Do I need lead flashing on my roof?

Question

Hello, I have no lead flashing on my artificial slate roof, but have been told there are lead soakers. My local roofer says lead flashing isn’t a requirement for this roof type. Does anyone know if I should have lead flashing on my roof? I have some concern that some leaks on a ceiling-adjacent wall could be related to this, or perhaps the soakers aren’t effective enough. Any info would be appreciated – thanks Gordon

Alex · Accepted Answer

Generally, lead flashing would be the recommended choice, but in either case, lead flashing or lead soakers need to be completely sealed. Without correct sealing this can cause issues like damp, leaks or possibly the likes of your wall leak.  (Sealing can be done slightly cheaper with cement, but this is less recommended as cement will not last as long.)  It is very important to have the roof flashing/soakers fitted correctly to be watertight.
 I would recommend seeking a roofer, as soon as possible, to fully survey your roofing and make sure that the soakers or flashing is sealed correctly. Additionally, for them to test that your wall-based issue is not related. The longer you wait, the more issues that can be caused if there are leaks or ineffective sealing.

Phillip · Answer

You should have flashing around all chimneys and if the roof meets an adjacent wall i.e a parapet wall

Stephen · Answer

They need to be the correct lead flashing fitting over your lead soakers. That’s a requirement for any roof.

Lance · Answer

Having correct  under soakers and lead flashing in place will stop water running in to the home

Neil · Answer

If you have soakers there must be some source of flashing otherwise water will just run straight down the back of the soaker.

Liam · Answer

No you don't always need lead but I always use it for this exact reason, the soakers are OK but can sometimes move or slide down allowing water in.

Dominic · Answer

Most roofs do have a lead flashing connected to the wall ground into the brickwork but some slate roofs are okay with lead speakers so if it's not leaking its probably ok if its peace off mind then yes put a lead flashing in it won't hurt thanks hope that's okay

David · Answer

Hi there, yes you do need lead flashing on any type of roof i.e chimneys is a must. Years ago, they used cement fillet and lead soakers under the cement fillet. But I would advise you, as a roofer that a lead flashing is required or water will get behind.

Harry · Answer

Lead flashing is essential where slates/tiles either meet a wall/chimney to ensure a water tight roof. Soakers will do their job but the lead work is needed. Also makes it look complete, and professional.

Paul · Answer

Hi you need soakers and lead flashing on all chimney stacks. They must be done correctly to prevent water running down chimney breast

Steven · Answer

Unless the cement flashing was removed how can he be certain that there are soakers underneath , I would recommend remove the cement flashing strip out the slates and soakers check the felt is adequate and enough upstand to the abutment wall reslat install the soakers and new lead  step flashing fixing with hall clips and pointing the chases with Calder leadmate or equivalent

Steve · Answer

Yes, you do need lead flashings on all fire walls as well as chimney stacks, over the lead soakers.

Do I need lead flashing on my roof?

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