Just had my roof redone and the roofer mentioned the flashing around the chimney is lead. Got me thinking about, you know, lead being toxic and all. Did some quick digging online and found out painting over it can actually help seal it and reduce any risk of contamination from runoff water. Seemed like a handy tip. Wondering if anyone's tried this or has other easy ways to handle this kind of thing?
Painting definitely helps—I've had a few properties where we did just that. First, we cleaned the lead flashing thoroughly with soap and water, let it dry completely, then applied a metal primer before painting. Seems to hold up well and gives peace of mind...
I've painted lead flashing before too, and I agree—it definitely helps ease the worry. A few years back, I was helping a friend renovate an older cottage. She was really concerned about the lead flashing on the chimney, especially since she had young kids running around. We did pretty much what you described: cleaned it thoroughly, primed it carefully, then painted over it. It looked great and held up surprisingly well through the seasons.
But honestly, after that experience, I started leaning towards alternatives like copper or aluminum flashing whenever possible. They're pricier upfront but save you from the hassle and anxiety down the road. Plus, they're easier on the environment overall, which is always a bonus in my book. Still, if you're stuck with existing lead flashing, painting it properly does seem to be a solid solution.
Totally agree with your take on copper and aluminum—definitely worth the extra bucks for peace of mind. I've seen painted lead flashing hold up pretty well too, but one thing to keep in mind is that paint eventually chips or wears down, especially in harsher climates. Regular inspections and touch-ups become necessary, which can be a bit of a drag. Plus, if you're collecting rainwater for gardening or anything like that, lead flashing—even painted—can still give you pause... safer alternatives just simplify things all around.
