A new environmentally friendly and health-protecting substitute for all lead-containing insulation material for the construction industry is developed by Essen, Germany-based Evonik Industries, Bitufa Waterproofing, Wapenveld and Ubbink of the Netherlands
     Historically lead has been an indispensable insulating material in the construction industry. The new Ubiflex, a 100 percent lead-free product available in specialty stores, offers an ecological and health-compatible, non-toxic alternative for building insulation material.
     The advantages of replacing lead, a toxic heavy metal, are immense. The environmental impact during production is significantly reduced, the health risk associated with inhalation during processing is zero, and the usual safety precautions are no longer needed. Physical strain on the workers is greatly reduced because the rolls are 70 percent lighter. In addition, sheets up to 12 meters long can be used, which saves time and costs.
     The material even tolerates slight damage, as is caused by nails, for example, because its elastic properties allow automatic self-sealing. A valuable side-effect of the absence of lead is that aluminum, zinc, and copper in the rain-water drainage system are not attacked so that the structures are more durable.
     The laid material is resistant to corrosion, UV exposure, strong temperature fluctuations between -30 and +90 degrees Celsius, and heavy wind loads. Because of this durability the manufacture offers a warranty of up to 25 years.