Triassic Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 We’re having a slate hipped roof and the roofer has suggested we use lead soakers, however, looking online, most roofing stores list lead alternative soakers made of such things as aluminium, EDPM and lead alternives? Has anyone used them and is so which ones are best? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russell griffiths Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 I have used aluminium and liked it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russell griffiths Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 You may find with lead you get a bit of staining, ask him about patination oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Punter Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 zinc is used as well. Be careful when mixing metals as some can corrode others when in contact or even nearby. I think lead is safe with most. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cpd Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Is there still a need to use lead on a modern build ? It’s great when you live in an old shite box like mine and need to manipulate it over all the massive imperfections but on a modern build with uniform materials and finished ? Just seen mr Punters post, yes it’s a great material but very expensive for a first choice ? What have others used ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Declan52 Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Lead is easy to manipulate for a valley or a soaker. It will out last everything else but as Russel points out you have to oil it up or it will stain the roof tiles. The only issue is you need to remember to use copper nails to fix it and don't put it on till the last minute as the magpies in transit vans love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexphd1 Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 We used stainless for valleys and soakers. DIY from ofcuts from roof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamSee Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 We had the aluminium soakers put in on our dormer when it was retiled. They look great around the window, much better cement pointing that some of the others have done. Wish I had known about the oiling of lead flashing prior to this point. Mines left a horrible white stain on the new clay tiles. Can it be removed in any way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonM Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Water that has run over lead will strip a galvanised coating, so a non-lead alternative might make more sense if you are using a galvanised steel guttering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gone West Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 I used Lacomet which was easy to use for flat or straight folds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now