What is Ridge Capping?
Ridge capping is the protective layer that sits atop the highest point of your roof, sealing the junction where two roof planes meet. When in good condition, ridge capping prevents water ingress and protects your home from the elements.
Key Terms:
- Repointing: The process of renewing the mortar or sealant between ridge caps to ensure a watertight seal.
- Rebedding: The process of removing away the aged cement mortar beneath ridge tiles and subsequently repositioning and securing the adjoining ridge caps, ensuring they firmly anchor the roof tiles.
- Mortar: A mixture of sand, water, and cement used to hold ridge caps in place.
Signs of Deterioration
1. Visible Cracks or Gaps
One of the most obvious signs that your ridge capping needs attention is the presence of visible cracks or gaps. These can occur due to natural weathering, extreme temperature changes, or poor initial installation.
2. Loose or Missing Mortar
Over time, the mortar that holds your ridge caps in place can deteriorate. If you notice loose or missing mortar between your ridge caps, it’s a clear indication that repointing is necessary. Repointing involves replacing the old, damaged mortar with fresh mortar to restore the seal.
3. Water Stains on Your Ceiling
While not always directly related to ridge capping issues, water stains on your ceiling near the roof’s peak can be a sign of water penetration through damaged ridge capping. These stains often appear as discoloured patches or rings on your ceiling.
4. Displaced or Shifted Ridge Caps
If your ridge caps appear to be out of alignment or have shifted from their original position, this could indicate that the underlying mortar has failed and repointing is required.
5. Age of Your Roof
Even if you don’t notice visible issues, the age of your roof can be a determining factor. If your roof is over 15 years old, it’s wise to have your ridge capping inspected for potential repointing needs.
Benefits of Ridge Capping Repair
- Prevent Water Damage: Properly maintained ridge capping acts as a crucial barrier against water infiltration, protecting your home’s structure and interior from costly water damage.
- Improve Energy Efficiency: Well-sealed ridge capping contributes to your home’s overall insulation, potentially lowering your energy bills by preventing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
- Extend Roof Lifespan: Regular maintenance, including ridge capping repointing, can significantly extend the life of your entire roof, saving you money in the long run.
- Enhance Aesthetic Appeal: Neat, well-maintained ridge capping improves your home’s overall appearance, potentially increasing its curb appeal and value.
Roof Maintenance Frequency
According to industry standards, it is recommended that homeowners have their roofs inspected every 10-15 years for signs of wear and tear, including the condition of ridge capping.
Cost of Repointing
The average cost of repointing roof ridge tiles in ranges from $20 to $25 per linear metre, with total costs for an average-sized roof estimated between $1,500 to $2,500.
How Long Does Repointing take?
Repointing you ridge capping will take half a day to a full day, depending on the size of the job.
Impact of Poor Roof Maintenance
Neglecting roof maintenance can lead to water damage, which is one of the most common insurance claims in Australia, costing homeowners thousands in repairs annually.
Why Choose us for Ridge Capping Repointing?
Steve Moore brings over 32 years of industry experience to every job. As a family business with generations of roofing expertise, we’re committed to providing top-quality ridge capping repair and repointing services.
Our Approach:
- Thorough Inspection: We assess the extent of damage to provide an accurate diagnosis.
- Customised Solutions: Tailored to your roof’s specific needs.
- High-Quality Materials: We use only the best materials for lasting results.
- Efficient Service: Timely service with flexible scheduling to suit your needs.
Contact Us
Don’t wait until small issues become costly repairs. Contact Steve at North Shore Roof Repairs today for a professional assessment and expert ridge capping repointing service.
