Trying to fix flashing.

Minstadave · 17 May 2023 at 12:22

This end of the flashing keeps coming loose. Had a roofing company fix it a couple of years back but it's come loose and all the mortars come out that they used.

I can't shape it enough to get it in so I can fix it. Do I need to pull the full length out and reshape it?

Minstadave · 17 May 2023 at 13:30

Demon said:
I would be tempted to remove, do a clean bend and refit.

BTW, my limited undertanding is that you use flashing clips to secure it in the crevice, not cement, that just fills the gap.

But interested in anyone with actual experience!

Thanks will get some clips. See other people hammering bits of folded up lead (found one of these when I was cleaning out the mortar).

Minstadave · 18 May 2023 at 10:01

Simon42 said:
As previous posts I would folder a deeper top part on the lead, use clips or lead wedges to hold but I would then use one of the modern specialist lead flashing to brick sealants rather than mortar.

I've found these very durable even compared to mortar with something like SBR in and wetted brick work. They're easy to use as they stick to the lead and brick really well. The only extra effort is some care applying/smoothing but that's not hard to do and leaves a smart finish that won't crack with movement.

Thanks, I'll go get some clips and sealant. I've never made up mortar before so was thinking about using sealant.

Minstadave · 18 May 2023 at 11:03

dLockers said:
Lead mastic is what you are after. Just make sure you get a clean 90 degree fold on the lead (watch some lead beating videos; it is pretty simple). You may need a mortar rake on an angle grinder to cut out some more cement from that gap that isn't adequate.

Edit: Don't bodge it as water will run behind the lead. I had a failed lead install and it was an absolute nightmare as the water made its way beneath the roof felt and the whole roof had to be ripped off.

I'll whip the whole piece out, get a better bend on it and sit it in the gap properly.

Minstadave · 29 May 2023 at 16:47

Finally finished this:

Removed the entire piece, it was impossible to get back straight enough to get it back on. Lead was also too bloody heavy whilst balancing on the porch roof.

Used Bostik Flashband in the end. Cleared up all the surfaces, used the primer, fitted it and used clips to hold it in place. Then glued the lot in with flashing glue.

It looks OK, obviously the new Flashband doesn't match the other bits of lead but it was such a massive PITA I'm done. It's waterproof atleast.

Minstadave · 30 May 2023 at 11:13

God no. Nobody wants to see my crap handiwork. It's not pretty.

Minstadave · 5 Jun 2023 at 10:57

mickyflinn said:
That flashing should be 25mm deap into the joint.

Yeah it was barely in as the lead had distorted and there was no way to get it in.

For those that want to be horrified:

Hard to shape it to the tiles, I started and got bored as you can see.

Minstadave · 5 Jun 2023 at 22:46

gingergundog said:
Tbh I think it would have been easier for you to use lead to shape it over the tiles. Looks thin that flashband but I guess its fine as long as it doesn't leak!

Yeah I thought about lead but by the time I'd bought lead, cutters, dragged it up on the roof and broken a few tiles/bones it all seemed a bit daunting. This was a quick fix and I'll just get a pro in at some point.