Roof pointing and bedding are essential parts to the structure of the roof and if traditional methods are used require regular maintenance to ensure your roof stays in its best condition.
Roof Bedding… The cement mortar mix that holds the roof tiles in place. Over a period of time and exposure to all weather conditions, it will incur natural wear and result in loose tiles and broken mortar. If the bedding is not well maintained it can easily crack and fall away, therefore, leaving your tiles loose and exposed and can easily become a danger if they are to fall.
When having your home roof repointed it is recommended to have the tiles re-bedded at the same time. A new layer of cement mortar will be applied along with a new layer of flexible pointing material to increase the adhesion between the ridge and roof and further provide a dual layer of protection over the bedding to extend the life of the mortar bedding.
Roof pointing is a secondary layer of mortar which is applied over the top of the bedding to create a stronger seal and avoid any dirt, dust or water ingress. Traditionally roofs would be pointed with cement mortar but have recently been changed and been replaced withflexible pointing compounds. Flexible pointing expands and contracts with the changing weather conditions which enable it to move easier and avoid any cracking which ultimately leads to leaks that can damage your home.
Ridge tiles can become damaged through general wear and tear, but it’s often extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, strong winds and storms that cause deterioration. If the mortar between roof tiles becomes broken or loose, it can be scraped away and replaced as new, ensuring roofing remains as stable as possible.
Once the area is secure, the first job is to remove the affected tiles, levering them away from the roof as carefully as possible. Your roofer may want to inspect the area underneath for damage and may have previously recommended buying replacement ridge tiles if there’s extensive damage. Once he roof is prepared for repointing, the new tiles are secured in place by appropriate means, including clamps, nails and replacing the mortar.
The main issue with roof safety when it comes to repointing ridge tiles is the heights involved. This means roofers will need to ensure they can work safely without causing further damage to your property, finding ways to carefully remove unwanted debris and materials from the area. Professionalroofers will have the right safety equipment (including scaffolding) to stay safe on your roof, keeping the structure stable during the job. They’ll also understand how to prevent further damage.
Do you need urgent roof repairs after storm damage to your roofing? Speak to our team at Homefix roofing solutions. We offer our services across Suffolk and norfolk locations, including ridge tile replacements. For free advice and estimates, click on our contact form or send a message to info@homefixroofingsolutions.co.uk
The ridge is the point at which two sections of a sloped roof system meet. Traditionally the method of pointing a roof would be to use a mortar mix that bonds the ridge tile to the roof. Repointing is a method whereby the loose or broken mortar is scraped away and replaced with new. As a result, homeowners typically request this work to be carried out when the roof tiles still have life in them but the ridge has begun to fail.
Because technology has evolved and so have roofing methods. A dry ridge system is a unique method of fixing ridge or hip tiles to a roof without the use of the traditional mortar mix. Furthermore, Dry ridge fixing unlike mortar uses screws usually stainless steel to fix clamps between each joint subsequently clamping them to the roof below. The screws are designed in such a way that any small amount of rainfall is dispersed back onto the roof.
Most roofing deteriorates over time, especially those at the highest points of a property where harsh weather conditions take their toll on materials, such as clay tiles. Whether it’s roof repairs for a listed building or maintenance work on a pitched roof, repointing ridge tiles is a task regularly undertaken by roofers across the UK.
Here’s everything you need to know about repointing roof ridge tiles.
Roof ridge tiles run along a pitched roof at the intersection where the sides meet, playing a vital role in the structural integrity of your roofing. They also ensure your roof stays as watertight as possible, as the point where two surfaces join is often the place where water tends to creep in.
Most ridge tiles are manufactured from clay or slate, but you may also find some made from concrete on larger roofs. They come in various shapes and sizes, remaining in keeping with the rest of the roof.
To arrange a free estimate or advice, simply reach out to our team by calling or email: info@homefixroofingsolutions.co.uk