I came across this today http://www.ubbink.co.uk/roof_build/roof_access/flashings.htm

Anyone used it or have an opinion about it?

Thought I'd add an up-date to this Ubiflex non-lead flashing thread.

I'm currently building a house in Chiba, Japan, and earlier this year, 2011, I used the 250mm, B3 thickness, black Ubiflex for a cover flashing over clay tiles.

On the plus side: it was light, clean to use, cuts easily, and can be dressed and welted as easily - or even more easily - than lead. And, immediately, after installation it looked 'the business' and I was very pleased.

However, six months (and one summer later) and I'm a bit less impressed. As recommended, to prevent wind lift, I'd glued the edge of the flashing down to the tiles using a continuous bead of 'High Tack' adhesive. Recently from ground level it had appeared as if the adhesive had failed with a small gap (3mm to 5mm) showing between the flashing and the tiles. I went up on the roof to re fix it and was surprised to discover that the underside of the flashing was still very firmly glued to the tiles but that the Ubiflex had begun to de-laminate with the upper layer of bitumen/plastic and embedded aluminum mesh pulling away from the bottom layer of bitumen/plastic material glued to the tiles.

This problem has only occurred along the southern elevation, so I'm guessing it is caused by high temperatures (Ubiflex literature says that it is fine -20C to +90C). We've had a few hot days (30C plus) so I'm guessing the roof surface must have exceeded the acceptable max temperature.

Currently it is a little unsightly. if you really take a very close look at the finish of the flashing work, but doesn't seem to have any other performance implications. We've just had typhoon Roke pass over us and there isn't any sign of any further lifting or greater separation between the bitumen/plastic and the mesh or of even the slightest water penetration unto the under felt.

But still... I'm a bit disappointed overall and, if honest, wish I'd stuck with what I know and used lead.

Hope this information is of use to anyone considering giving lead flashing alternatives a try.

I use bitumen bonded with thin copper - the copper is more like incredible tough foil than metal sheet and imprinted with squares so that it bends easily, only slightly less flexible than just 4mm bitumen. Tremendously durable though if you step on a small stone the copper will puncture, but the bitumen is underneath so no problem. It cuts with a knife, you can use a blow torch and blast it (it doesn't burn except at the edges) to make the bitumen fill/seal awkward places and it will stick to itself. It is a problem solver and so easy to use even I can get good results - it is genuinely amazing stuff and about Euros 10 per m2 here. Oh and of course you get the copper ageing colours etc. Don't know if it available in the UK but they don't use lead at all around here now.

I'll have a look and let you know, be few days so I'll whisper so as not to bring the tread up top again - damn good idea about the moss! Going to stick some on under my ridge line where I get bad lichen.