Just how important is roof flashing???

[CaptiV8ted]

Hi,

I am in the final stages of putting up my conservatory (18 months and counting!) I have a few jobs left, (hang the doors, fit windows and guttering, then do the nicey nicey interior bit). Although I am sure I can do the flashing, I am running ot out of time before we get endless crappy weather for months - and given the choice, I'd rather not spend 3 figures on some lead.

The top beams at the rear of the conservatory have been very well sealed and there is quite an overhang from the house roof. So the question is...

...can I be a pikey and not flash it?

our opinions please....

Nick

[mrmaggit]

Flashing is there for a reason, to keep water out.

If you're like me, you only want to do the job once, so use lead, and forget about it.

Aluminium flashband is cheaper, but expect to have to renew it in 8-10 years.

[B17NNS]

mrmaggit said:

you only want to do the job once

[toomuchbeer]

When the wind is blowing, and rain pissing down, you will wish you had installed the flashings........

[pembo]

It's great for car soundproofing as well but after a lot you start to notice performance drops

For your roof however, I would recommend that you do it and do it as well as possible, you could end up with all manner of problems when the snow and rain kicks in, not to mention green stuff growing on your fancy new bamboo furniture

[A - W]

toomuchbeer said:

When the wind is blowing, and rain pissing down, you will wish you had installed the flashings........

[JR]

There was a court case recently where the house owner told the builder not to install the flashing and cavity trays on the conservatory that was being built because he wanted to save costs. All manner of damp problems were encountered and the householder argued that the builder should have installed the flashing etc as an experienced professional despite the houlseholder's instruction to the contrary. The judge ruled in favour of the builder.

[FourWheelDrift]

You could save even more money by not putting the glass in, you'd get the same result

[yellowbentines]

I bought a new house with a conservatory installed at time of build. The builders put in flashing but didn't do it right and the conservatory leaked so badly it took about 5/6 visits by the installers before they could trace the problem and rectify it.

Do it right first time, save yourself the hassle of wondering if your furniture and flooring will be destroyed every time it rains!

[CaptiV8ted]

Thanks for your input chaps, you've left me litte choice.

Now, where's my grinder? (and wallet)

[Pooh]

Very important.
More people will see you if you flash from the roof, thereby increasing your exposure and making the whole exercise more worthwhile.

[andye30m3]

have you also put a cavity tray in the existing wall?

[anonymous-user]

mrmaggit said:

you only want to do the job once

But post about it twice

[Busamav]

andye30m3 said:

have you also put a cavity tray in the existing wall?

I suspect 99% of conservatory builds " forget" to do that .

[anonymous-user]

Busamav said:

andye30m3 said:

have you also put a cavity tray in the existing wall?

I suspect 99% of conservatory builds " forget" to do that .

The house I'm renting at present had a new conservatory put on just before I rented. When is pours the inner wall gets lovely and wet. Knobs!!!

[JR]

Busamav said:

andye30m3 said:

have you also put a cavity tray in the existing wall?

I suspect 99% of conservatory builds " forget" to do that .

Since it has to be done piecemeal it's a pain to do but as the flashing won't gather ther water that runs down the inside of the outer leaf it is necessary.

[JR]

e.g. http://www.cavitytrays.co.uk/

[CaptiV8ted]

Regarding the cavity tray...

My house is timber framed, so there is no cavity (I believe). Thankfully the build is still at a point where this can be done if necessary.

I have had a look outside and there are several weep holes about. Above the conservatory there is a window and not a lot of brick area. I have searched about for extra info, and some sites suggest that a cavity tray is not always needed. How can this be determined? Above the other patio door, there are weep holes above amd at the bottom of the soldier course...

Where to now chaps???

[V12Les]

Timber frame will still have a cavity.
Is the wall weather facing? if so you'll need to bite the bullet and install trays. If the wall isnt weather facing then you can get away with cutting-in(40mm ish) lead flashing and treat the remaining exposed brickwork above the conservatory to Thomsons Waterseal, its not a bodge, it works very well. A lot of conservatory companys offer these options.
One point you need to bear in mind is through the winter months the brickwork tends to stay damp, the more rain it absorbs it will run down the back of the brick into your conservatory=damp patches and condensation.

[CaptiV8ted]

V12Les said:

Timber frame will still have a cavity.
Is the wall weather facing? if so you'll need to bite the bullet and install trays. If the wall isnt weather facing then you can get away with cutting-in(40mm ish) lead flashing and treat the remaining exposed brickwork above the conservatory to Thomsons Waterseal, its not a bodge, it works very well. A lot of conservatory companys offer these options.
One point you need to bear in mind is through the winter months the brickwork tends to stay damp, the more rain it absorbs it will run down the back of the brick into your conservatory=damp patches and condensation.

Thanks Les,

The rear of the house is fairly well protected from the weather due to being backed onto a hill. I was planning to do some belt and braces flashing anyway, but looking at the weep holes, I am concerned about moisture running out of the weep holes and down the (house) wall of the conservatory.

When you said about damp in the conservatory, did you mean this to be the case regardless, or only if it is weather facing?