Back in the day, lead was used for all kinds of building jobs. It was popular for sealing gaps, making sure spaces were waterproof and airtight, and above all, it was cost-effective. It’s likely you will find lead flashing, for example, on church buildings, old schools and buildings dating back more than a decade. Therefore, there will likely come a time when you need a lead flashing replacement – if you know your home benefits from this kind of fitting.
But should you necessarily opt for lead again? There are plenty of reasons why you should consider GRP fibreglass instead. Lead has fast become an outdated material, but believe it or not, it is still valuable to many people. In fact, a home with any kind of lead flashing is seen as a prime target for thieves. Therefore, you should take absolutely no chances and approach a local expert for lead flashing replacement with fibreglass as soon as possible.
When Do You Need a Lead Flashing Replacement?When it’s time to replace your lead flashing, there are of course a few tell-tale signs. While lead can last for over 100 years – it’s one of the toughest materials out there – most houses using flashing are getting on a bit. This means that you are likely to start seeing cracks, splits and other degradation over time.
Not only that, but you are likely to see lead flashing split if it’s laid onto less firm surfaces. For example, if lead is attached to simple brickwork, it’s going to struggle to expand. This, over time, means that it is going to crumble and crack. That, ultimately, is going to leave your roof, and your home, completely exposed to the elements.
Getting lead flashing replacement is essential the moment you realise there may be a problem. For example, if you have started noticing issues with your roof, or if you find that the lead joining your roof together is cracking and splintering away, then it is time to start looking at a replacement.
If you don’t replace your lead flashing, the conditions are only going to get worse. This means that you can expect your home to start getting extremely cold, very quickly. What’s more, you are leaving yourself open to rain coming in, and for another matter, you’re going to start appearing very attractive to burglars.
To avoid any of these scenarios happening, you should be ready to replace your lead flashing as soon as physically possible.
GRP fibreglass has quickly become a viable alternative to lead during flashing replacement. Fibreglass is not only easy to lay and simple to maintain, it’s also fantastic at maintaining the structural look of a roof. GRP can arrive in various colours and styles. However, the main benefit of fibreglass in lead flashing replacement is, of course, its waterproof nature. Waterproof GRP will always be ready to fight back against heavy weather and potential criminal activity. No snow, sleet or rain will permeate GRP providing it is well-laid. That’s why it pays to find an expert to help set it up for you.
Beyond this, GRP fibreglass is impervious to attack. It’s virtually impenetrable. Any would-be burglars or vandals will have a seriously hard time trying to crack through a lead flashing replacement built out of GRP! That’s why we find so many of our customers are keen to set up fibreglass, rather than lead, to get their homes resealed and safe again.
Merlin is a leading local name in fibreglass roofing and fabrication. We have years of experience in working with fibreglass. The material has quickly become the average roofer’s choice when it comes to affordable, flexible, reliable material. The cost may be a little more than standard materials and fixings at the point of sale, but it will more than pay for itself over the next two decades. The work we do, and the GRP we support, comes with a 20-year guarantee. That means we’re confident you won’t need to call us again until 2020.
Are you in need of an affordable lead flashing replacement? Want to make sure you can seal up your roof without the need to call back again in a few weeks’ time? Make sure to look closely at the benefits of GRP fibreglass.
