What Are Valley Irons?
Valley irons, also known as valley flashings, are the metal channels that sit in roof valleys (sometimes colloquially referred to as gullies) where two roof planes meet.
These components are installed inside the valley area, directing water down to your gutters.
Valley irons play a vital role in your roof’s water management system, ensuring that rainwater is efficiently channelled away from your home’s structure.
What Causes Valley Irons to Leak?
These hardworking components can cause issues in a few ways. Firstly, if not installed properly, they can leak from the get-go.
Secondly, they can become clogged with leaves over time, preventing proper water flow.
Lastly, and most commonly, they can rust, corrode, or simply wear out. Even a small rust hole can let in a significant amount of water, potentially causing extensive damage to your home.
That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your valley irons and address any issues promptly.
Steps to Replace Valley Irons
- Remove the tiles surrounding the valley
- Clear out any debris and old sealant
- Remove the old valley iron
- Inspect the underlying timber for any damage
- Install the new valley iron (usually Colorbond or zinc)
- Seal the edges with a high-quality roofing sealant
- Reinstall the tiles, replacing any damaged ones
- Apply pointing to ensure a watertight seal
How Long Does Valley Iron Replacement Take?
Replacing a valley iron takes 1 to 1.5 hours for a standard-sized roof. This can vary depending on the roof’s complexity and any additional repairs needed.
Cost to replace Valley Irons?
The cost of valley iron replacement can vary depending on the size of your roof, the number of valleys, and the type of material used (Colorbond or zinc).
Valleys costs from $1,200 to $1,500 to replace per valley.
This price includes the removal of old valley irons, installation of new ones, and any necessary resealing or retiling work.
Timely replacement of worn or damaged valley irons can save you thousands in potential repair costs down the line.
Does Valley Iron Replacement Involve Replacing Tiles?
Most of the time we don’t need to replace tiles during valley iron replacement. We carefully remove the tiles bordering the valley, set them aside, and then reinstall them once the new valley iron is in place.
If we spot any cracked or damaged tiles during the process, we’ll replace those to ensure your roof’s integrity.
Can I Replace Valley Irons Myself?
While it might be tempting to tackle this as a DIY project, valley iron replacement requires specific skills, tools, and knowledge of roofing systems.
A botched job can lead to serious water damage, compromising your home’s structure. Plus, working at heights without proper safety equipment is dangerous.
For a job done right, it’s best to get a professional like us at North Shore Roof Repairs. We’ve got the experience, the tools, and the know-how to ensure your new valley irons are installed correctly, keeping your home dry and protected for years to come.
Don’t risk it with DIY repairs – call in the experts and rest easy knowing your roof is in good hands.
Valley Iron Replacement
If you have concerns about protecting your home from water damage through valleys, contact North Shore Roof Repairs today for an inspection and free quote!
