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A roof leak is rarely a local issue only. Apart from damaged insulation, wet plaster, rotten timbers, mould, and expensive repairs, a faulty roof often entails recurring call-backs and schedule delays for the contractor, not to mention the frustration and potential reputation damage.
While some leaks are inevitable due to human error, a significant part of roof deterioration stems from errors occurring during the design phase. Using an inappropriate lead thickness, a wrong type of materials, or installing one type of membrane instead of another can often result in substantially shortened service life of the roof.
Certain areas of a roof are consistently more vulnerable than others. Knowing why these junctions fail—and which lead product is appropriate for each junction are useful ways to create long lasting roofing detail.
Chimney Flashing and Soakers
Chimneys are one of the most frequent causes of roof leaks because they create multiple junctions between the roof covering and masonry. These areas are exposed to constant weathering while also accommodating movements of the roof structure and the chimney.
One of the most common specification errors is the use of lead that is too thin or of unacceptable quality, which reduces the material’s ability to withstand fatigue. Lead flashing with inappropriate flexibility characteristics tends to crack at the points of maximum movement.
By using code lead with the correct stepped flashings and soakers, a weatherproof seal that allows for movement is achieved.
https://www.leadworx.com/product-category/chimney-flashings
Flue Pipe Collars
Flue penetrations create challenging conditions for leadwork. The constant cycle of heating and cooling cause continual expansion and contraction around the pipe, placing significant stress on the surrounding material.
If an incorrect specification is used, the repeated stresses will cause fatigue, leading to splitting and failure around the collar. Collars, even when installed correctly can fail prematurely if the wrong lead is used.
Selecting the correct lead for the application will prolong the collar life and avoid the premature replacement.
https://www.leadworx.com/product-category/lead-slates-pipe-flashing
Valleys
Roof valleys are one of the most stressed locations on a pitched roof. They experience higher water volumes than any other location on the roof which can cause issues if the materials were undersized.
Issues typically occur when the lead is too thin for the specified use, or expansion joints/laps were not accounted for in the design. Thermal expansion plus localized water load can put undue strain on the valley lining over time.
Specifying the correct code lead and allowing for proper laps/details will ensure longevity of the roof valley system
Read more: Where Roof Leaks Happen (and How to Specify Against Them)Parapet and Abutment Walls
Where roofs meet walls, movement occurs between dissimilar elements. Expansion from heating, settlement due to loading and wind loading all create stresses that the flashing system must accommodate.
Leaks frequently occur where the wrong materials has been used for a particular movement requirement. Static applications require different detailing from junctions designed to accommodate continual movement, and specifying the wrong solution can lead to premature cracking or separation.
By selecting the correct lead product for a specific movement requirement a watertight junction can be created and maintained.
Flat Roof Edges and Upstands
Flat roof perimeters, parapet upstands and edge details are subject to heavy UV exposure and large daily temperature differentials, resulting in accelerated aging of any compromised or incorrectly specified materials.
Lead manufactured to recognised standards provides a degree of thickness and durability, reducing the risk of fatigue caused by repeated expansion and contraction. Correct specification of leadwork at these edges will contribute towards the overall performance of the roofing system.
https://www.leadworx.com/product-category/lead-vents/lead-flat-roof-vents
Dormer Cheeks and Roof Lights
Dormers and roof lights can create many small junctions on a roof, with every junction being the potential site for water entry if the detailing is incorrect.
Due to the small scale of these features it is tempting to use lower specification materials or different lead codes on the various junctions which can lead to some areas being less well detailed than others and subsequently leaking.
By using the same lead specification on all flashing, soaker and junctions, the specification of each roof junction can be made more equal providing a more leak proof roof.
https://www.leadworx.com/product-category/corner-flashings
The Common Thread: Material Specification, Not Just Fitting
Although individual roof junctions present their own complications, one aspect of junctions always stands out, that being materials.
Despite the best efforts, poorly specified or badly made lead will always cause issues to a junction and its surrounds, no matter how much care is taken during installation.
Compliance with BS EN 12588 provides reassurance that the correct formulation, thickness and overall quality has been used, providing confidence to the specifier or designer.
Meanwhile lead made from 100% recycled materials is inherently of the same high standards with the added benefit of being able to offer a more sustainable construction.
Ultimately, using materials that have been manufactured to standard from the outset can only improve the longevity of leadwork and by extension, any roofing system it is used on.
Specifying the Right Lead for Each Junction
Successful roofing starts with specifying the correct lead products for each junction. Thoughtful specification helps prevent leaks, prolong the roof life-cycle and avoid the huge expense of remedial work after installation.
Leadworx produce, from their Cornwall facility, BS EN 12588 compliant, 100% recycled rolled lead. We offer a comprehensive range of lead products, all of which have been created to perform to their best in any roofing application including flashings, soakers, valleys, flat roof systems and specialist roofing products.
