

The rise of lead-free flashing alternatives is undoubtedly a positive move for the industry.
While extremely long-lasting and economical to use, it’s now known that lead is a dangerous material for construction. What’s more, there are plenty of alternatives out there that offer non-toxic ways to protect your roof.
Read on to understand the dangers of lead flashing and the best alternatives currently on the market.
What is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is a thin material, such as sheet metal, lead, or plastic, that prevents water from infiltrating a roof. It is typically installed around openings in the roof, such as chimneys, whirlybirds, vent pipes, and skylights, and at the intersections of different roof planes. The flashing is installed in such a way as to direct water away from these openings and towards the edges of the roof, where the gutter system can carry it away.
Roof flashing is a crucial element of a roofing system, as it helps to protect the building from water damage by preventing water from infiltrating the roof and walls. It is typically installed in conjunction with other roofing materials, such as shingles or tiles, and is traditionally overlaid with a layer of roofing cement or adhesive to ensure a watertight seal.
There are several types of roof flashing, including step flashing, continuous flashing, and counter flashing. The type of flashing used will depend on the specific needs of the roof and the materials used in the roofing system.
Why have people used lead flashing in the past?
Lead flashings have been used for many centuries to seal roofs. Usually, roofers would use a copperised lead sheet for flashing, created by coating a sheet of lead with a thin layer of copper. This would make the lead more resistant to corrosion but would not affect lead’s characteristic softness.
There are several reasons why lead has been popular for this purpose:
- Durability: Lead is a durable material that can last many years with minimal maintenance. It is resistant to corrosion, weathering, and other forms of wear and tear.
- Flexibility: Lead is a soft and malleable material that will not crack easily, meaning it can accommodate thermal movement. It does not contract in cold climates and can withstand thermal expansion in hot climates. When a material’s expansion and contraction cannot occur fairly freely, cracks will appear.
- Waterproofing: Quality lead is a very effective waterproofing material
- Cost: Lead flashing is relatively affordable and has been widely available for many years, which has made it a popular choice for builders and contractors.
What are the dangers of lead flashing?
Lead roof flashing has been used fairly broadly in the building industry for decades. While a soft, copperised lead sheet can be an effective and durable choice for roofing applications, it does present some potential dangers.
One of the main dangers of lead roof flashing is the potential for lead poisoning. Lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, and prolonged exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, including damage to the brain, nerves, and kidneys.
If lead roof flashings are damaged or begin to deteriorate, they can release lead particles into the air. This is especially a concern if the flashing is located near areas where people spend a lot of time, such as windows or doors.
In addition, exposed lead flashing can be harmful to the environment. If lead particles are released into the environment, they can contaminate soil and water sources and have negative impacts on plants, animals, and humans.
Australia is working to eliminate the use of lead products in the building, paint and mining industries because scientists now broadly agree there is no “safe” level of lead for human beings.
To minimise the risks associated with lead flashing, it is important to handle and dispose of it properly, and to follow recommended safety precautions when working with lead-based materials. If you are concerned about lead flashing on your roof, we recommended that you consult with a qualified roofing professional for guidance.
Alternatives to Lead Flashing
There are several alternatives to lead flashing that can be used to seal roofs and other structures against water infiltration. Some options include:
- Aluminium flashing: Aluminum is a lightweight and durable metal that is resistant to corrosion. It is a popular alternative to lead flashing because it is easy to work with and can be cut to fit any shape or size to closely fit roof contours.
- Copper flashing: Copper is another durable and corrosion-resistant metal that is often used as an alternative to lead flashing. It is more expensive than aluminium, but it can last for many years with minimal maintenance.
- Stainless steel flashing: Stainless steel flashing is a strong and durable material that is resistant to corrosion and weathering. It is a good choice for areas with high levels of moisture or exposure to salt water.
- Rubber flashing: Rubber flashing is made from a flexible, waterproof material that can be used to seal roofs, windows, and other structures. It is easy to install and can be moulded to fit any shape or size.
- Plastic flashing: Plastic flashing is a lightweight and affordable option that is easy to cut and install. It is not as durable as metal flashing, but it can be a good choice for low-cost or temporary repairs.
At EvoBuild, we believe in a lead-free future for the industry. We offer a range of lead-free flashing alternatives that offer the same benefits as lead flashing without the dangerous toxicity.
Our newer alternatives, Smartform and Dakaflash, similar to Wakaflex, which was introduced to Australia 12 years ago, deliver the same flexible qualities of lead-based flashing.
Smartform
The creped aluminium top sheet on Smartform lead-free flashing allows it to expand up to 60% along its length. Through the use of this special design, Smartform is able to flash over extremely steep roof profiles while still maintaining a watertight seal with the roof’s surface.
No water may infiltrate underneath the flashing because of the 100% butyl adhesive backing, which guarantees a nicely sealed flashing between the wall and the roof.
Smartform is ideal for retroactive flashing repairs and roof maintenance due to its lightweight design and its ease of installation. It can be installed in half the time as standard flashing materials.
Dakaflash
Dakaflash is a composite laminate flashing made of two pieces of HDPE backing and a coloured creped aluminium top sheet with 100% butyl adhesive. The same reinforcing aluminium mesh that is in our best-selling lead-free flashing Wakaflex is included in the butyl adhesive. This keeps the smooth, contoured surface that users associate with Wakaflex while giving Dakaflash more stiffness and support than Smartform.
Reach out to find out more about our lead-free flashing products.