Medium profile tile roof covering material up against a wall, and flashed (apron flashing at the headwall) created an interesting challenges during a recent roof inspection. From these images, it appears as though the apron flashing sits on top of the course of medium profile roof tiles against the wall, with mortar sealing up the gaps underneath the flashing extending to the tile. Concrete mortar is not water proof, and if saturated, may allow moisture to wick against the wall and potentially underneath the tiles onto the roof surface. Plus, thermal cycles may cause the concrete to crack and allow for gaps. I would feel better knowing that there is a water impenetrable flashing, that allows for some flex, extending from the wall and sitting on top of the tiles, and filing the gaps, to prevent water ingress or wicking to unprotected surfaces.
In my opinion, I called this out as a defect. Concrete mortar is not a flashing material. Proper flashing needs to be installed. Further evaluation and repair (if necessary) by professional roofer is required.
I am curious how other inspectors would describe this finding, and if you would call it out as a defect.
It is possible that the head wall flashing contains a “bird stop”-like insert in the gap from the tile to the portion of the headwall flashing laying on top of the tile (see the first image above). Maybe it was covered in mortar as in my inspection image. But I have no way of knowing if this is the case with a visual inspection. If it is just mortar, and no metal flashing in the gap, it is not correct in my opinion. For this reason, I called it out as a defect.
Up in the north country we don’t have many S-tile roof systems.
With what I have read and had experience with in Florida, I would think that the waterproof underlayment would handle any small amount of moisture that would find its way below the S-tiles.
I’ve seen and family has owned homes in Florida where substantial mortar was used in similar situations on their tile roofs and in 30 years of use had no problems with water.
I have not seen where the mortar wicked enough moisture back uphill to have been an issue.
The apron flashing is present. Even the downspout dumps onto it. It’s several inches wide. The filler material is just that, filling gaps. The true water proofing happens under the tile.
Some of this is “test of time”. Have this roof and flashing been this way for years? Have any water problems resulted? If the answer is no, then I move on. If it’s a new installation, then I’ll access more critically.
Typically referred to as “weather blocking” in this application, I don’t see this as a “defect”. Soaker flashing is sometimes used in this application. The headwall flashing appears to have the “apron” installed. There should also be “L” flashing extending (4"-6" typically) up the wall and on the roof deck under the tile (this detail would not be readily visible).
I don’t see the kickout flashing at the eave of the roof to wall detail, which can cause major issues. Weep holes are typically provided with modern bird stop.
If you want an authoritative source for concrete and clay tile installations:
