Lead connections roof

• Defects in the main roof may be noticeable, particularly in the leadwork. Repairs or improvements can usually be made to these, after which the entire structure can function properly again as intended.
• The flashing (the part visible from the brickwork) may be incorrectly installed on the horizontal roof surface. Due to creep and capillary action of water remaining on the roof, there is an increased risk of water ingress and/or leakage into the cavity or at this connection. Correcting this is easily accomplished by shortening the flashing.
  • Lead can easily be cut and 'torn off' with a utility knife.
  • Always place a piece of board under the lead to be cut, this prevents you from accidentally cutting the bitumen.

• Can the lead strips (the part visible from the brickwork) be too long? The strips may have a maximum length of 1 meter and must overlap by at least 8 cm. Materials are subject to weathering; if they are too long, there is insufficient space to accommodate the shrinkage or expansion. This causes the material to crack more quickly, leading to defects. Once the lead has been applied in this way, there's little you can do other than accept it. This does shorten the material's lifespan, and the lead will need to be replaced sooner than usual. If you ever decide to replace it, seek expert advice! Replacement against the inner wall of a cavity wall is essential. Simply grinding in a lead flashing is not a viable solution.
• Replacing lead flashing isn't easy! Strips of masonry must be removed to properly repair the flashing. Call in a professional.
• Simply clamping the foot lead and closing a joint is not a proper repair.
• If there are any cracks in the lead, you can apply self-adhesive bitumen tape, available at any hardware store. As long as repairs are possible, we recommend postponing replacement.

In the 1980s and 1990s, it became clear that lead was harmful to the environment, leading to restrictions on its use. Lead was replaced in car fuels by other substances, and lead pipes were replaced by pipes made of plastic, (galvanized) steel, or copper. Lead is harmful to the environment, which is why its use has been reduced. However, its use is (again) permitted in the construction industry in the Netherlands due to its recyclability.