[dudek]

Hello has any one heard of the lead flashing corroding under the window above a conservatory

[Londoner]

Lead corrodes like any metal. How old is it?

[jeff1]

lead is corroded by alkalis at moderate or high rates, depending on aeration, temperature and concentration. It is attacked, for example, by calcium hydroxide solutions at room temperature, including waters that have been in contact with fresh Portland cement. In view of this, if Portland cement was used to prepare a concrete, the cement hydration reaction resulted in a high alkalinity which is maintained in the pore moisture of the bulk concrete. This alkaline electrolyte has caused the corrosion of a lead shower pan.

[Londoner]

Is there some suggestion that this is due to something you have done ?

[Davew]

Blimey Jeff, are you in the right trade?

[jeff1]

I don't know that much about lead, only what I learned about it regarding batteries.

[dudek]

Is there some suggestion that this is due to something you have done ?

Well mate its a family friend who has another window cleaner whos wfp and when telling of my iminant change over said that she now gets leaks in her conservatory?

As you can imagine im still new to all this so thought id follow up her comments and dig deeper.

[Londoner]

Lead corrodes very slowly and pure water wont act any differently to rain water. Lead that has been in position for a long time (eg decades) migrates. That means it stretches under its own weight but the conservatory won't be that old I'm guessing.

My take on it is this.
(1) Flashing was probably a bit skimpy in the first place because lead is dear and most builders don't really have the old skills necessary to do leadwork. Espescially the type of blokes who build conservatories.

(2) Some heavy handed clown of a previous window cleaner has knocked it and it has come adrift becauous  it was not really up to the job in the first place.

[dudek]

I think you could be on the right lines vince as it was the first ive heard of it thanks for all your replies peeps

[tacky]

check if they cemented  (  pointed) the lead in SOME OF THE LAzy buggers just wedge it in .

[matt]

check if they cemented  (  pointed) the lead in SOME OF THE LAzy buggers just wedge it in .

in the old days this was the prefered way to put lead work in, as it gave the lead chance to move ( with the heat )