Marley launches new Lead Replacement Roll

Marley is launching Flexfast, its new Universal Lead Replacement Roll, which can be used to create a water-tight seal and effective flashing at all abutments, including walls, chimneys and dormers.

With similar aesthetics and rigidity to lead, the new adhesive roll is a cost saving alternative, which is also much quicker and easier to install than the traditional solution.

The ongoing loss of skills in the roofing sector, as a result of the labour shortage and ageing workforce, means there is a clear need for manufacturers to develop easy-to-fix products. The new Universal Lead Replacement Roll has been designed and developed as a time saving solution, that doesn’t require specialist lead fitting skills.

During the development process for the new dry fix product, Marley carried out extensive installation tests on a number of different roll materials, before selecting the one with the highest adhesive performance and flexibility.

As a result, Flexfast features an ultra-sticky, UV and age resistant, Butyl adhesive backing to ensure a quick and secure fix. Manufactured from creped coated aluminium, the new roll is reinforced with metal grid for strength and rigidity, but it can actually stretch up to 60%, so can be moulded to even the deepest profile tiles.

Stuart Nicholson, roof systems director at Marley, said: “While lead has traditionally been used as a flashing material on roofs for hundreds of years, it is now starting to be seen as a labour intensive, costly and potentially hazardous job and lead replacement products are growing in popularity.

“Some European countries have already banned the use of lead in construction and although it is not yet banned in the UK, with lead prices increasing year on year and high levels of lead theft, there are clear safety and cost benefits to using lead replacement products. Our new Universal Lead Replacement Roll provides a cost saving alternative, which is also easier to install when compared to traditional lead.”

As well as being a cheaper option, the new Universal Lead Replacement Roll is up to 80% lighter than its lead equivalent, making it easier to handle and reducing health and safety risks. Adding to Marley’s existing comprehensive range of accessories and roofing components, including Universal dry verge, GRP valleys, underlays, JB Red roofing battens and much more, the new Lead Replacement Roll can be purchased individually or as part of a full roof system.