New chimney flashing and valley seals on a Glen Iris terracotta roof
Tim and Angus worked together in Glen Iris to install new chimney flashing and valley seals on this lovely terracotta tiled home.
This was preventative work rather than an emergency repair, and that is worth saying up front. Investing in roof maintenance and repairs at your property can save you money down the track, and it puts you in a much better position with your insurer if you ever do need to make a claim.
Our roof plumbing team looks after this kind of work right across Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs.
Quick answer
What work was completed at this Glen Iris property?
Doherty Plumbing Solutions installed new chimney flashing and new valley seals on a terracotta tiled roof in Glen Iris.
The old flashing at the chimney had deteriorated and left a gap where the tiles met the rendered chimney wall, and the seals along the roof junctions had broken down.
Both are common entry points for water on an older tiled roof, and both were replaced before they caused a leak inside the home.
Job overview
| Location | Glen Iris, VIC |
| Property type | Residential |
| Roof type | Terracotta tiles |
| Service | Roof plumbing – flashing and valley seals |
| Work completed | New chimney flashing installed, new valley seals installed |
| Reason for work | Preventative roof maintenance |
| Outcome | Known water entry points sealed before they caused damage inside |
| Plumbers | Tim and Angus – Doherty Plumbing Solutions |
Why flashing and valley seals matter
Most roof leaks do not start in the middle of a tile. They start at the joins – the places where the roof meets something else, or where two roof planes meet each other.
Flashing is the metal that seals the join between the roof and a chimney, a wall or a vent. A valley is the internal angle where two sloping roof planes meet, and it carries a surprising amount of water during heavy rain. Both are the parts of a roof that do the hard work, and both are the parts that wear out first.
On a terracotta roof, the tiles themselves can last for generations. The flashing, the seals and the pointing are a different story – they are the components that need attention over time.
What we found
At the chimney, the join between the tiles and the rendered chimney wall had opened up. The old flashing had deteriorated and rusted, and there was a clear gap where water could get in behind the tiles.
Along the roof junctions, the seals had broken down as well. Once these open up, wind-driven rain can push water underneath the tiles instead of letting it run off the roof the way it should.
Nothing here had caused a leak inside the house yet, which is exactly the point. These are the conditions that turn into a ceiling stain after a long wet spell.
The work Tim and Angus carried out
New flashing was installed at the chimney, forming a proper sealed join between the roof tiles and the rendered chimney wall so water is directed back out onto the roof rather than finding its way behind the tiles.
New valley seals were installed along the roof junctions, closing the gaps where water and debris had been able to work their way under the tiles.
Work like this is done from the roof itself, and on a tiled roof that means moving carefully – terracotta tiles are strong underfoot in the right places and easy to crack in the wrong ones.
The result
The roof now has new flashing at the chimney and new seals along the junctions, with the two most likely water entry points dealt with.
Why roof maintenance is worth doing before there is a problem
A roof repair done early is almost always cheaper than the one done after water has been getting in. Once water reaches the roof space, the cost is no longer just the flashing – it is insulation, plaster, paint, and sometimes timber.
Insurance is the other consideration. Home insurance policies generally cover sudden and accidental damage, and commonly exclude damage caused by gradual deterioration, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance.
A roof that has been maintained puts you on much firmer ground if you ever need to make a claim. Cover varies between insurers, so it is worth reading your own policy on this point.
For an older tiled home, the sensible approach is to have the flashing, seals and pointing looked at periodically rather than waiting for a stain to appear on the ceiling.
Related reading: Plumber in Glen Iris · Why roof plumbing maintenance is necessary · Signs of a roof leak · Roof leak repairs in Burwood · Another Glen Iris job: burst water pipe repair
Frequently asked questions
What is roof flashing?
Flashing is the sheet metal used to seal the join between the roof and another surface, such as a chimney, a wall or a vent pipe. It directs water back onto the roof instead of letting it run behind the tiles.
How do I know if my chimney flashing has failed?
Common signs are a visible gap or rust where the roof meets the chimney, damp patches on the ceiling near the chimney, or staining on the chimney breast inside the house. A roof plumber can inspect it properly from the roof.
What are valley seals and why do they need replacing?
A valley is where two roof planes meet, and it carries a large amount of water during rain. The seals along these junctions stop water and debris getting under the tiles. They break down over time and need replacing to keep the roof watertight.
How often should a tiled roof be checked?
There is no single rule, but an older tiled roof benefits from a periodic inspection of the flashing, seals and pointing. Checking before winter is sensible, since that is when the roof gets the heaviest and most sustained rain.
Will insurance cover a roof leak?
It depends on the policy and the cause. Insurers generally cover sudden and accidental damage, and commonly exclude damage from gradual deterioration or lack of maintenance. Keeping the roof maintained, and keeping records of that work, puts you in a stronger position. Check your own policy wording for what applies to you.
Do you carry out roof plumbing in Glen Iris?
Yes. Doherty Plumbing Solutions carries out roof plumbing, flashing and roof maintenance work throughout Glen Iris and Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs.
Thinking about roof maintenance in Glen Iris?
If your home has an older tiled roof, or you have noticed staining near a chimney or along a ceiling line, Doherty Plumbing Solutions can take a look and tell you what actually needs doing.
Call Doherty Plumbing Solutions on (03) 9877 5775 or get in touch online.
