Flashing is usually done in code 4 lead. Roofs and gutters however, where there is much greater movement and potentially wear and tear, are usually done in a very thick code 8 lead. You can see from the rolls of lead in the images on this page that they have tape wrapped around them.
Full Answer
What size lead do I need for roof flashing?
For the best results when using code 4 lead as flashing, the length of each section should not exceed 1500mm (or 1000mm for flashings to verges of asphalt or felt roofs). Code 5 lead is by far the most versatile and can be used in the same fashion as code 4 except for as a soaker. This lead can also be used for flat and pitched roofs.
What is the difference between code 4 and code 5 lead?
For the best results when using code 4 lead as flashing, the length of each section should not exceed 1500mm (or 1000mm for flashings to verges of asphalt or felt roofs). Code 5 Lead Thickness: 2.24mm | Approx. Weight: 25.40 Kg/m² Code 5 lead is by far the most versatile and can be used in the same fashion as code 4 except for as a soaker.
What happens if you use the wrong lead flashing code?
At a certain point, if the wrong lead flashing code has been used, it will split allowing rain or snow to enter into the fabric of the building. Here is a sizing guide from the BLM that tells you what code lead is required for each job.
What is a lead flashing?
In its most simple format, a lead flashing may be used to seal the join between the roof of a house extension, and the main wall of a building. Perhaps fewer of us understand how the different components of a lead flashing work.
What is the coding for lead flashing?
Code 4 lead flashing is used for a range of roofing applications, including soakers, flashings, and vertical cladding.
What's the difference between code 3 and code 4 lead flashing?
Code 4 lead has a much wider range of applications than code 3. Other than also being suitable for use as a soaker, it can also be used as: Flashing, pitched valley gutters, parapet, box and tapered valley gutters, dormers as well as vertical cladding.
What is Code 3 lead?
Code 3 lead is the thinnest gauge of lead used in commercial roofing and is suitable for light applications such as soakers at the abutment..
What is code 5 lead flashing used for?
Code 5 roofing lead is suitable for applications such as flashings, valley gutters, porches, dormers, cladding, box gutters, flat and pitched roofs. Important: The recommended maximum size for each thickness or code of lead will vary - the thicker the lead, the larger the laid piece can be.
What is code 6 lead?
Code 6 Lead is 2.65mm thick (a 18% increase over code 5 lead) and weighs 30.05kg/m2 (Thickness to BS EN12588 tolerances of +/- 5%) Whether the roof you are working on is sheltered or is exposed to more severe weather, code 6 lead can be used for every aspect of pitched roofing or flat roofing.
What Colour is code 3 lead?
greenCode 3 Lead Flashing is the thinnest and lightest of all roofing lead. Measuring just 1.32mm in thickness, it is typically used to create lead soakers on slate or tile roofs. Identified with a green label, Code 3 is only suitable for the lightest of applications.
What do codes mean on lead?
Lead codes determine the weight (and hence the thickness) of lead sheet. The number in the code simply equates to the weight in lbs, per square foot of lead. The importance of using the correct lead code: When installed correctly, the lead will often outlast the life of the building.
What are the types of lead flashing?
Lead Codes Explained Lead roof flashing is usually made from code 4 milled lead, which is recommended because it provides a good compromise between malleability and resistance to fatigue splits caused by expansion and contraction.
What is the minimum upstand for lead flashing?
Underlay should have a minimum upstand of 100mm at the chimney abutments. In addition, timber support to the back gutter lead work is equally important. Adequate support will prevent the lead work becoming depressed and\or sagging and causing potential weather ingress issues.
What is the thickness of roof lead?
What are the thicknesses of each roofing lead code?Lead CodeThicknessWeight (kg/m2)Code 31.32mm14.97Code 41.80mm20.41Code 52.24mm25.40Code 62.65mm30.102 more rows
How long should lead flashing last?
Lead flashing has a life expectancy in excess of 100 years if allowed to expand and contract freely.
What does patination oil do?
Patination oil is a white spirit based liquid that can be used to coat newly laid or cleaned lead. A layer of the oil can help protect the lead and prevent carbonate formation on the surface.
What do the different lead codes mean?
Lead codes determine the weight (and hence the thickness) of lead sheet. The number in the code simply equates to the weight in lbs, per square foot of lead. The importance of using the correct lead code: When installed correctly, the lead will often outlast the life of the building.
What do codes in lead mean?
The lead code refers to the thickness of the lead used to construct your roof, and choosing the wrong lead code for your construction will result in issues further down the line.
What are the types of lead flashing?
Lead Codes Explained Lead roof flashing is usually made from code 4 milled lead, which is recommended because it provides a good compromise between malleability and resistance to fatigue splits caused by expansion and contraction.
What does lead patination oil do?
Patination oil is a white spirit based liquid that can be used to coat newly laid or cleaned lead. A layer of the oil can help protect the lead and prevent carbonate formation on the surface.
What is lead flashing?
We all know that a lead flashing acts as a seal over joints between different parts (or different components) of a building. In its most simple format, a lead flashing may be used to seal the join between the roof of a house extension, and the main wall of a building.
Why is it important to use the correct lead code?
The importance of using the correct lead code: When installed correctly, the lead will often outlast the life of the building. Where lead is installed incorrectly, especially where a thinner than recommended code has been used, it will deteriorate rapidly. This is because lead is susceptible to three major influences. Installation of Flashing.
What is a thicker lead sheet?
A thicker sheet of lead (the thicker the sheet the higher the code), also enables the lead to be beaten around corners without a dramatic thinning of lead (remember that lead should not be thinned by more than 25% of its thickness).
Can you fold lead sheets?
On anything but the simplest of flashings, the lead sheet must be repeatedly folded and worked into place. If you attempt to do this using a thinner code of lead sheet than that recommended, the lead is very likely to split, leaving the building exposed to water penetration.
Does lead expand during the day?
On even relatively mild days, the lead will expand in the heat of the day, and contract during the cool of night. For small areas of lead, this generally does not cause a problem. Where lead has been used to cover large areas – such as over a dormer window, or on a flat roof, unless thicker codes of lead are used, it will start to buckle, twist and split.
Does lead have a low melting point?
As lead has a low melting point, this expansion and contraction can take place even in the relatively cool climate of the UK. Before continuing, it’s worth noting that lead flashing has successfully been used for centuries to protect buildings against the rain.
Where else can I find information about roofing lead codes?
Calder is known for their Guide to Good Leadwork which has aided roofers and lead workers for years. The contents of this book will help you ascertain which lead codes you need and how to implement them correctly in each application. The contents include the correct use of lead codes and lead sheet flashings, gutter linings, good use of patination oil, and more. With diagrams, tables and interesting information about the history of lead and lead codes, Calder’s Guide to Good Leadwork is worth a read!
How much variance does lead have on a roof?
Another factor of meeting the standard is that the thickness of roofing lead may only have +/- 5% variance across its entire length. Lead codes are important to get right for their longevity, their looks and for the rest of the building.
Where and how can I buy lead?
Lead can be purchased from most good roofing and builders’ merchants, including from us at Roofing Superstore. Once you’ve used our above guide to work out which lead codes you need for your project, and you’ve had a read of Calder’s Guide to Good Leadwork, you can click here to view all of our lead flashings. We supply Code 3 to Code 8 lead in 3m or 6m rolls and we update our prices regularly so you get the lowest possible price. To make your leadwork even easier you could use our cut to size lead tool. Simply select your lead code, your dimensions and how many rolls you need. This will be cut for you out of recycled lead compliant to BSEN 12588 and delivered to your site.
Why does lead fail in roofing?
Most lead applications fail when the roofing lead codes used are the incorrect size, often when they’re applied in sheets that are too big for their purpose. To minimise this, all rolled lead is manufactured to meet BS EN 12588, with different lead codes (thicknesses) having different applications and weight. Another factor of meeting the standard is that the thickness of roofing lead may only have +/- 5% variance across its entire length.
How long should a lead flashing be?
For the best results when using code 4 lead as flashing, the length of each section should not exceed 1500mm (or 1000mm for flashings to verges of asphalt or felt roofs).
What is the lead code?
Lead codes are actually very simple. Ranging from Code 3 to Code 8 they separate lead into different thickness and weight. Each number equates to a specific weight measured in Kilograms per square meter (Kg/m²). Lead Code.
Why are Lead Codes Important?
The most important reason for this is that for lead to function at the high-quality standard it is known for, it must be installed correctly. If the incorrect code is used, rather than outlasting the building its on, the lead can instead be made vulnerable to influences that will make it deteriorate extremely rapidly.
What Can Happen If I Choose the Wrong Lead Code?
If the wrong code is used, this process could very possibly cause the lead to split and crack. In the best-case scenario, where you spot this damage, the lead will become unusable and you will have simply wasted some money. However, worst case, if the damage is not found, and the incorrect installation is completed you will have exposed your building to water penetration and the mould, mildew and rot that goes along with it.
What is code 8 for?
As before, 2500mm increases to 3000mm and 675mm increases to 700mm. Code 8 can also be used on parapets, valleys and dormers but, like code 7, is not suitable for flashing, as a soaker or as vertical cladding .
Why do we need lead flashing on a roof?
A primary reason for the existence of most roofing materials, water can be one the most damaging elements your roof has been designed to protect against. Depending on application of lead flashing, different codes will be needed to provide adequate protection. For example, Valley Gutters would need a thicker section of lead then general flashing as they are more susceptible to water damage. If the lead is to thin, water may still be able to reach the vulnerable areas of your roof even if it has been installed correctly and does not have any splits or cracks across its surface.
What is the best roofing code for a pitched roof?
Code 7 is the most durable option for pitched roofing applications, as Code 8 is far more suitable for flat roofing. It cannot be used as a soaker, as flashing or as vertical cladding.
How to tell if lead flashing needs replacing?
The main signs for property managers to look out for when considering if lead flashing needs replacing are splits and cracks. These will ultimately lead to failure in providing water proofing protection. It will become clear on closer inspection when lead flashing has deteriorated due to heat expansion and contraction. If there is a build-up of mould or water ingress within a dwelling below the roof then defects in lead flashing would be the first place to investigate and a roof survey should be undertaken.
What is the purpose of lead flashing?
Ensuring an adequate quality of installation is key to ensuring that the lead flashing serves its purpose, both in terms of preventing water ingress and complimenting the style of many types of buildings.
Why do we need lead flashings?
Used at penetrations in roofs such as chimney stacks, dormer windows and parapet walls, lead flashings are installed to maintain a watertight roof and reduce water ingress and internal internal mould ...
Why is lead flashing deteriorating?
It will become clear on closer inspection when lead flashing has deteriorated due to heat expansion and contraction. If there is a build-up of mould or water ingress within a dwelling below the roof then defects in lead flashing would be the first place to investigate and a roof survey should be undertaken.
How long does flashing tape last?
It is important to note however that this is not a permanent repair and only has a life expectancy of around two to three years. Welding new lead provides a much longer term solution.
How to repair lead flashing?
When lead does split or damage, the correct way to repair it is to weld a piece of lead over the affected area. This can be quite an advanced procedure and welding lead can be a difficult task to carry out successfully. For this reason, flashing tape can also be used, which is an adhesive aluminium strip covered on one side by a bitumen layer. It is important to note however that this is not a permanent repair and only has a life expectancy of around two to three years. Welding new lead provides a much longer term solution. In some cases, the damage to the flashing may require full replacement of the material. Lead flashing has a life expectancy in excess of 100 years if allowed to expand and contract freely.
Can lead flashing be slow to show?
Pitched and tapered valley gutters, dormers and flat roofs. Defects in lead flashing can be slow to show themselves, possibly over a number of months or even years. Failed lead flashings can result in conditions that will give rise to dry and wet rot, insect infestations and other forms of decay.
sam the builder New Member
its thickness, you will probably need code 4. you can get leaflets or tables in some merchants that tell you where to use what code of lead
footdeeper New Member
The lead codes landed when building went metric back in 1971 with the introduction of SI units. (System International).Lead before that date was sold in LBS/ Sq foot eg:- 4 pounds / sq foot. A bit hard to convert? easy, just call it Code 4.
Why do you Need to Worry About Codes?
British and European Standards ( BS EN 12588:2006) specifies thickness tolerances and chemical composition required to produce a consistent micro-structure. The minimal variance in thickness means when you fit lead sheet to a roof, the extent of thermal movement can be accurately predicted and the correct fixing method adopted.
What is rolled lead used for?
Once known as milled lead, rolled lead has been produced since the mid-1700s. Nowadays it's still widely used for roofing and weatherproofing jobs , most commonly on dormer windows, flat roofs and chimneys. At Roofinglines milled lead is available in 3 and 6 metre lengths, and in a wide variety of widths to suit the area you're working on.
