Lead free roofs and flashing are more in demand than ever in the building and construction industry, where there’s been a worldwide shift to their use. Health and safety issues are one reason behind the switch, but cost factors and environmental concerns also weigh in. Lead free alternatives have the edge in other ways, too.
Health and safety
The World Health Organisation warns that there’s no level of safe exposure to lead. It’s toxic. The risks to health are greater for those who handle lead roofing and flashing than for people who use the buildings. But these risks can be avoided altogether by using non-toxic roof flashing such as Wakaflex, Dakaflash and Smartform. These premium options are also much lighter than traditional lead materials and are thus easier and safer to handle and install.
Water contamination
If you collect rainwater from your roof into a tank, health and safety experts recommend using lead free roofing materials. Indeed, unsafe concentrations of lead have been found in rainwater collected from roofing that contains uncoated lead flashing. Wakaflex, the lead free flashing, is a safe alternative. It fully complies with all relevant standards relating to collection of drinking water.
Lead is expensive
In the first half of the year there was a global peak in the price of lead. This resulted in an increased demand for lead free roofing, which remains cost-effective and will stay that way for some time.
Better for the environment
Because of its toxicity, lead must be stored, transported and disposed of with great caution and in accordance with strict hazardous waste laws. This is not the case for lead free products.
Lead free roofing is a breeze to install
Lead free roofing options such as Wakaflex and Dakaflash are popular because no special tools are required for their installation and they’re 50% faster to install than outmoded lead flashing.
Looks are important when it comes to buildings and Wakaflex, Dakaflash and Smartform deliver here. Wakaflex, for example, can be painted the same colour as the roofing and other fixtures. It is also compatible with standard acrylic house paints which enhance its longevity.
If you would like to join the shift to lead free products on roofs, please contact us today at Evo Building Products. Our extensive range of lead free roof flashings have the edge.
02 9666 1069 or info@evobuild.com.au