FAQ - Leadax.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Is your question not answered? Please give us a phone call at +31 (0)38 337 21 00 or send an email to info@leadax.com.

For how long have Leadax’s products been available on the market?

Our first product, Leadax Original, was introduced in 2017. It has the look and feel of traditional lead. It is also applied in the same way as lead sheet. In 2021, the self-adhesive lead substitutes Leadax Easy FA and Leadax Easy SA were introduced. Leadax Roov, the revolutionary sustainable roofing material, was launched in 2022.

Can I book a demo explaining how to apply Leadax products?

Absolutely. You can book a demo on the Book a demo page. The demo is given free of charge so that you are completely ready to apply our products.

Can I get a sample of Leadax’s products?

Of course! You can request your samples via the Request samples page. The samples will be delivered to your home free of charge and don’t worry: there are no further obligations.

What certifications does Leadax and Leadax products have?

Leadax has ISO 9001:2015 as its corporate certification. Leadax Flashing has KIWA Covenant, BBA and DuboKeur certification, which establishes Leadax Original as the world’s most sustainable lead substitute.

What are Leadax products made of?

Leadax’s products are made of recycled polyvinyl butyral (r-PVB), the plastic foil that was formerly used in safety glass, such as car windows. When a rock lands on a windshield it forms a star or a crack, but luckily the glass doesn’t break. This is because of the PVB. Since the PVB is able to withstand huge forces it also forms the perfect raw material for our waterproofing products. If it can take on a stone, you best believe it can also take on rain and wind.

Where are Leadax products produced?

Our products are made in Wapenveld, the Netherlands.

What makes Leadax’s products sustainable?

Our products are made from recycled plastic waste (r-PVB). There’s a lot of this plastic waste available each year. In Europe alone, 1,5 billion kg of this waste is produced annually. This plastic waste used to be dumped or incinerated. A very unsustainable practice that’s harmful to our planet and its inhabitants. We want to make a change, so we use this plastic waste as raw material for our waterproofing products. After our product’s service life they can be recycled. The reclaimed raw materials are then reused for new Leadax products. This way, we’re closing the loop.

What Sustainable Development Goals is Leadax committed to?

All 17 Sustainable Development Goals are important if we want to create a better and more sustainable future for everyone. We believe we can make an impact on the following goals:

Goal 1: No poverty
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
Goal 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and consumption
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
Goal 13: Climate action
Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals

You can read more about our dedication to the SDG’s on this page.

Can I book a demo to learn from a specialist how to apply Leadax Flashing Original?

Yes, that’s possible. On the webpage Book a demo you can request a demo. There’s also an overview to check if there are demos in your neighborhood (if these are scheduled).

Do you need special tools to apply Leadax Flashing Original?

Yes, you can use a pair of Leadax scissors to cut Leadax Original to size, a Leadax dresser or a Leadax steel pressure roller to mould Leadax Original into place, Leadax high-tack sealant to create a watertight overlap, and Leadax fixing clips to fix Leadax Original into masonry joints.

How do you install Leadax Flashing Original?

Please have a look at the Application instructions if you want to apply Leadax Original.

Where can Leadax Original be installed?

Leadax Original can be applied on all lead code 5 applications, such as dormers, valleys, chimneys, and in cavity walls. Please note that when you apply Leadax Original on a flat or a low-slope roof, the edges and seams need to be sealed with Leadax high-tack sealant. Have a look at the Application Page for a complete overview of the places where Leadax Original can be installed.

What are the unique features of Leadax Flashing Original?

Leadax Original truly is one of a kind. Contrary to other lead replacements, Leadax Original is applied in the same way you’d apply lead. This means that if you’re used to applying lead sheet you don’t have to learn any new skills to apply Leadax Original. You can use a lead dresser to dress it down into place, and a hot air gun or Leadax high-tack sealant to create a watertight overlap. Making use of the grid on the release liner, you can cut Leadax Original to size very easily.

Next to that, Leadax Original is available in roll lengths of 6 meters. The product can be applied in full roll lengths, without needing an overlap. This is because it doesn’t contain any heavy metals, so temperature changes have less of an effect on the expansion and contraction of the product.

What are the technical specifications of Leadax Original?

You can find Leadax Original’s technical specifications on its Product Page.

In what colors is Leadax Easy FA available?

Depending on your country and stockist, Leadax Easy FA is available in lead grey, black, white, terracotta, and copper.

How much does Leadax Flashing Easy FA cost?

The price of Leadax Flashing Easy FA depends on the dimensions. Take a look at your local dealer’s website or visit the shop for the current price of Leadax Flashing Easy FA. You can find a local dealer on this webpage.

In what sizes is Leadax Flashing Easy FA available?

Leadax Flashing Easy FA is available in the following dimensions:

5 m x 250 mm
5 m x 280 mm
5 m x 330 mm
5 m x 370 mm

What is Leadax Flashing Easy FA?

Leadax Easy FA is our fully self-adhesive lead replacement. It is slightly thinner than Leadax Flashing Original, but just as strong. You don’t need many special tools to apply Leadax Easy FA, as the bottom part is covered with butyl.

Where can Leadax Easy SA be installed?

Leadax Easy SA can be used on all lead code 5 applications, but because of its self-adhesive layer, we wouldn’t recommend installing it in instances where you’d normally use fixing clips, such as masonry joints. Instead, we recommend using Leadax Original. Common applications of Leadax Easy SA include dormers, valleys, chimneys, and window casings.

Do you need any special tools to install Leadax Easy SA?

You just need a couple of tools to install Leadax Easy SA (hence its name!). You can apply Leadax Easy SA with just your hands, but for a perfect finish we recommend using a Leadax steel roller or Leadax dresser to mould it into place even further. If you want to create an overlap, we recommend using Leadax high-tack sealant. For detailed processing instructions, please visit this webpage.

What is Leadax Easy SA?

Leadax Easy SA is our partially self-adhesive lead replacement. Unlike Leadax Easy FA, which sports a completely self-adhesive surface, there are two strips of butyl attached to the bottom part of the product. The self-adhesive layers facilitate in applying the product.

In what sizes and colors is Leadax Easy SA available?

Depending on your country’s and stockist’s availability, Leadax Easy SA is available in lead grey, black, white, copper, and terracotta in the following roll dimensions:

5 m x 250 mm
5 m x 280 mm
5 m x 330 mm
5 m x 370 mm

What are the unique features of Leadax Easy SA?

Leadax Easy SA can be installed with just a couple of tools. You can apply Leadax Easy SA with just your hands, but for a perfect finish, we recommend using a Leadax steel roller or Leadax dresser to mould it into place even further. Because it’s so light and thin it’s easy to carry it up onto a roof to install it. Your back will thank you.

The butyl is mounted on the PVB in such a way that it can be easily detached at the end of its service life, without making any concession to the adhesive strength during and after processing. This characteristic makes Leadax Easy completely demountable, recyclable, and thus circular. Various aging tests show that the butyl adheres well to the PVB to remain wind and water-resistant under various weather conditions for at least 30 years. An optimal adhesion is guaranteed on all dust-free substrates.

With what types of roofing systems is Leadax Roov compatible?

Leadax Roov can be used in combination with loose-laid ballasted systems, mechanically fixed systems, and fully adhered single-ply systems.

With what type of roofs is Leadax Roov compatible?

Leadax Roov can be used in combination with all types of roofs, such as off-white roofs, energy roofs, green roofs, water roofs and recreational roofs.

Do you need any special tools to install Leadax Roov?

Leadax Roov was designed with the end user in mind. We want to make your job as fun and quick as possible. For this reason, a number of accessories were created, such as:

Leadax Reinforcement Strip (LRS)
Leadax Liquid PVB
Leadax Bio bind
Leadax high-tack sealant
PVB drain in different sizes and configurations
Outer corner 45° and 90°
Inner corner 90°

What is Leadax Roov?

Leadax Roov is the revolutionary sustainable single-ply roofing membrane, made from recycled plastic waste (r-PVB).

In what sizes is Leadax Roov available?

Leadax Roov is currently available in 12,5 m x 1 m. Other dimensions will be added in a later stage.

What are the technical specifications of Leadax Roov?

Leadax Roov weighs 1,8 kg p/m2.
The roll dimensions are 12,5 m x 1 m.
Leadax Roov is 1,5 mm thick.
It’s available in off-white.
Leadax Roov is fire-resistant of class BroofT1.
Since Leadax Roov is made from recycled plastic waste (r-PVB), it has a low carbon footprint.

Please consult Leadax Roov’s product page for an overview of all the technical specifications.

How much does roofing cost?

The price of roofing varies greatly. There are cheap roofing materials available, but also very expensive ones. When you are looking for roofing, it is important to look not only at price, but also at factors such as quality, requirements of the project, longevity, color (whether it reflects or absorbs sunlight), aesthetics, and more.

Often, when it comes to roofing, people don’t look so much at just the price, but at the total cost of installation (TCI). For example, if you can install roofing smoothly without using too many accessories and man-hours, this will result in a lower TCI. Thus, there are many other factors that affect this. If you’re not sure, get advice from a technical advisor on which roofing material is most suitable for your project.

How do you apply roofing?

How you apply roofing depends on which roofing material you choose. For example, bitumen is burned on the roof, while Leadax Roov can be applied without an open flame. Here, it is sufficient to make an overlap with Leadax Bio Bind and Leadax PVB Liquid.

How do you remove old roofing material?

Before you begin removing the roofing membrane, it is important to see how it is attached. Is it loose-ballasted, (fully) bonded, or mechanically attached? It is also important to know exactly what roofing material was used. In the case of bitumen roofing, it may be that different layers have been applied over the course of decades.

First of all, remove loose ballast, such as stones and gravel.
Then remove elements such as vents and roof trims. Also remove air conditioning units, etc.
Then remove the roofing in manageable sections so they are easy to lift.
Wipe your roof clean before installing the new roofing. It doesn’t have to be spotless, as long as it’s even, and you can easily see damaged wood and repair it if necessary.

Also, check where you can return the roofing materials. For example, can this be done at a local environmental service? Check with your municipality and be prepared before you remove your roofing. If you have a lot of waste you can also rent a construction container.

What is the best roofing membrane?

To find out which roofing material is best for you, you need to take different factors in account, such as:

Which project requirements are there? Is this roofing membrane the right fit?
Which type of roofing system is preferred?
What is the purpose of the roof after the roofing membrane has been installed? Is it e.g. an energy or a blue roof?
Does the color of the roofing membrane matter for the project?
How important is the quality and/or longevity of the roofing membrane?
How will the roofing membrane be recycled after its service life? Is it a sustainable choice?

Leadax Roov might be a right fit for your next project. You can request a free sample on this webpage.

What is roofing?

Roofing or a roofing membrane is a protective layer applied to a flat or pitched roof to make it waterproof, snowproof and draft-free, so that the roof can protect against animals, heat, wind, and sunlight.

How long does roofing last?

There are different types of roofing membranes. They all have their own set of unique features and depending on the project’s requirements it can vary heavily which one would work best for you. In general, roofing membranes last between 15 and 100 years. PVC typically lasts between 15 to 40 years, while zinc lasts between 70 and 100 years.

What is lead replacement made of?

Different brands use different raw materials for their lead substitutes. Commonly used raw materials are PVB (Leadax), bitumen, EPDM, and PIB.

What does lead replacement cost?

As with all products, the price of the lead replacement depends on what you’re looking for. Different brands have different price points. If you’re interested in finding out Leadax’s lead replacements price, have a look at our dealer page for a nearby stockist.

How should you apply lead replacement?

How a lead replacement should be applied depends on the type of lead replacement. Lead replacements are usually cut with a scissors and dressed down into place using a lead dresser or a roller. They’re held into place with a high-tack sealant or fixing clips. The application of self-adhesive lead replacements is slightly different though, as the self-adhesive layer sticks to the substrate. If you want to know how you can apply Leadax’s lead replacement, please visit this page.

How do you remove old lead or lead replacement?

To remove lead or the lead substitute, use a hammer and chisel to remove the mortar. Then you can easily remove the lead or lead substitute.

What is better: Lead or a lead replacement?

Lead replacements usually have a number of benefits over using lead. For example, lead replacements require less overlap than lead. Because lead reacts strongly to temperature changes, an overlap should be made every meter. Lead replacements do not react as strongly to temperature changes, so you can often apply the entire roll in its full length immediately.

Lead replacements are also less prone to theft because they have no scrap value. Lead replacements are usually a lot lighter than lead.

Besides the fact that most lead replacements come in gray, other colors are also available, such as black, white, terracotta, and copper. Leadax’s lead substitute even looks exactly like lead in lead gray.

Another big advantage of lead substitutes is that you won’t get lead streaks on your roof tile or wall.

What is a lead replacement?

A lead replacement is used as a water barrier in building structures, such as walls, above window frames, on chimneys, and around dormers. A lead substitute is used primarily where different materials connect, such as the vertical masonry of a chimney (step flashing), on surrounding roof tiles, or the rising masonry of a facade that connects to a flat roof. It is mainly used in the outdoors, where it is often exposed to temperature changes. Lead replacements are made from various raw materials, such as PVB (Leadax), PIB, EPDM, and bitumen.

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