If you’re laying a lead lined gutter and need a low-cost method of dealing with restricted falls, the Lead Expansion Joint has the problem covered. The Lead Expansion Joint uses a neoprene segment to compensate for lead’s thermal expansion.
Different materials expand at different rates when heated. This can cause damage when lead is fixed in certain positions, since lead expands to a very significant degree when heated. The neoprene segment present in Lead Expansion Joints will stretch and give, allowing this thermal expansion to take place safely. The neoprene itself is integrated into the code 5 lead wings on either side during the vulcanisation process. These wings can then be welded in to the two lead sheets being joined.