Over the last 12 months we have been called out to many construction sites where builders and roofers had problems with the non-lead flashings they’ve purchased and recently installed. Sometimes the product they’ve purchase will not stick down to the tiles properly or it’s lifted from the roof surface after a few days. Other times the surface of the flashing has actually blistered or deformed under the intense Australian sunlight and on one occasion we’ve seen flashings that just seemed to disintegrate under the pressure of water run-off. We always attend these requests to visit site with a sense of urgency and concern but ultimately we always leave site with a feeling of disappointment.
The reason we leave site disappointed is not because Wakaflex has failed or even been the cause of the problem. The problem is they didn’t install Wakaflex at all. They have accidentally installed an inferior product thinking its Wakaflex and we cannot help feel that this somehow tarnishes the Wakaflex reputation for outstanding reliability and performance.
It took over four years of research and development to produce Wakaflex. It’s been sold across the globe for over 20 years and here in Australia since 2004. During that time Wakaflex has not failed once. Wakaflex is the leader in its field. It was the first product available in Australia to challenge the dominance of lead flashing. As with any new technology we had to change hearts and minds within the construction industry to move away from lead flashing to something new. It was hard work but we did it. We worked closely with builders and suppliers alike to ensure everyone had confidence in Wakaflex and that it would stand up to the punishing environmental conditions it would endure in Australia. The same companies that converted to Wakaflex back in 2004 are still using it with great success to this day.
Because of Wakaflex’s success, other manufacturers have tried to copy it and rush something similar to the market. This has inevitably let to problems as their copies have been immensely inferior and unable to handle Australian conditions and not live up to the reputation that Wakaflex has earned. However, because Wakaflex pioneered the lead-free market the brand ‘’WAKAFLEX’ became synonymous with lead-free flashings. Therefore over time, often when a customer asks for Wakaflex they might be quoted a different lead-free product. When this happens a builder might unknowingly end up with a different product installed on the job and this is when problems can arise.
Wakaflex is still the best flashing for your tiled roof. It’s still cheaper, quicker, easier and safer to install than lead flashing. But when you’re choosing your flashing you need to make sure Wakaflex is specified as not all lead-free flashings are created equal.
Wakaflex is the only lead-free flashing that has two grey butyl sealing strips running along both edges of the roll. Make sure your flashing has these and you can rest assured your roof will be in safe hands.