Rapid flashing removes lead theft risk for school

The huge re-roofing project for Hatcham Temple Grove School in south east London has used Redland’s Rapid Flashing to meet the Architect’s specification for a lead-free roof.

The extensive roof area uses Redland’s Rosemary Clay Classic tiles in Dark Antique to match the tiles of the original school building which was badly damaged by fire in 2010.  Rapid Flashing has been used for the detailing around all roof junctions, upstands and stepped flashings.  

Rapid Flashing was a new product to both specifier and contractor.  Architects Jestico Whiles wanted a lead-free roof partly for cost reasons but also to eliminate the risk of lead theft – a particular issue the Project Architect whose own house has been the target of lead thieves.

In response to the Architect’s request for a lead-free roof, contractor E J Roberts suggested the Rapid Flashing as it was compatible with other Redland products used on the roof.  The contractors had limited experience with the product so were guided by Redland’s technical support team.  Contracts Manager Emerson Bennett was impressed by the result: “For the step flashing up a pitched roof this is great stuff: an ideal solution.  We will be using it again.”

Rapid Flashing is a self-adhesive flashing system that can be used instead of lead in the majority of pitched roof applications as well as on metal roofs when used with Rapid Flashing M-Glue.  A relatively new product, Rapid Flashing is gaining popularity because of its easy and quick installation – estimated to be twice as quick to install as traditional lead – and for its 20-year guarantee.

The Project Architect was also happy with the result:  “It is always our aim to remove all lead from roofing projects like this one.  To be honest we were not aware of the Rapid Flashing product, but having seen it installed I am satisfied that it gives us the result we wanted and am confident that it will perform as required.”