Terracotta is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials, but the parts around the tiles still wear out. Royce Roofing repairs terracotta roofs across Melbourne: cracked and slipped tiles replaced with matched terracotta from our yards, ridges rebedded and repointed, rusted valleys replaced, and moss and lichen cleaned off.
At a glance
- Matched terracotta tiles from our own yards, including older profiles
- Ridge rebedding and flexible repointing
- Rusted valleys replaced with new Zincalume
- Careful cleaning to bring back the natural clay colour
- Free inspection and a fixed written quote
Common terracotta roof problems
Brickworks offers up to a 100-year product warranty on terracotta tiles. The tiles usually outlast the bedding, pointing, valleys and sarking around them, which is where most repairs happen.
- Cracked or broken tiles from impact, foot traffic or age
- Slipped tiles that expose the roof underneath
- Cracked ridge bedding and pointing
- Rusted valleys and flashings
- Moss and lichen holding water against the tiles
Sources: Brickworks: Reasons to choose terracotta roof tiles.
How we repair terracotta roofs
Tile replacement
Cracked tiles replaced with matched terracotta. See tile matching.
Slipped tiles
Reset and fixed so they cannot slip again.
Rebed and repoint
Failed ridge bedding replaced and finished with flexible pointing. Rebed and repoint.
Valleys
Rusted valley irons replaced with new Zincalume. Valley repairs.
Cleaning
Moss and lichen removed, with the method matched to older, more brittle terracotta. Roof cleaning.
Leak repairs
Leaks traced to the source and fixed. Leak repairs.
Terracotta roof need attention?
Free inspection and a fixed written quote.
Terracotta roofs we have worked on
No sealant shortcuts
Sealant smeared over cracked bedding or a broken tile can look like a repair, but it weathers and fails, and it can trap moisture. On terracotta roofs we fix the cause: replace the tile, rebed and repoint the ridge, or replace the valley. See silicone roof repairs for the few situations where a sealant is the right tool.
Matching older terracotta
Many Melbourne terracotta roofs use profiles that are no longer made. Our yards hold reclaimed terracotta in many older profiles, and a weathered reclaimed tile usually blends in better than a new one. Bring a sample or send a photo of the front and back.
More on terracotta roof tiles and second-hand tiles.
Safety on every job
WorkSafe Victoria’s compliance code for housing construction puts edge protection such as guard railing ahead of harnesses and ladders when controlling the risk of falls from a roof. Our crews set up our own temporary safety rail, ladder guards and, where there are old skylights, safety nets before anyone works on the roof. Every crew member holds a working at heights qualification.
Please do not walk on terracotta to check it yourself: it cracks easily underfoot and wet tiles are slippery.
Sources: WorkSafe Victoria: Prevention of falls in housing construction.
Common questions
How long do terracotta roofs last?
Terracotta is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials, and Brickworks offers up to a 100-year product warranty on its tiles. The bedding, pointing, valleys and sarking around the tiles usually need attention long before the tiles themselves.
How do I know if my terracotta roof needs repairs?
Look for cracked or slipped tiles, cracked mortar along the ridges, rust in the valleys or gutters, and water stains on ceilings. If you notice any of these, book a free inspection.
Can you match old terracotta tiles?
Usually, yes. We hold over 200 tile types across our Mulgrave and Doveton yards, including reclaimed terracotta in many older profiles. Send a photo of the front and back, or bring a sample.
Should a terracotta roof be painted?
Usually not. Terracotta colour is fired into the clay, so a careful clean brings it back. Painting suits terracotta when you want a colour change or the surface is weathered.
Can cracked terracotta tiles be sealed?
We replace cracked terracotta tiles rather than sealing them, because sealant weathers and fails. A sealant can be a short-term measure in limited situations, but it is not a permanent repair.
Do you clean terracotta roofs?
Yes. Older terracotta can be brittle, so we inspect first and match the cleaning method to the tiles, replacing any cracked tiles the clean reveals.
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