What do you mean by expensive? Expensive to buy -- well yes but you only do it once every 100+ years so then it is cheap which is why it is so widely used

And it is best and 100% recyclable too

Looks like a piece of crap Mike. If it's guaranteed for 15 years that is probably its life expectancy. Since it's oil based, it will be eventually be destroyed by UV light.

Over on this side of the pond people still use copper flashings - looks great and lasts easily as long as lead and isn't as expensive as you might think compared to the labour costs of installation.

Paul in Montreal.

Thank you very much for your comments. I will check out the firm mentioned. Went on their website and found it definitely food for thought. That's what I love about this forum!
Sally

How about zinc?

Rheinzink and VMzink very much the choice of Continental architects and increasingly in the UK, for whole roofs and complex shapes. To my mind it does look good and, as it is worked on site, deals with curves, corners, ridges, dormers etc you get excellent waterproofing, and longevity...but it's not cheap, though cheaper than lead.

Sadly I suppose this doesn't answer your question. When I used it, it was installed by a specialist, trained contractor for guarantee purposes, I suppose.

Posted By: Mike GeorgeHmm, I'm not so dismissive of new products until I have seen them in the flesh and used them.

Just the fact that the quoted lifespan is only 30 years gives me the feeling that the product is not suitable for any kind of green building. Since labour costs are often dominant, why not install a product that will last at least 100 years?

Posted By: Mike GeorgeI do agree that Lead is best - without a doubt. Sometimes budget dictates otherwise though....

What makes lead better than copper (except possibly price)? Is it easier to work? Copper ages to a fabulous colour (IMHO) which isn't something that can be said for lead or zinc. I'm sure lead refining and copper refining are both pretty dismal for the environment - I wonder which is worse? Zinc isn't great either for that matter.

Paul in Montreal.

Ed,
This is a valid point as I am having rainwater harvesting. From what I have read, I think lead is ok because the water isn't in contact for hours with the lead. I am only planning to use the water for toilets, washing machines and garden. Please, if I have got this wrong, let me know!....I don't want dead plants!

<blockquote><cite>Posted By: Paul in Montreal</cite><blockquote><cite>Just the fact that the quoted lifespan is only 30 years gives me the feeling that the product is not suitable for any kind of green building. Since labour costs are often dominant, why not install a product that will last at least 100 years?.</blockquote>

I would say that Ubiflex is probably only 20-25% of the cost of lead when factoring in Labour. It really is very quick and easy to use. So the answer is cost, which is the advice the OP asked for


<blockquote><cite>Posted By: Paul in Montreal</cite><blockquote><cite>What makes lead better than copper (except possibly price)? Is it easier to work? Copper ages to a fabulous colour (IMHO) which isn't something that can be said for lead or zinc. I'm sure lead refining and copper refining are both pretty dismal for the environment - I wonder which is worse? Zinc isn't great either for that matter.Paul in Montreal.</blockquote>

Don't know which is worse. I have no experience of using or working copper, though I suspect lead is easier because it is more malleable. It is also what is commonly used in my part of the world. I have only ever seen copper used for rainwater goods. If it were used for flashing it would probably be more attractive to thieves due to the high comparative scrap value.

I have heard that my local council only use Ubiflex now due to the theft of lead.

It doesn't last 100yrs if someone nicks it

Thanks for this, Ecoworrier.

I had never thought of fiberglass..so I will check this out. Will my roof end up looking like a canoe, though!

Posted By: Sally MThis is a valid point as I am having rainwater harvesting. From what I have read, I think lead is ok because the water isn't in contact for hours with the lead. I am only planning to use the water for toilets, washing machines and garden. Please, if I have got this wrong, let me know!....I don't want dead plants!

Yes, that's what I've read, too.

Judith Thornton, The Water Book, 2nd Edition:

Rainwater is slightly acidic and will dissolve small amounts of lead roof flashings. Assuming you are not going to drink the water, this isn't a problem, although lead gutters and downpipes should be avoided as they may result in lead levels being too high for rainwater to be used on edible crops in the garden.

On the other hand, the Vales' Autonomous House uses copper flashings because the water there is used for drinking.

Still, lead is one of those insidious problems with long-term cumulative effects. Avoiding its use with water to go on edible crops is a further small nudge towards other choices as is leaving the option open for potable use of the water in the future.

Cannot really see how galv. steel would do the job...any manipulation would disturb the coating and lead to rust. I suppose if you fabricated everything...test fitted it and then sent it off to be galvanised, you have a solution. Would be very surprised if the galvanizers would guaratee more than 20 years though, and that depends on local enviroment.

Paul,

In UK copper and lead theft has become a big problem over the last years (I'm please to hear it's not in Canada!). Mainly because the metal price is so high now and also lead is used so much on church roofs so that you can easily get hold of large quantaties.

For pure copper you get about £3.50-£4.00 per kilo, which is pretty good!

Polyester/plastisol coated galavanized steal is used a lot in the commercial sector in the UK, just not so much in the domestic sector.

Can anyone give me a supplier of galvanised steel that they would recommend.........I like this idea!...certainly worth getting a quote.

Are you looking for a material for the valleys on your roof? As TheDoc says galvanised steel is used a lot in Scotland and I think it's well suited to use over hips but probably less good in a valley where it may stay wetter longer. If you are not familiar with it, Roofkrete is a thin, cement based render type roofing membrane. When I was considering an alternative to lead I discussed it with the Roofkrete contactor and he said he had used it for valleys very effectively. It's an immensely durable material and could be worked easily into valleys or just about anywhere else.

Julian,
I have read up on Roofkrete with fascination, thanks to this forum. My house build has balconies which I had intended to use Roofkrete. How does the cost compare to lead for valleys, do you know? It could be a one stop shop!