The answer for roof flashing applications
Every licensed roof plumber knows that with high quality roof flashing, they're doing a superior job. The last thing they want is a leak occurring because they've gone and cut corners. Choosing the best quality flashing specific to each application is critical.
This article looks at:
- What flashing is
- The answer to flashing for roof pipes
- The answer to flashing and non-compliant PVC vent pipes in BAL areas
- The answer to flashing for windows, chimneys
Once you've read this article, you'll be better informed about the different applications and the best solutions.
What is roof flashing?
In case you're not sure, it's a plumbing product that's made especially for creating tight seals on the roof where there is a risk of water getting through. Depending on the application, it can be made of aluminium, or a rubber material that is flexible and can be manipulated to fit tightly and stop leaks.
It's used in a variety of applications including:
- around the base of chimneys
- under the windows
- around roof pipes
- around gutters
- and other areas
Aluminium flashing can come in straight or curved cut sections, and rolls. There is also lead-free flexible flashing that comes in rolls, and boots or pipe flashing.
The answer to flashing for roof pipes and vent pipes
For this application, boots are commonly used. These are also known as roof pipe flashing. They're cone shaped and generally wrap around the pipe creating a snug seal. Being flexible, the base can be manipulated for different roof profiles such as corrugated iron roofs.
Roof plumbers generally use a sealant under the base and screw the base into the roof once it has been shaped. This creates a water tight seal. Often, sealant is also used around the outside of the base once installed to create a second seal. Some boots come in pre-cut sizes at the top of the cone for different diameter pipes. Other boots need to be cut at the top in such a way that it grips the pipe tightly at the top of the cone.
Sometimes plumbers do a square install, sometimes they do a diamond install. The diamond install means the water hits the top edge of the diamond first and falls away along each side of the diamond shape.
A square install runs the risk of water pooling on the top edge of the square and not being shed. If water is allowed to sit and pool in any area, you run the risk of rust forming. Rain water can also carry sediment that's already on the roof, which could end up sitting along the square edge as well and causing rust over time. Diamond install is really the only way to go.
The answer to non-compliant PVC vent pipes in BAL areas
BAL stands for Bushfire Attack Level. There are various levels depending on the risk of ember attack. In BAL areas, the Australian Standard sets a limitation on the use of PVC pipes that can be exposed above the roofline.
Even the lowest BAL rating has shown temperatures can soar to 160°C. PVC melts at around 80 to 85°C. When it's melted, it can expose a gap that is non-compliant to the Australian Standard AS 3959:2018.
The solution is a BAL drainage vent and flashing kit. The red silicon flashing and pipe are designed from materials that withstand continuous extreme heat. The metal pipe has an integrated mesh steel cowl that prevents embers from entering. It's a top solution for homes in BAL areas.
The answer to flashing for windows, chimneys
Once lead flashing was the go but now of course it's the big No. Lead-free flashing has taken over. It comes in special rolls and has the same properties as traditional lead but it's far safer and easier to handle and install. It's suited as a water barrier in many applications.
These include:
- along window bases
- around chimneys and skylights
- at chimney/roof intersections
- inside wall cavities
- and more
Many rolls come in up to 6 metre lengths, yet they're light because they don't contain any heavy materials. You can get rolls of lead-free flashing for a lot less than the cost of traditional lead flashing, such as the Leadax 300mm X 6m Black Roof Flashing available at Plumbing Sales.
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