How to Know When Your Roof Needs Rebedding and Pointing

Signs Your Rebedding and Pointing Needs Attention

Roofs will show signs of wear and tear over time. Spotting these signs early can save you from costly repairs down the line. Here are some key indicators that your roof may need rebedding and pointing:

Visible cracks or gaps in mortar: This is one of the most obvious signs. Check the mortar around your ridge caps and tile edges for any cracks or gaps.
Loose or missing mortar: If the mortar is crumbling or falling away, it’s a clear sign that it needs to be replaced.
Water stains on ceilings: This indicates that water is penetrating your roof, likely due to failing bedding and pointing.
Displaced or shifted ridge caps: If your ridge caps are no longer properly aligned, it could be a sign that the bedding underneath has deteriorated.
Age of the roof: Roofs typically need rebedding and pointing every 10–15 years, depending on the materials used and the weather conditions.

Consider a professional roof inspection if you notice any of these signs.

What are Roof Rebedding and Pointing?

Rebedding and pointing are important parts of roof maintenance, particularly for tiled roofs. They work together to secure your roof and protect it from the elements.

Rebedding

This refers to the cement mortar that holds your roof tiles in place. It provides a solid base, ensuring the tiles are correctly aligned and secure. Bedding is typically applied to the first and last rows of tiles, as well as to ridge caps and hip tiles.

Pointing

This is the flexible compound applied over the bedding, sealing the gaps between the tiles. It acts as a second layer of protection, preventing water, dirt, and pests from entering your roof space.

Benefits of Timely Rebedding and Pointing

Preventing water damage: By sealing gaps and cracks, rebedding and pointing prevent water from entering your roof space, protecting your ceilings, walls, and belongings from water damage.
Extending roof lifespan: Maintaining your roof’s bedding and pointing can significantly extend its lifespan, saving you from the expense of a full roof replacement.
Improving roof aesthetics: Rebedding and pointing can improve the appearance of your roof, making your home look well-maintained and cared for.
Increasing property value: A well-maintained roof enhances your home’s curb appeal and overall value.

Ignoring these issues can lead to the need for leak repair or even a complete roof restoration.

Rebedding and Pointing Process

The process of rebedding and pointing involves several key steps to ensure a secure and watertight finish:

Removing old and damaged materials: The first step is to remove any old, cracked, or crumbling mortar from the bedding and pointing.
Cleaning the roof surface: The roof surface is then thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, debris, or moss.
Applying new bedding mortar: New bedding mortar is applied to create a solid base for the ridge caps and tiles.
Installing ridge caps: The ridge caps are carefully installed and aligned on the new bedding mortar.
Applying pointing compound: Once the bedding mortar has cured, a flexible pointing compound is applied to seal the gaps between the tiles and ridge caps.

Cost of Rebedding and Pointing

Pointing roof ridge tiles costs $20 to $25 per lineal metre. For an average-sized roof, the total cost can be around $1,500 to $2,500.

A typical pointing job includes:

Excessive amounts of moss and dirt is removed.
Replace any broken tiles under or near ridge caps.
Pointing all ridge caps using flexible flexi pointing matching the colour of the tiles.
Remove all rubbish from the job site.
Clean the gutters.

How North Shore Roof Repairs Can Help You

At North Shore Roof Repairs, we understand the specific roofing needs of homes in the North Shore. Our experienced team can provide professional rebedding and pointing services, ensuring your roof is secure, watertight, and looks its best. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a major headache.