Repointing vs Rebedding: What’s the Difference

For the majority of the jobs we do, rebedding is not needed. Rebedding is a more time consuming and costly job. Repointing is more affordable.

Repointing costs between $1,500 and $2,500 for an average home.

Repointing and rebedding serve different purposes. Both are essential for maintaining the strength, weatherproofing, and long-term durability of your tile roof.

What Is Rebedding?

Rebedding is the first and most structural step in restoring your roof’s ridge caps.

Over time, the cement mortar underneath your ridge tiles breaks down. Weather changes, age, movement in the roof frame, and normal wear can cause the original mortar to crack or crumble.

Rebedding involves:

• Removing all old, deteriorated cement mortar
• Repositioning and securely fixing ridge caps in place
• Creating a strong, fresh mortar base that holds everything firmly

This process restores the structural foundation of your ridge capping, preventing tiles from shifting, lifting, or blowing off during storms.

At North Shore Roof Repairs, we have over 32 years of experience rebedding tile roofs across Sydney’s North Shore. We also replace any cracked or broken tiles near the ridge caps to ensure the entire area is weatherproof and stable.

What Is Repointing?

Repointing (or roof pointing) is the protective finishing layer applied after rebedding.

While rebedding secures the ridge caps, pointing seals the joints and provides a flexible, weatherproof barrier.

Professional repointing involves applying a flexible compound that:

• Seals gaps between ridge caps
• Prevents water penetration
• Resists cracking from heat, movement & storms
• Enhances the appearance of the roof

Modern flexible pointing compounds are far more durable than old-style cement. They remain sealed and watertight even as your roof subtly expands and contracts.

Repointing dramatically improves your roof’s ability to resist North Shore weather — including storms, heatwaves, and sea breezes.

Rebedding vs. Repointing: What’s the Difference?

In simple terms:

• Rebedding keeps your ridge caps firmly attached.
• Repointing keeps water out.

Signs You Need Repointing

• Cracks in the mortar on ridge caps
• Gaps or shrinkage between tiles
• Leaks near the roof’s peak
• Discolouration or loose particles around the ridge capping
• Tiles sound loose when touched

Repointing is a faster job.

Signs You Need Rebedding

• Ridge caps are loose, wobbly or misaligned
• Mortar beneath the ridge caps is crumbling
• Repointing no longer adheres properly
• Tiles have shifted or lifted
• Repeated leaks along the ridge

If the underlying mortar is failing, repointing won’t be enough, you need the foundation rebuilt first.

What Does Rebedding and Repointing Cost?

Pricing depends on roof size and condition, but general estimates include:

• Pointing ridge tiles: $20–$25 per lineal metre
• Standard pointing total: $1,500–$2,500 (average home)
• Valley iron replacement: $1,200–$1,500 per valley

The best way to get an exact price is with an on-site roof inspection — especially if the ridge capping has never been serviced or is over 15 years old.

What’s Included in a Professional Repointing Job?

When we restore ridge capping, our service includes:

• Removing moss, dirt, and loose mortar
• Replacing broken tiles under/near ridge caps
• Fresh flexible pointing matched to your roof colour
• Full clean-up of the roof and gutters
• Disposal of old materials
• Quality workmanship backed by decades of experience

Your roof ends up structurally sound, weather-sealed, and better protected.

Get Expert Rebedding & Repointing for Your North Shore Home

For over 32 years, our family-run business has restored tile roofs across the North Shore with precision and care. From minor pointing repairs to full rebedding and roof restoration, we deliver long-lasting solutions designed for Sydney’s climate.

Secure your roof, prevent leaks, and keep your home protected year-round – speak to Steve today.