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.
