Lead flashing is a critical component of your roofing system, ensuring that water doesn’t seep into your home through the vulnerable points around chimneys, valleys, and roof joints. Despite its durability and long-standing use in construction, lead flashing can deteriorate over time due to various factors. At TW Roofing Solutions, we understand the importance of maintaining your roof’s integrity, and in this article, we’ll explore what causes lead flashing to fail and how you can prevent it.
1. Weathering and Environmental Factors
Lead flashing is often exposed to the elements, which means it takes the brunt of harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat, rain, snow, and UV rays. Over time, these environmental factors can weaken the lead, causing it to crack or corrode, which can lead to water ingress.
Key Weathering Issues:
- UV damage: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause lead to oxidise, which weakens its surface and structure.
- Freeze-thaw cycles: In colder climates, the freezing and thawing of water trapped in small cracks can cause the lead to expand and contract, leading to cracks and gaps.
- Rain and humidity: Excess moisture, especially over long periods, can corrode the lead and cause deterioration.
2. Poor Installation
One of the most common causes of lead flashing failure is poor installation. If lead flashing is not installed properly, it can fail prematurely, leading to leaks and other structural issues. Incorrect placement, improper overlaps, and inadequate sealing can all lead to the breakdown of the flashing.
Installation Problems to Avoid:
- Improper overlaps: If the lead flashing is not properly overlapped at joints and seams, water can seep through and cause damage.
- Inadequate sealing: The edges of lead flashing must be sealed tightly against the roofing material. If not, gaps can form, allowing water to infiltrate the roof structure.
- Incorrect size: Lead flashing should be the correct width and length for the area it’s covering. If the flashing is too small or too large, it will not function as intended.
3. Movement and Settling of the Building
Over time, buildings settle, and this can cause movement in the roof structure. This movement can put stress on the lead flashing, leading to cracks, gaps, or displacements in the material. Even the smallest amount of movement can compromise the integrity of lead flashing, making it more vulnerable to water infiltration.
Movement Issues:
- Structural settling: As a house settles over time, the roof can shift, which affects the position of the flashing.
- Thermal expansion: When the roof expands and contracts due to temperature changes, the flashing can become loose or warped.
4. Impact of Vegetation and Debris
Trees, moss, and other vegetation can contribute to lead flashing failure. As leaves, branches, and other debris accumulate on the roof, they can trap moisture against the lead, accelerating corrosion. Furthermore, overgrown vegetation can cause physical damage to the flashing, especially during strong winds or storms.
Vegetation and Debris Damage:
- Moss and algae build-up: Moss, in particular, can hold water against the lead, causing corrosion and the formation of rust patches.
- Physical damage: Tree branches or wind-blown debris can cause dents, scratches, or punctures in the flashing, weakening its protective capabilities.
- Blockage of drainage paths: Blocked gutters and downpipes due to debris can lead to water overflowing and pooling around the flashing, causing it to deteriorate.
5. Natural Corrosion and Aging of Lead
Lead is a naturally durable material, but like all metals, it is susceptible to corrosion and wear over time. As lead ages, it can develop a patina, a greyish layer that protects the metal underneath from further corrosion. However, this process can be disrupted by environmental conditions, and the flashing may eventually need to be replaced.
Aging and Corrosion:
- Lead oxidation: As lead reacts with oxygen, it forms a patina which can be beneficial in the short term. However, if the patina wears away, the lead can begin to corrode underneath.
- Electrolysis: When different metals come into contact with lead, electrolysis can occur, accelerating the rate of corrosion.
6. Lack of Maintenance
Neglecting to regularly inspect and maintain lead flashing is another common reason for its failure. Roof maintenance, including checking the condition of your flashing, is essential for ensuring its longevity. Small issues, such as cracks or gaps, can develop into major problems if not addressed promptly.
Maintenance Oversights:
- Ignored minor issues: Small cracks or holes in the lead flashing can worsen over time, causing water to infiltrate and damage your roof structure.
- Failure to clean debris: Failing to clear away debris, moss, or algae from the flashing can trap moisture against the lead, accelerating deterioration.
7. Signs That Your Lead Flashing Needs Attention
It’s important to keep an eye on your lead flashing and be aware of any signs that it may be failing. Identifying issues early can help you avoid more costly repairs down the line.
Warning Signs:
- Cracks or splits in the lead: This indicates that the lead has been weakened and is no longer doing its job effectively.
- Visible rust or corrosion: If you notice patches of rust or corrosion on the flashing, it could be a sign that water has started to penetrate the material.
- Water stains or leaks: The presence of water stains on your ceilings or walls indicates that the flashing is no longer providing an adequate seal.
- Loose or displaced flashing: If the flashing is shifting out of place or has come loose, it needs immediate attention to prevent further damage.
Conclusion
Lead flashing plays a crucial role in protecting your roof and property from water damage. However, like all materials, it is susceptible to wear and tear over time. Environmental factors, poor installation, and lack of maintenance can all contribute to lead flashing failure. At TW Roofing Solutions, we specialise in repairing and replacing lead flashing to ensure that your roofline remains secure and waterproof. If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, it’s important to act quickly to avoid further damage to your property.
Contact us today for a professional inspection of your lead flashing in the Tunbridge Wells area. Let us help you safeguard your roof and home from the risks of water damage.
Call us on: 01892 481884
Click here to find out more about TW Roofing Solutions
Click here to complete our contact form and see how we can help with your roofing needs.
