Flashing is an essential element in roofing, ensuring your home stays secure and protected from rainwater coming through roof penetrations. But with so many flashing options on the market, why is lead-free Wakaflex such a popular choice? Follow on to find out what makes Wakaflex one of Australia’s leading flashing solutions.
What is Wakaflex Flashing?
Wakaflex flashing is a popular lead-free flashing solution designed to replace lead-based alternatives. Wakaflex flashing is suitable for most roof profiles and is perfect for flashing around chimneys and other vertical surfaces a roof surface meets.
As with all flashing solutions, Wakaflex flashing works in hot or cold conditions to help redirect water from rooftop penetrations and prevent potential leaks in your home. Wakaflex is the longest established lead-free roof flashing solution in Australia and is popular worldwide – but why move away from lead flashing?
Why Lead-Free?
Lead flashings were commonplace in construction for years, utilising this sturdy material’s many benefits and valuable features. For example, lead flashing is resistant to water, hot weather and corrosion, with the capability to last an impressive 100 years when allowed to expand properly to keep homes safe, dry and even a little quieter!
There are, however, several potential health risks linked to exposure to lead materials. If the level of lead intake in your body gets too high, you could experience some uncomfortable symptoms like headaches, nausea, constipation and anaemia. Prolonged uncontrolled exposure can have more damaging effects on your health, running the risk of more severe complications like damage to your kidneys, nerves and brain and even infertility.
For these reasons, the installation of lead flashing requires specialist tools and trained professionals. Without the know-how and experience, lead poses too high a health risk to apply yourself, which means spending money on labour costs.
Lead-free flashing is safer for installers and homeowners because it is non-toxic, meaning no potential installation hazards and no contamination of runoff water. Leading lead-free roofing solution Wakaflex and many other lead-free flashing alternatives provide the option to harvest rainwater, making for an environmentally friendly solution to roof flashing needs. Because lead-free flashings are so easy to handle, there is the bonus of saving time and money on labour costs by having a go yourself!
Benefits of Wakaflex Flashing
Let’s look into why Wakaflex is such a popular lead-free flashing option.
1. Easier Installation
This premium lead-free flashing solution is self-adhesive, with a butyl-based backing that chemically bonds to nearly all roof profiles. It is malleable and lighter than lead-based materials and requires no additional silicone, making roof applications faster and easier. No specialist tools or equipment are needed, saving time and money on labour costs as it is safe to apply yourself.
2. Safe To Use
Wakaflex is a lead-free flashing solution, minimising potential hazards and health risks and eliminating environmental concerns. Because it is non-toxic, Wakaflex doesn’t contaminate water, meaning you can safely collect and recycle runoff for drinking water. It is safe year-round, working just as well on cold winter nights and hot summer days. Wakaflex is the only available lead-free flashing solution to come with a Bush Fire Attack Rating.
3. Durable
Wakaflex flashing comprises a polyisobutylene top sheet and an inner aluminium honeycomb mesh for reinforcement, making it a durable and robust material. It is flexible, UV resistant and comes with a ten-year warranty.
4. Multifunctional and Versatile
Wakaflex’s temperature stability, ability to chemically bond to roofing materials and many other favourable features make it a versatile flashing solution. This leading lead-free roofing material is suitable for use on nearly all roof profiles, making for easy dressing no matter the purpose, from chimney flashings to wall abutments. It can also be step-flashed, used for re-roofs and repairs or retro-fitted to cover old lead flashings.
5. Range of Choice
Wakaflex comes in a range of roll sizes, meaning you can buy the appropriate amount for your project without worrying about wastage. Wakaflex is available in terracotta, black and lead grey, and there is the option to paint it after application to match existing roof tiles or brickwork.
Wakaflex – Australia’s No.1
Wakaflex is Australia’s longest established and leading non-lead flashing solution. The move toward more environmentally friendly products is vitally important. Wakaflex offers a non-toxic solution that you can use for multiple functions without worrying about the potential hazards of traditional lead roofing materials.
It is easy and safe to use and can be used alongside butyl tape to create a secure, watertight seal on almost any roof profile. Among Wakaflex’s many benefits, one of the most enticing advantages is that you can quickly and easily install it yourself without using any tradie tools – besides a handy ladder hook, maybe!