Premium Lead Expansion joints have been designed to overcome the problems arising when laying lead lined gutters with restricted falls and to provide a lower cost alternative to the restructuring of existing gutter detail.
Traditionally in applications such as lead lined gutters, lead sheet lengths are joined by overlapping them at drips that stand at least 50mm high. However, if the fall is suffifficient for this to be possible, a length of Lead Expansion Joint may be welded between the upper and lower sheets. A weather tight joint is thus effected that is sufficiently flexible to absorb the strains exerted by thermal expansion and contraction of the adjoining lead sheets.Â
The changes in length that lead sheet undergoes during expansion and contraction are absorbed by the neoprene insert in the Lead Expansion Joint. The neoprene is vulcanised at elevated temperature and pressure whilst in contact with the lead wings, forming a very strong rubber-metal bond. The metal wings of the joint are manufactured from BS EN 12588, Code 5 rolled lead sheet.
Lead Expansion Joints have been recommended for cases where it is impossible to incorporate drip joints in the refurbishment of the lead lined parapet or eave gutters.
Lead Expansion joints are able to operate satisfactorily in temperatures between-40°C and 100°C. They carry a manufacturer’s guarantee of 10 years and have an expected life of greater than 20 years, if correctly installed.
