Installation & Maintenance

T-Pren joints can be placed at a maximum distance apart of 6 metres. Where movement is restricted by an outlet or corner for example, an expansion joint should also be sited within 1 metre of that restriction.

However, the joint spacing depends on the metal and the gauge used. For most metals, sheets up to 6 metres can be used by correct choice of gauge, although shorter lengths might be used for ease of handling or where thinner gauges are preferred.

For lead, however, the Lead Sheet Association recommend a distance of 2 metres for Code 5 lead increasing to 3 metres for Code 8.

Installation

A length of T-Pren is first cut from the coil to go round the girth of the gutter.
This is jointed to the metal sheets, the length of which gives the correct joint spacing as mentioned above. The metal sides of the T-Pren should overlap the metal sheets by a minimum of 25mm and the joint should be made at least 75mm from the neoprene, or 100mm for aluminium and copper due to their better conductivity.
The neoprene and its joint with the metal are resistant to heat but it is wise to place a cold metal surface underneath, as the joint is being made, to conduct away the heat. Caution is required when brazing or welding and it may be necessary to cover the neoprene with a damp cloth to prevent damage from conducted heat. Naked flames should be kept away from the neoprene at all times. 
The jointing process depends on the metal. TIG welding is best for aluminium and stainless steel, but low currents must be used on these light gauge metals. Copper joints can be soldered but brazing will make a stronger joint. Terne coated stainless and zinc are best soldered, and where additional strength is required the overlap can be rivetted before soldering. For lead, the traditional lead sheet welding technique for a flat lapped seam is used. A single loading should be sufficient for Code 5 lead, but where the T-Pren joint is on top of a lead sheet of Code 6 or higher, two loadings may be beneficial.

Jointing is easiest on flat sheets but in certain situations the metal sheets and T-Pren joints have to be pre-formed to shape before jointing. The jointing will then require extra care, particularly on the vertical sides. 

The gutter lining with the T-Pren expansion joints is then formed to take up the shape of the gutter, placed into position, and cover flashings formed over the sides.

Where heavy foot traffic is expected in the gutter or where the T-Pren joint is visible, T-Pren Plus can be used or a cover piece of the matching metal is clipped over the neoprene section, making sure that it does not restrict the movement of the joint. 

Maintenance

The T-Pren joints should be regularly checked for damage from foot traffic etc., and where this has occurred another T-Pren section should be fixed over the top. This is usually preferred to the alternative of removing the old T-Pren joint, and although the additional height may cause water ponding this will not affect the life of the joint. 

Health & Safety

The normal health and safety procedures for welding, brazing, soldering and working with lead should be carried out. The correct protective clothing should be worn, ventilation provided for indoor work, and hands should be washed before eating or smoking.

Contact Us

Contact us directly using the following details, or use the enquiry form below.

Roger Smith
E-Mail: sales@t-pren.com
Address: 54 Blacka Moor Road, Sheffield S17 3GJ
Tel : +44 (0) 114 236 8122

Stockists

England & Wales

Matthew Hebden

54 Blacka Moor Road,
Sheffield
S17 3GJ

Tel. +44 (0) 114 236 8122

British Lead Mills (For Lead)

Peartree Lane,
Welwyn Garden City,
Herts.
AL7 3UB

Tel. +44 (0) 1707 324595
Fax. +44 (0) 1707 328941

Scotland

Dunedin Builders Merchants

Units 14-18,
Dunedin Street,
Edinburgh
EH7 4JG

Tel.+44 (0) 131 5572345
Fax.+44 (0) 131 5572341

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