How To Fit Lead Flashing On A Pitched Roof UK
Due to its durability, flexibility, and noncorrosive nature, lead is the most common material for flashings on a flat roof or a pitched roof. It can be used in many different applications, including as a rain gutter flashing or as a downspout flashing. Lead flashing has been around since ancient times when it was first used by the Romans. The Romans would use lead to protect their roofs from water damage. They would also use lead to make pipes that they could use to transport water. Today, lead is still one of the most popular materials for building flashing because it is very durable and flexible and used widely for roof repairs and new roof installations.
What is Lead Flashing?
Lead flashing is a piece of milled lead used to form a weathertight seal between joints. Over the years, lead flashing has been used in places such as where a roof meets a wall, on roof valleys, around chimneys, pipes, and around windows, skylights and doors.
How Do I Install Lead Flashing to a Pitched Roof?
There are two methods for installing lead flashing to a pitched roof. The first method uses a special tool called a "lead flashing hammer" which allows you to drive the lead flashing into place while using a mallet or sledgehammer. If you have access to a power saw, then you may use this method instead.
The second method is to install the lead flashing by hand. This requires some basic carpentry skills and tools, but it's easier than using a hammer. You will need a tape measure, wood chisel, and an 8-inch level.
Step 1
Measure out 16 inches from the bottom edge of the roof. Mark the spot with a pencil.
Step 2
Cut a piece of lead flashing 14 inches long. Use your tape measure to make sure the length is exactly 16 inches. Cut off any excess lead flashing with a sharp knife.
Step 3
Place the lead flashing over the mark you made in step one. Make sure the lead flashing overlaps the top edge of the roof at least 4 inches.
Step 4
Using a mallet or sledged hammer, pound down the lead flashing until it is flush against the shingles.
Step 5
Measure up 6 inches from the bottom edge. Repeat steps 1 through 4 to install the rest of the lead flashing.
Step 6
Once all of the lead flashing is installed, check the workmanship. If there are gaps or loose pieces on the roof surface, fill them in with more lead flashing.
Step 7
Once everything looks good, apply a bead of silicone caulk along the bottom edge of each piece of lead flashing. Allow the silicone to dry completely before applying additional coats if needed.
Step 8
Use a paintbrush to apply several layers of latex caulking compound to the entire area. Let the compound dry completely before adding another coat.
Step 9
Apply another layer of latex caulking compound over the entire area. Once again let the compound dry completely before applying another coat.
Step 10
Allow the final coat of latex caulking compound time to cure overnight. When the next day comes, remove the old caulking compound with a putty knife and clean the surface with water.
Step 11
If necessary, repeat steps 8 through 10 to complete the installation.
Other Types of Flashing Material
You may find that you want to use a different type of flashing material depending on the application. Here are some examples:
Metal Flashing - Metal flashing is similar to lead flashing except that it is usually thicker and heavier. It is commonly used for eaves, valleys, and around windows and doors.
Wooden Flashing - Wooden flashing is often used to cover seams between sloped wooden deck boards.
Fibreglass Flashing - Fiberglass flashing is similar to metal flashing except that it is lighter weight and less expensive. It is commonly used to cover seams between vinyl siding and brick or stone walls.
Fibre Reinforced Plastic Flashing - FRP flashing is similar to fibreglass flashing except that it has added strength and durability. It is commonly used as a replacement for aluminum flashing.
Lead Paint Flashing - Lead paint flashing is similar to lead flashings except that it is painted rather than coated with lead. It is commonly used when installing new roofs.
FAQs
How do you install flashing on an existing roof?
Can you nail lead flashing?
Lead should only be fixed into place with copper or stainless steel nails by qualified roofers. This ensures longevity, security, and compliance with applicable building codes and guidelines.
What is Code 3 lead?
The smallest gauge of lead used in commercial roofing is code 3 and is suitable for light applications, like soakers under abutments.
View our previous blog post here: 10 Best Places To Visit In Folkestone, Kent
10 Best Places To Visit In Folkestone, Kent
Information provided by Fairview Folkestone Roofing:
Folkestone is a seaside town situated where Kent's North Downs fall into the English Channel. Its popularity peaked just before the First World War, at the height of the Edwardian period.
This town has a great deal to offer, including Victorian architecture, waterfront parks, and a revitalised harbour. It also has a fascinating history. Folkestone has always been England's defensive front line since France can be seen through the Strait of Dover.
Here are some fun things to do in Folkestone:
1. Folkestone Harbour Arm
An extensive seawall protects Folkestone's harbour’s south side, which was dredged and screened during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Harbour Arm had a ferry service to Boulogne and was connected to the London to Dover line of the Southeastern Railway.
The harbour handled about ten million passengers during the First World War. Following the Channel Tunnel's completion in the 1990s, the number of cross-Channel ferries dropped dramatically. Therefore, the old terminal, which jutted out into the sea for several hundred metres, needed a new purpose.
It is now a popular promenade and summer dining destination, with a handful of enticing semi-permanent eateries in addition to street food stalls, live music and live music performances.
The Harbour Screen is a great place to watch movies and live sporting events, as well as enjoy mezze, barbecue ribs, cockles or stone-baked pizzas while taking in the view of the town and its cliffs.
2. The Leas
This beautifully landscaped promenade was built on the cliffs above the beach during the mid-19th century. It has a long lawn, ornamental flower beds, a theatre, a bandstand, and a memorial arch commemorating the First World War.
Decimus Burton, best known for his work at Kew Gardens and London Zoo, was responsible for much of what you see on the Leas. From the top of the cliff, you can take the cliff lift (if it is in operation) or take the Zig Zag Path down to the seafront, or pause to gaze out over the Channel and the French coast.
3. Lower Leas Coastal Park
In 1784, a landslip moved land from the cliff to the beach under the Leas, forever changing the Seafront of Folkestone. Originally landscaped in the 19th century, the 27-acre Coastal Park took shape from 2000 to 2006.
Only a few parks in the UK have earned the Green Flag. The scenic Zig Zag Path winds through caves, past the bandstand, and offers breathtaking views along with every hairpin turn as it meanders from the Leas Cliff Hall.
The park is divided into three main areas: a formal zone with new pine avenues and flowerbeds, an adventure playground, an amphitheatre; a fun zone; and a wild zone, which protects the unique habitat created by the landslide.
4. Sandgate Beach
Folkestone incorporated Sandgate as part of its urban area in 1934. A long shingle beach runs along the water here, parallel to the waterfront promenade that stretches from Folkestone to Hythe.
Off-season, visitors can enjoy skimming stones, breathing in the crisp sea air, and watching ferries and container ships pass by. Aside from soaking up the summer sun, you can also enjoy seaside treats such as ice cream or fish and chips, hire a beach hut, or go kayaking or sailing.
As a Seaside Award winner and a Marine Conservation Society commended beach, Sandgate Beach is a good place to swim if you are comfortable with the temperatures.
5. Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Folkestone has a hinterland equivalent to a national park. A chalk ridge that arcs from the Surrey Hills along the South East England coast to the White Cliffs of Dover, the Kent Downs are one half of the North Downs.
Among the most photogenic parts of the Downs are those with natural ecosystems, untouched by human influence. Located just north of the town, the Folkestone Downs offer such a space. Dover Hill, which reaches a height of 170 metres, is a popular rollercoaster hill on the coast. Wildflowers that abound in these meadows include the man orchid, the early spider orchid, and the late spider orchid.
6. Folkestone Museum
Folkestone's museum shares the former town hall with the visitor information centre, so it provides an opportunity to explore the town's rich history. The Folkestone Museum has recently reopened thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. The exhibit is divided into five main categories: Fashion, Frontline, Maritime, Natural, and Ancient.
In "Fashion," Folkestone's evolution from a fishing village to an Edwardian seaside resort is described, while "Frontline" documents the town's role as a fortifying coastal station. The Ancient and Natural sections feature Roman artefacts and dinosaur fossils, while the Maritime section details Folkestone's close connection with the sea via fishing, smuggling, and shipwrecks.
7. Sunny Sands
Summertime is a great time to visit the sandy beach nestled between The Stade on the harbour and that Country Park. Should you feel like munching or need to go to the restroom in this area, there are plenty of facilities in place.
Sunny Sands is also a good place to walk at other times of the year. The west end of the park has a terrace offering a picturesque view of the cliffs. There is also a life-size bronze sculpture of the Folkestone Mermaid perched on the rocks like the Copenhagen Mermaid.
Taking inspiration from a local mother of two and climate change and rising sea levels, the Folkestone equivalent depicts a realistic portrait of a woman facing out to the horizon.
8. East Cliff and Warren Country Park
Located East of the harbour, East Cliff and Warren Country Park consists of 300 acres of cliffs, beaches, and terraced habitats formed from hundreds of years of landslides. In the Warren, a Special Scientific Interest Site, around 150 types of birds are spotted during different seasons of the year.
Kent is home to the only grayling butterfly colony in the state, along with 330 types of moths. There is a pitch & putt course and lush lawns on the side closest to the town, dominated by three Napoleonic-era Martello towers.
9. Brockhill Country Park
Brockhill Country Park lies on the north-eastern edge of the Kent Downs, just outside of Hythe on land that was once part of a sprawling Norman manor. Brockhill Stream forms a broad valley in which most of the park is open grassland and meadows.
A trail circles the park's tree-lined central lake, while another follows the valley's ravine. Those two link up with the 163-mile Saxon Shore Way.
Snowdrops bloom in the meadows early in the spring, and you can typically see white marbled butterflies in the summer. Picnic areas are available in the park, while Brockhill Cafe's patio offers a casual place for a cup of tea and conversation.
10. St Leonard's Church
You can investigate this 11th-century Norman church, which contains only one of two ossuaries in England, by driving 10 minutes west toward Hythe. It is located at the bottom of the ambulatory, just below the chancel. There are approximately 2,000 skulls and 8,000 thigh bones buried here, dating back to the 13th century. They were removed from the cemetery to create more burial space.
There are plenty of exciting details in the ossuary, including an inscribed pillar on the southern part of the nave with graffiti depicting ships from the Medieval period. You can see a Norman arch made of recycled stone from Roman structures through an unlocked door on the north side of the nave.
Conclusion
The above places are some of the best places to visit in Folkestone, Kent, UK. Hopefully, we (Fairview Folkestone Roofing) have helped you find your next favourite spot! If you know of any other places that should be included in our list please let us know.
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How To Fit Corrugated Roof Sheets
Slate roof tiles come in many different shapes and sizes. Some tiles are square, some are rectangular, and others are round. Regardless of their shape, most slate roof tiles fit together like puzzle pieces. In order to install slate roof tiles, you'll need to cut them to size. Cutting the tiles is an important step in the installation process. Without proper cuts, the tiles won't fit together correctly.
There are several ways to cut slate roof tiles. Each method requires slightly different equipment, but they all share one common goal - to cut the tiles
The first thing you'll want to do is mark out where each tile will sit on your roof. It's best to use chalk so that you don't accidentally damage your slate roof tiles during this process. Mark out the position of each tile onto the roof using a level. Once you've marked them out, you can then measure the distance between each tile, making sure you leave enough space between them.
Cutting Slates With Power Tools
If you're planning on cutting your slate tiles with power tools, you'll want to ensure that you're using the appropriate tool for the job. For example, if you're looking to cut slate roof tiles by hand, then you'll want to look for a tile saw. However, if you're planning on using a table saw, then you'll need to ensure that your slate has been properly marked.
If you plan on cutting your slate tiles with power tools, there are two main methods: sawing and drilling. We'll look at each method in turn.
Sawing
The best way to cut slate tiles with power tools is to use a circular saw. The circular saw has a blade that spins at high speed, making it ideal for cutting through slate. You'll also find that a circular saw makes quick work of cutting tiles. To get started, you'll need to make sure that your slate tiles have been properly marked before you start cutting. If they haven't been marked, then you'll need a marking gauge or other measuring device. This will help you to accurately cut the tiles.
Once you've marked your slate tiles, you can then cut them with a circular saw. Start by holding the tile firmly against the fence of the saw. Then, slowly move the tile back and forth as you run the blade along the edge of the tile. When you reach the end of the tile, stop moving it forward and pull it away from the saw. Continue doing this until all of the tiles are cut.
Drilling
Another good option for cutting slate tiles with power tools would be to use a drill. A drill works well for cutting slate because it allows you to control how much force you apply when you push down on the tile. To begin, you'll need to secure the tile firmly against the drill bit. Next, hold the tile steady while you rotate the bit into place. Use the screwdriver handle to guide the bit into the tile. Keep rotating the tile around the bit until it is fully embedded.
When you're finished, remove the tile from the drill bit and continue to drill holes in the remaining tiles.
After that, follow these steps to install slate tiles on your roof.
How to Install Slate Roof Tiles
Step 1: Determine the Type of Tile You Have
The first thing you need to do when working with slate tiles is to determine what kind of material you have. There are three main types of slate:
- Flat-cut ( also called flat-slate or plain-slate)
- Curved-cut
- Bullnose
Flat-cut tiles are usually rectangular in shape, while bullnose tiles are more rounded at the edges. Curved-cut tiles are somewhere between the two.
If you’re unsure which type of tile you have or if it has been damaged, contact a roofing contractor. They can identify the exact type of tile you have and recommend the best way to cut them.
Step 2: Choose a Cutting Tool That Will Work Best for Your Project
Once you know the type of tile you’ve got, you can begin choosing a cutting tool. For most projects, a circular saw works well because it allows you to make straight cuts across the face of the tile. However, if you want to create curved cuts, you may need a different tool.
For example, if you want to make a curve along an edge of the tile, a jigsaw would be ideal. It creates smooth curves by using a blade that moves back and forth as it cuts. If you want to make a long, straight cut through multiple layers of slate, consider a reciprocating saw. This tool makes clean, straight cuts without leaving any debris behind.
Step 3: Cut the Tile
After you have chosen the right tools, you’ll need to start cutting the tile. Start by making sure the surface of the tile is dry. Then use a utility knife to remove the protective layer from around the tile. Next, place the tile on a piece of plywood and position it so that the top edge is flush with the bottom edge. Make sure there isn’t anything underneath the tile that could get caught in the blade.
Next, attach a guide block to the table where you plan to cut the tile. Use this guide block to help keep the tile steady during the cutting process. Hold the tile firmly against the guide block with one hand, and hold the blade against the tile with the other. Slowly move the blade down the length of the tile until it reaches the end.
Repeat this process until you reach the desired length. Once you finish, flip the tile over and repeat the same procedure on the underside of the tile.
Step 4: Clean Up the Surface
When you’re done cutting the tile, wipe up any leftover pieces of slate that might still be stuck to the table. Also, try to avoid getting any dust into the seams of the tile. To prevent this, use a vacuum cleaner to suck up all the loose particles.
Step 5: Apply Sealant
When you’re ready to apply sealant, you should use a brush to spread it evenly across the entire surface of the tile. After spreading the sealant, let it sit for about 10 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Step 6: Attach Strips
Now comes the fun part! Before attaching your new roof tiles, you will need to install strips of wood on either side of each tile. These strips serve as guides for the tiles as they go onto the roof.
To do this, first, measure out how much space you need between each tile. You can use a tape measure or a ruler to determine the distance. Then, mark the centre point of the tile with a pencil. Using a drill, make holes at both ends of the strip. The holes should be slightly larger than the diameter of the screws used to secure the tile.
Attach the strips to the roof with screws. Be careful not to hit the edges of the tile when drilling the holes.
Step 7: Install Roof Tiles
Finally, it’s time to put your new roof tiles in place. First, set the tile in its proper location. Then, slide the strips of wood under the tile and screw them to the roof. Repeat this process until you’ve installed every single tile.
Once you’re finished installing the tiles, give the whole thing a good cleaning. Then, apply some more sealant to protect the newly installed roofing material.
Why Choose Slate Roof Tiles?
Slate has several unique benefits over other materials, including the fact that it works well both inside and outside. Slate roofs last longer than most other types of tile roofs. They typically last between 60 and 80 years. Slate is also one tough material for roofs. It’s durable enough to withstand extreme temperatures (heat and cold), windy conditions, heavy snow loads and even hail damage. In addition, slate tiles usually get even better looking with time, as their color becomes richer and their surface develops an attractive sheen.
Slate roofs are also sustainable and environmentally friendly because they're made from natural materials like clay and sandstone. Recycling them minimizes waste and saves resources.
It is hard to imagine a better roofing material to make a home stand out.
FAQs
Can you cut roof slates with a tile cutter?
Yes, you can cut a slate with a tile cutter.
Will a masonry blade cut slate?
Any type of wet saw, whether it is a masonry saw or a tile saw, can make slate cutting a piece of cake.
Can I cut slate with an angle grinder?
Angle grinders, electric tile cutters or circular saws can be used to cut slate. Power tools like these should be used if your tiles are thicker in shape. For bigger and thicker slates, cutting by hand is not recommended.
View our previous post here: Is Folkestone A Good Area To Live?
Is Folkestone A Good Area To Live?
Information provided by Fairview Folkestone Roofing:
Folkestone is one of the coolest seaside towns in the UK. This is one of the coastal towns that has a more friendly, local feel than Whitstable or Margate. There is a flourishing creative scene and quaint harbourside pubs in this seaside town that is often missing when seaside resorts cater to tourists.
Folkestone is blessed with abundant green space, scenic cliffs and a great education system. It was also voted one of the best areas to buy a home in 2020. The average house price in 2020 was £257,670 in Folkestone, despite its growing popularity.
Transport Connectivity in Folkestone
Commuters who want more bang for their buck and a more laidback lifestyle can take advantage of the fantastic transport links offered by Folkestone. There are also many popular eateries in the area.
With its proximity to London and the benefits of living by the sea, Folkestone is hugely popular with commuters. An annual season ticket for the high-speed train from Folkestone Central to London St Pancras costs just under £5800. Folkestone West or Central both offer frequent services to London Cannon Street. Folkestone to London is served by 111 trains on an average weekday.
The Euro Tunnel is also available. Folkestone is only 35 minutes from Calais. With "Le Shuttle", the Eurotunnel transports all forms of freight and motor vehicles, from motorbikes to caravans. A route to the Port of Dover is also accessible from Folkestone via the M2, connecting Medway, Sittingbourne, and Faversham.
Education System in Folkestone
Several good schools are located in Folkestone, which is why so many families move here. Over 37 primary schools have been rated as "good" or "outstanding" by Ofsted. Folkestone has six secondary schools.
The Harvey Grammar School, The Folkestone School for girls and The Marsh Academy, are some of the notable schools here.
Just 30 minutes away is the scenic University of Kent. With more than a hundred undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered, as well as international study options, the university has been recognised for outstanding teaching in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
Leisure and Amenities in Folkestone
The art scene in Folkestone is thriving, and there are many local festivals and events.
As part of the regeneration plan for Folkestone, the Creative Quarter is home to an eclectic mix of creative businesses and art studios. You can find fabulous hand-crafted toys and eco-friendly children's clothes at Moo like a Monkey or go rummaging in Rennie's for some vintage finds. Cornelia Parker's Folkestone Mermaid, inspired by HG Wells' story The Sea Lady, is a must-see in Folkestone town.
With all your high street favourites and some local independent shops thrown in for good measure, Bouverie Place Shopping Centre is a must-go. In addition to the refurbished Folkestone Harbour Arm, which is the ideal place to eat and drink, there are many events and attractions available throughout the year.
Experience Michelin-starred cuisine at Rocksalt, where you'll dine al fresco overlooking the English Channel. If you prefer, you can also grab a coffee at Harbour Coffee Co. and enjoy the view.
While Folkestone doesn't offer much in the way of all-night clubs, there are certainly plenty of bars and pubs for you to enjoy. There's nothing better than good conversation and a good pint at The Inn Doors Micropub on Sandgate High Street.
Folkestone is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are several free play areas in Lower Leas Coastal Park, and Sunny Sands Beach can be found on the other side of the town. Located in Folkestone's East Cliffs, the Warren and East Cliffs is a more rugged and charming part of the town with a perfect sandy beach, grassy hills, and flower beds. The Warren and East Cliffs are home to numerous watersports and an annual sand making competition. The White Cliffs of Dover are visible from this location as well.
A free, year-round exhibition of artworks featuring the Creative Folkestone Triennial takes place throughout the town every year. Every year, the town hosts the 10 day Open Quarter Art Festival, which gives visitors a chance to meet the creative community's driving force. Normally held in November, the Folkestone Book Festival is a great event for book lovers.
A seaside journey of discovery takes the audience on a wonderful journey through Folkestone's coastline as part of the SALT Festival.
The Indoor Snow Sports Centre is great for active people or a rainy day out with the family. A 60-meter, most incredible long indoor slope is great for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing, making it a great place to let off steam. Also worth a visit are the Kent Battle of Britain Museum and the family-friendly Quarter House Theatre.
Safety and Crime in Folkestone
Folkestone has a real family-friendly vibe with a great sense of community. Although the town can be more crowded in the summer months, much like any seaside town, the crime rate is relatively low all year round and lower than the average for the Kent region.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a vibrant seaside town with a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy the best of British culture and cuisine, then Folkestone is the perfect destination. Why not make Folkestone your new base if you're planning your next holiday? If you enjoyed our blog post, then leave us a comment. Our team at Fairview Folkestone Roofing will be happy to respond to each and every one!
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