Lead flashing alternative?

We need to find a replacement for our lead summerhouse roof. The first time the thieves only stole the flashing from the ribs of the roof. We replaced it with 'Perform'; a product the manufacturers of the summerhouse suggested. We didn't particularly like the look of it as it looks like gaffer tape and was more expensive than the lead! However, the night the roof was repaired and uncovered the thieves were back for the lead they didn't get the first time. Nightmare! We now don't really know what to do. The roof is scooped so ordinary tiles won't work. Is there anything out there that could replace our lovely lead roof and look as beautiful? Help appreciated.

Angela (Leicester)
March 2011

Non lead adhesive flashband is a waste of money because it falls off.

ringwraith
July 2009

well there unfornunatly there isn't a great deal of functional alternatives, netherless there are a number of superior alternatives for this state of affair. Among this there is an assured quantity of superiority low commodities

Richard James Farman
June 2009

you can use roofing felt just fit it like lead but stick it down no idiot is going to try & steal that if you put anything that looks like lead on roof they will be back

Den
September 2008

you can also try a product called ubi flex. its strong, malleable and has no scrap value.
best bet, call in to a builders merchants and ask their advice.

saucyjack
September 2008

You could use zinc which is harder to remove once pointed in due to it being less flexible and harder to cut without the risk of injury. Whatever you use, it's probably worth painting it, and any way up, with a load of vandal grease to irritate any would-be burglars as much as it irritates you! You could also leave a load of broken glass up there in the hope that they injure themselves (preferably mortally). If fuel prices weren't so heavy, connecting the flashing to the mains would be a further option!!

swidders
August 2008

ubiflex

stuart
August 2008

Have you tried flashband? It can be purchased from any DIY shop. It is a bitumin coated roll of aluminium foil that sticks to brick work. It is best applied on a warm sunny day as this makes the bitumin more sticky.
It comes in various different widths and lengths.Wickes sell it they call it HI tack flashing strip.

Phil Clarke.
August 2008