Tips For Working With Lead Flashing

byalex

While lead is not used as much as it once was in construction and plumbing, it is still used as a very reliable flashing material. The soft, flexible nature of lead is ideal for placing around chimneys, skylights, vents and in roof valleys. There are other options in lead flashing, where the flashing or the flat part of the component is already mounted to the stack and used with vents and pipes from the roof.

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There are different options in lead flashing to consider, either as the roll flashing or as the pre-made custom flashings. It is important to choose the pre-made flashing to match the roof type. Tile roofs need a tile roof flashing as this allows for a larger base of the flange, which provides additional protection and prevents the risk of leaks.

With either tile or standard shingles, the base or flange part of the lead flashing needs to be substantial enough to allow the roofing material to cover the surface with enough overlap to prevent water from seeping in between. On the downside edge of the flashing this is essential, and so is having the shingle installed correctly over the top.

Know the Roof Pitch

In addition to the roof type, it is important to have the correct roof pitch on the customized flashing for pipes and vents. This can be measured by the roof pitch angle and the roof pitch degree.

This allows the flange or base to sit level with the roof pitch and the stack to be straight up in the air. Without this factored in, the stack or vent would angle outward rather than sit upright. By customizing the flashing to the roof, there is also no need to try to bend or modify the flashing, which is extremely difficult to do without damaging the shape.