Wondering if anyone has any insight on environmental impacts of different flashing materials….
– Lead Flashing vs. Baked Aluminum….
Or wondering where I might get that type of information.
Thanks
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If I had a choice I would stay away from lead. Very handy, but I have to believe it's not good for living things.
It's my understanding it takes A LOT of electricity to make alluminum, though, so I'm not saying that's the greatest material either.
Maybe we could design our buildings to use less flashing? I know it would be a minute contribution, but "it's better to light one candle than curse the darkness".
Remodeling contractor who once visited the Glass City.
One way to look at it is what flashing is going to last the longest. Getting the raw materials out of the ground and converting those raw materials into finished flashing is energy-intensive.
Like Jim said, lead is probably the most toxic flashing material. Stainless steel will last the longest, but also costs the most and is the hardest to work with. Aluminum won't last as long as the other materials, especially in a salt or acid environment.
Copper is a good compromise because it will last a long time, is relatively easy to work with, and is easily recycled (compared to aluminum or ss) when it's lifespan is over.