You’ve been called to a new job that has a lead free flashing requirement, but wait, it’s Wakaflex or Smartform…and you’ve never worked with this stuff before. How hard can it be right?
Truth be told, it’s a piece of cake. However, there are a few subtleties that relate to Evo Build’s lead free flashings that you need to be aware of. This blog will take you through some specific characteristics of lead free flashings, and advise you on how best to install one of our market leading flashings.
Overview – Cover, Clean, and Compress
Cover Your Top
The top edge of the flashing MUST ALWAYS be built in/chased in/mechanically over flashed. This is to protect the top edge from bulk water and the elements.
Clean Your Bottom
Always thoroughly clean the roof (regardless of it being new or old) that you are dressing down onto before removing the protective backing from the Wakaflex or Smartform. This will ensure that the butyl completely adheres to the material.
Compress The Middle
Wakaflex and Smartform have aluminium built into them. Once the lead free flashing is in place, use your thumbs to shape the flashing into the roof profile that you have installed it onto, and firmly press the bottom edge into the roof material.
Step-By-Step
- Ensure application area is clean and dry
- Form flashing to basic shape
- Remove the first (top) protective backing strip
- Place flashing into position. Firmly fix top butyl strip into place and slowly remove the remaining protective backing, working along in 500mm lengths at a time
- Dress flashing firmly by hand to stretch the aluminium body over the roof profile. Ensure a tight fit over the substructure with no cavities or airspaces
- Apply firm pressure to the lower butyl strip to create a watertight seal against the roof.
- For joins, overlap by a minimum of 50mm and add pressure. Our flashings will immediately adhere to themselves, and permanently cure within 20 minutes
Final Thoughts
- Remember: Cover, Clean, and Compress
- You only need a pair of scissors or a new Stanley Knife, and your fingers
- Unlike bitumen, the butyl will not corrode/affect the colouring of any of your roofing materials
- You can paint our flashing; use an etch primer and Wattle SolaGard paint for best results
- If other building work is being carried out, clean mortar and paint debris from the area immediately
- Do not stick masking tape onto the flashing
- Enjoy not having to lug that cumbersome lead onto the roof!