About the EERA Solarspan Flashing Notcher

The EERA Solarspan Flashing Notcher cuts the rib shaped notches in a flashing so it sits down neatly over a Solarspan roof. It is a single purpose tool, built around the Solarspan profile used in Australia, and it is designed and manufactured by EERA Roofing Tools in Warrnambool, Victoria.

The tool is also known in the trade as a flashing cutter or flashing puncher. You fold the flashing first, sit the folded edge in the tool and pull the lever. The blade head is shaped to the rib, so the notch comes out at the right size and in the right place without marking each rib by hand.

Key Features

• Made to suit the Solarspan profile with a 43mm rib
• Rib hugging design locates itself on the profile, so there is no measuring or marking
• Manual lever operation, no power or compressed air needed on the roof
• High strength hardened steel blades that can be replaced and sharpened
• Powder coated handle
• Designed and manufactured in Warrnambool, Victoria

Specifications

• Compatible profile: Solarspan (Australia)
• Rib height: 43mm
• Notch height: 43mm
• Notch width: 66mm at the base, 25mm at the top
• Cutting capacity: galvanised steel up to 1mm, prepainted steel up to 1mm
• Cutting tolerance: plus or minus 0.5mm
• Operation: manual lever
• Blades: high strength hardened steel, replaceable, sharpenable, not interchangeable with other profiles
• Cuts hips: no
• Tool size (L x W x H): 560 x 130 x 150mm
• Net weight: 6kg
• Product code: SOL001

Preparing the Flashing

EERA recommends folding the flashing or trim to 50 degrees on a sheet metal folder, with a 43mm turndown, before notching. Getting the fold right first matters, because the notcher reads the shape of the folded edge. Once the turndown is folded, slide it into the tool, let the head seat itself over the rib position and pull the lever to cut each notch in turn.

The Solarspan notcher cuts steel up to 1mm thick, whether plain galvanised or prepainted. It is made for straight runs of flashing along the ribs. It is not built to cut hips.

What You Need to Complete the Job

Most flashings start as flat sheet folded to suit the job, and our 1200mm wide flat sheet in Colorbond or Zincalume is a common starting point. Ready made shapes are in our custom flashing range. EERA lists its Panelco flashing notcher as also suiting Solarspan, and the rest of the EERA tools sit in our Metal Roofing Tools range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this notcher on a different roof profile?

No. Each EERA notcher is cut for one profile, and the blades are not interchangeable between profiles. The Solarspan tool is shaped for a 43mm rib with a 66mm base and a 25mm top. If you work across several profiles, you need a notcher for each one. Check your rib against these figures before ordering.

Do I have to mark out each rib before cutting?

No. The rib hugging head locates itself on the profile, so you position the folded flashing and cut. That saves the measuring and marking you would do with tin snips. Fold the flashing to EERA’s recommended 50 degrees with a 43mm turndown first, so the edge seats correctly in the tool.

What happens when the blades wear?

The blades are high strength hardened steel and EERA states they are both replaceable and sharpenable. How long they last depends on how hard the tool is worked and how well it is looked after. Replacement blades for the Solarspan notcher are by enquiry, so contact us on (03) 9394 1400 and we will check with EERA.