s more metal in it.
Before you decide whether lead flashing is worth your dough, we’ll take you through what you’re paying for and why sometimes, spending a bit more now could save you from a headache later.
What is the Life Expectancy of Lead Flashing?
Lead flashing is a fly-by-night kind of material. It has intense staying power. Decades of it, in fact. Often, it outlives the materials it’s paired with. Typically, you can expect lead flashing to hold its own for about 60 to 100 years if it’s installed correctly.
Why does it last so long? It’s super heavy-duty and copes with temperature swings brilliantly. It expands and contracts without cracking or tearing, which is exactly what you want up there protecting your home from water.
How to Install Lead Flashing
Getting lead flashing up on your roof isn’t rocket science, but there are a couple of secrets to making sure it does its job as it should.
Firstly, it needs to fit well. Lead must be cut and shaped so that it sits just right—flush against the parts of your roof it’s meant to protect.
And while we’re talking about installation, it’s worth mentioning that lead is a heavy material, so making sure it’s secured properly is a must. That means using the right fixings and techniques to keep it from slipping or buckling.
Done right, lead flashing looks the part and also provides premium protection for years, possibly even generations.
Lead Flashing vs. Alternative Materials
When you’re weighing up options, cost is a big deal. Lead flashing, while a bit pricier upfront, packs a punch in terms of longevity and reliability. But what about the alternatives?
Materials like aluminium or rubber might not set you back as much initially, but they often don’t have the same lifespan or flexibility under pressure from the elements.
Aluminium is lightweight and resistant to corrosion, sure, but it doesn’t handle thermal expansion as gracefully as lead.
Rubber options are waterproof and easy to install, but UV rays can shorten their shelf life. So, in the long game, lead might just save you trips back up the ladder for replacements.
For more heavy-duty needs, consider our pitched roofing and flat roofing materials, and make sure you have the right ladders to get the job done safely.
Is Lead Flashing Dangerous?
Now, onto a sticky topic—safety and the environment. Lead’s not without its controversies. It’s heavy stuff, literally and figuratively, because of environmental and health concerns when not handled properly. But modern lead flashing is manufactured and installed with these concerns in mind.
When it’s properly installed and looked after, there are less exposure risks. Plus, its durability means less material turnover and waste.
Moreover, it gets some green points, as lead is surprisingly recyclable. So, while it’s wise to consider its impact, lead still has a place on roofs, especially when you’re thinking about products that can do the job for eras without a fuss.
Make sure your system drains well with our range of guttering products.
The Cost of Lead Flashing Per Metre in the UK
With all the different sizes and codes, lead prices can feel a bit like a rollercoaster. But we’ll keep it simple for you.
If you’re browsing through the options, you’ll notice that the cost per metre really depends on the code and size of the lead you’re after. Let’s take our ALM Code 4 Milled Lead which is pretty popular. Here’s how it stacks up:
- A 450mm x 3m piece of this lead will set you back £79.30, VAT included. Break that down per metre, and you’re looking at about £26.43 per metre.
- Drop down a size to 390mm x 3m, and it costs £67.97, VAT in—that’s roughly £22.66 per metre.
- Smaller still, the 300mm x 3m piece comes in at £50.98, so you’re paying around £17 per metre.
You need to know how much you’ll need, and what your budget is. The thicker and wider your lead, like those heavy-duty Code 6, 7, or 8 rolls, the more you’ll pay. But remember, you often get what you pay for—better endurance and a bit more peace of mind when the heavens open.
The Takeaway
From costs to benefits and all the little details in between, it’s clear that while lead might not be the cheapest option on the shelf, its durability and effectiveness could save the day (and your bank account) in the long run.
Lead keeps the showers out and guarantees that when you finally get that roof sorted, you won’t have to scramble up there again any time soon. It’s a solid investment, especially if you’re looking to avoid future fuss.
And with all the different sizes and types available, you can tailor it to suit whatever your roof is throwing at you—be it a quaint cottage or a robust commercial building.
Whether your roof’s in need of a speedy patch-up or a full roof fit-out, choosing the right materials from the beginning can make all the difference. Give us a shout if you need help choosing the right lead flashing for your roofing project.
