Transforming Your Business By Going Green

Flashing, the metal pieces on your roof that surround things like chimneys and vents, are critical to preventing rainwater and melting snow from getting in these seams and finding its way into your home. Flashing can be made of a number of materials, including aluminum and copper. However, there are some decided benefits to opting to use lead flashing.

Advantages of using lead roof flashing

1. Durability. Lead flashing is sturdier and lasts much longer than the most common aluminum flashing. According to the Lead Sheet Association, lead flashing can last up to three times as long as other types of flashing.

2. Resistant to corrosion and salt. Lead is also resistant to corrosion from elements in the atmosphere as well as to salt from coastal air. It also won't be compromised by exposure to UV rays as some types of flashing can be.

3. Recyclable. Lead flashing can be recycled when it's time to replace it, keeping unnecessary building scraps from ending up in America's landfills. The Lead Sheet Association advises that lead flashing is 100 percent recyclable. Many manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty on lead sheeting.

4. Flexibility. Lead can cope with a variety of temperature extremes without shrinking, cracking or expanding, thus compromising the seal of the flashing. Lead flashing is a great choice for houses that see very high and very low temperatures.

5. Aesthetics. Lead offers a subtle matte finish that will blend in with most roofing materials, unlike shiny copper or aluminum. This type of flashing can be used with most any style house or roofing material.

6. Easy to install. Lead flashing is easy to install and doesn't require any special tools or skills. It can even be added by most DIY homeowners.

7. Less expensive over time. While lead flashing is slightly more expensive initially than aluminum flashing, it costs less over time since lead lasts so much longer than aluminum does.

8. Requires less maintenance. Because it is less prone to cracking, shrinking and corrosion, lead flashing requires much less maintenance than other types of flashing. Plus, reducing the maintenance--and the number of types workers have to work on your roof--will help to preserve the rest of your roof.

While lead roof flashing may not be the right choice for every home or business owner, this type of flashing is very durable, resists extreme temperatures, is non-corrosive and adapts to most any design and architectural style. For more information on lead products, contact a company like Nuclear Lead Co., Inc.