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Lead Chimney Flashings

What are Lead Chimney Flashings?

Lead Chimney Flashings are pieces of sheet lead that weather the junction between the roof and the chimney.
There are 5 main components to lead chimney flashings:

Lead Front Apron

This is a lead flashing that is installed at the front of the chimney and overlaps the roof tile, whilst returning around the corners of the chimney and lapping underneath the side flashings. The lead front apron should have a minimum upstand of 75mm up the chimney to allow sufficient lap of the cover flashing.

Lead Back Gutter

This is a lead flashing that is installed at the back of the chimney. The lead is lapped underneath the roof tile and turned up the back of the chimney whilst returning around the sides of the chimney overlapping the side flashings. It is good practice to ensure the lead back gutter has a flat section also known as a sole board, this will help prevent build-up of debris such as leaves.

Side Flashings

These lead flashings weather the sides of the chimney; they lap onto the roof tile and have an upstand up the chimney. Depending on the roofing material the side flashings can be in one long length lying on top of the roofing material or they can be cut into small pieces also known as lead soakers and fitted under each roofing tile.

Cover Flashing

This is a lead flashing that is fixed into a joint in the chimney and dressed over the lead upstands around the chimney. The lead is fixed with a lead wedge and then sealed with a polyurethane sealant. The lead cover flashing on the sides of the chimney can also be stepped if weather a brick chimney, these are known as lead step flashings.

Lead Ridge Abutment

If the chimney is positioned in the centre of the ridge, then a lead ridge abutment is required. This is a lead flashing that has a welded upstand up the chimney and is lapped with a return edge under the ridge. The detail of the lead ridge abutment will vary depending on the roofing material and type of ridge being used.

Why use Lead Chimney Flashings?

Lead chimney flashings are the premium standard of chimney flashings and no other material rivals lead for this purpose. This is due to:
  • Lead being extremely malleable therefore it can easily be bossed or welded around corners or other complex details without compromising on the waterproofing
    Lead being extremely malleable therefore it can easily be bossed or welded around corners or other complex details without compromising on the waterproofing
  • The longevity of lead if installed correctly will outlast any other man-made flashing material.
    The longevity of lead if installed correctly will outlast any other man-made flashing material.
  • The maintenance requirements of lead chimney flashings are zero, once installed they should outlast the roof itself.
    The maintenance requirements of lead chimney flashings are zero, once installed they should outlast the roof itself.
  • Lead is more aesthetically pleasing than other materials as it compliments the roof and chimney.
    Lead is more aesthetically pleasing than other materials as it compliments the roof and chimney.

Common Issues with Lead Chimney Flashings

One of the main causes of lead chimney flashings failing is due to incorrect installation. Unfortunately, many roofers do have the adequate skills and knowledge required to install lead correctly. The most common failure and where the leaks start is at the corners of the chimney, generally the back corners. If the installer is unable to weld around the corners then they are relying on bossing the lead around the corner, whilst this is ok if done correctly, the majority of installers weaken the lead by over dressing and thinning out the lead causing it to split. The required lap around the sides of 150mm is rarely met and therefore, the waterproofing is compromised.
At Bespoke Leadwork we prefabricate all lead chimney flashings custom to the customers requirements. Our products allow for easy installation as all the corners are pre-welded and made to suit your chimneyso the lead flashing can be gently fittedinto place. Bespoke Leadwork also provides an installation service for all lead chimney flashings and chimney flashing repairs.

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