EPDM flashing on pitched roof?

[SJRSJR]

Hello

I'm planning to replace the concrete tiles on my pitched porch roof with clay tiles and can see the lead flashing is split in a couple of place. I was looking at the replacement cost and came across EPDM lead alternative. Does it work for pitched roofs? It looks like it's easier to handle but I'm wondering if it's the right choice for an old house. It will be facing the road so I don't want it to look shabby or out of place. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[noseall]

Hello

I'm planning to replace the concrete tiles on my pitched porch roof with clay tiles and can see the lead flashing is split in a couple of place. I was looking at the replacement cost and came across EPDM lead alternative. Does it work for pitched roofs? It looks like it's easier to handle but I'm wondering if it's the right choice for an old house. It will be facing the road so I don't want it to look shabby or out of place. Any thoughts? Thanks

Are we talking plain tiles?

 

[SJRSJR]

No, they're a Marseille tile.

 

[ree]

OP,
Why not post a pic of whats there now?

 

[SJRSJR]

Thanks. I can get a better one tomorrow.

 

[robinbanks]

If they're 400 centres that run of lead might be too long, encouraging it to split with thermal expansion/contraction

I don't personally think Leadax et al look out of place but I'd caution that they do bend fairly easily - you use them in code 4 locations but they bend like code 3, so if you get strong winds you may find it picks the EPDM up. That can be mitigated by having a straight hook at tile level placed to keep the lower lip from lifting..

If you're OK with keeping/reshaping/renovating the existing lead it may just be a case of tucking a soaker under the split part

 

[SJRSJR]

Thanks. I thought I’d have to replace all the lead but I’ll see if a repair will suffice.

I’ve read that vinegar or lemon will clean up lead before using patination oil. I’ve already got 30% vinegar but it’s never been the miracle product I was hoping for, do you know if it’s likely to be a waste of time on lead?

 

[robinbanks]

Nothing to lose by trying it; I've found that mechanical abrasives like a green pan scrubber, wire wool or sanding sponge also bring lead up to a bright shine that can then be oiled to encourage the typical grey patina. Commercial limescale removers also work on the white staining/surface patine (lead carbonate) - they're typically a weak acid

If you're after a stronger acid, give brick cleaner a go (but bear in mind that not all are acid based for safety reasons)

 

[ree]

OP,
Inserting short lengths of, say, 300mm same size lead flashing with a turn into the chase over each split will provide a fix for splits & holes.
If the whole flashing run in the pic is loose in the chase then remove all of it, dress it flat with 20mm turns, & re-fix it with wedges.

To clean your flashing - why?
If you must then rubber gloves an old towel & soapy water rubbed over both sides of the lead.
If you already have patination oil then use that both sides after towelling.
Never use abrasives on lead - abrasives .can create molecular lead dust.
As for using anything acidic on a roof - no bueno.

 

[SJRSJR]

Thanks for all the advice, it’s very helpful.