Summer Heat and Ridge Capping Durability

Sydney summers are getting hotter every year.

High temperatures, UV exposure, and thermal expansion can significantly weaken roof mortar, ridge capping, and overall tile stability.

Why Roof Mortar Weakens in Summer

Thermal Expansion & Contraction

Tiles and ridge caps expand when heated and contract when cooled.
During heatwaves, this cycle becomes more extreme.

• Mortar begins to crack
• Ridge caps shift slightly
• Bonding weakens over time

UV Damage

Direct UV exposure breaks down the surface of cement mortar.

• Surface erosion
• Increased porosity
• Colour fading
• Micro-cracking that leads to mortar failure

Moisture Evaporation

Mortar relies on moisture to stay bonded. But in summer, moisture in old mortar evaporates rapidly.

• Dry, crumbly mortar
• Loss of adhesion
• Gaps forming beneath ridge caps

Accelerated Wear from Heatwaves

Heatwaves push roof surface temperatures to 60°C–75°C. This extreme heat causes rapid deterioration.

• Your ridge capping hasn’t been serviced in 10+ years
• Mortar is already cracked
• Tiles have shifted slightly
• The roof has been exposed to storms prior to summer

How Heat Affects Ridge Capping Durability

Ridge caps are designed to seal the highest points of your roof.

When they’re exposed to prolonged heat:

• Mortar beneath the ridge caps becomes brittle and can no longer hold ridge tiles firmly.
• Pointing begins to crack and lose elasticity under long-term heat exposure.
• Tiles become more prone to movement, increasing the risk of tiles slipping.
• Small cracks quickly turn into leaks during autumn and winter rainfall.

Signs Summer Heat Has Damaged Your Mortar or Ridge Capping

• Hairline cracks in pointing
• Crumbling or missing mortar
• Ridge caps shifting or misaligned
• Small leaks appearing after storms
• Granular debris in gutters
• Movement when pressing on ridge caps

Why Timely Rebedding & Repointing Matters

Rebedding and repointing strengthen your ridge capping and protect your roof from weather damage year-round.

With 32+ years of experience, we ensure your roof is ready for the next heatwave and the next storm season.

How to Protect Your Roof from Heat Damage

• Schedule a summer roof inspection.
• Replace cracked or missing mortar early.
• Consider fresh pointing.
• Repair loose ridge caps immediately.
• Keep your roof clean.

Prepare Before Heat Turns Into Leaks

Summer heat silently weakens your roof.

When mortar deteriorates and ridge capping loosens, the next heavy rainfall can cause costly interior damage.

Inspect, repair, and reinforce your ridge capping before autumn rains arrive.

Whether it’s a simple repointing job or a full rebedding of your ridge caps. Contact us and protect your roof today!