Introducing Leadax Lead-Free Flashing: The Sustainable Substitute

As awareness of the need to protect our delicate, vulnerable environment continues to grow, more and more people are seeking sustainable alternatives for a variety of materials. One of these materials is lead which, while it is effective for numerous applications, brings with it many disadvantages. Another problem that threatens our planet is plastic waste: Leadax is a unique product that seeks to remedy both issues.

Roeland van Delden, the founder of Leadax, began his search for a sustainable and recyclable raw material to replace lead back in 2014. After looking into numerous materials, Delden and his team chanced upon PVB (PolyVinyl Butyral), which is a plastic most commonly used in the production of safety glass. When such glass was broken, the plastic waste was usually sent to landfill.

An intensive process of development and testing of PVB followed, resulting in the introduction of Leadax Original to the market in 2017. This revolutionary product thus became the world's first lead substitute that offers the same qualities as the metal but without any of the drawbacks. 

When it comes to detailing the advantages of Leadax, there are so many that it is difficult to know where to start. The flashing material looks exactly like lead, is just as malleable and flexible and provides the same level of protection. Though equivalent to code 5 lead, Leadax is in fact a full 75% lighter at just 3.85 kilograms per square metre. The material is entirely non-toxic and carries official BBA certification. With no scrap value, Leadax is not attractive to thieves and can be fully recycled at the end of its extensive lifetime. 

Leadax Original can be used for a wide variety of applications. 

• As a water barrier in numerous locations, including in cavity walls, under casings, at chimney flashings and at intersections between roof tiles
• As a waterproofing layer at the bases of dormers and skylights
• As valley gutters on roof ridges
• To create watertight connections between extensions and outside walls

Greengates Builders Merchants is a proud supplier of Leadax Original lead-free flashing. Each roll of the groundbreaking material measures a generous six metres in length, with a comprehensive selection of different widths available to exactly suit your intended application. For further details, please browse our website and do not hesitate to get in touch with our technical team if you require expert advice.