It is normally recommended that a small gap of 40 to 50mm is left when using our Conti-Soakers to facilitate cleaning where there is a risk of the accumulation of leaves or moss and lichen, unless used in combination with a step and cover flashing or our individual soakers.
This is a judgement that should be made based on the application. In high wind & rain exposure conditions, particularly with low roof pitches, then this would be recommended. This would also apply to any roof where there is a large, multi-storey abutment wall next to the roof that could create a high level of water run-off.
Apart from the material cost, using a preformed product significantly speeds up installation time and avoids the use of lead where the water may be required for recycling and re-use.
The individual soakers that fit over the top of the tiles are not designed to prevent water from passing below. They cause the rainwater draining below the product to drain out onto the course below.
Yes, the HD DTS individual soaker was developed to be used out of sight under the tile and to retain the appearance of an individually soakered plain tile abutment. There is also a version for interlocking slates, the HD RCS.