Lead vs Rubber Flashing

In the South, particularly Florida, lead is used to seal plumbing vents. Elsewhere its rubber, or flexible plastic. The reasons lead is used in the South is because of the rain and sun. The intense rain and sun will harden just about any flexible plastic and cause it to fail. But when you leave the high sun and high rain areas, rubber will work fine. Its less expensive and has no disposal issues. Lead is superior in theory because once installed it should last the life of the house. However, squirrels chew it and make it leak. This is why Crittter Quitters were invented. Once these are installed they will last the life of the house and you dont have to worry about it again. Regardless, that’s why you see the difference.