In this blog post, Duravex Roofing Group explains everything about ridges and re-pointing.
Re-bedding & Repointing of Ridge Caps:
Repairing and maintaining your roof can be difficult enough without the added confusion of roofing terms and what they mean for your roof! With storm season quickly approaching, many homeowners are beginning their annual maintenance checks. Re-pointing is one of the most common maintenance tasks on tiled roofs!
Ridge capping is an essential aspect of a well-sealed roof. We ensure the correct joining of loose ridge capping in a full rebed and repoint to prevent leaking and dislodgement. Ridge caps are an essential part of your roof’s drainage system and come in a variety of materials and colours to match your existing roofing. Duravex Roofing Group Services will provide you with outstanding, aesthetically pleasing results, backed by our years of experience and training in ridge capping.
REBED AND POINT :
When the ridge cap mortar has deteriorated beyond the point of resealing, the term “rebed and point” is used. When this happens, the mortar must be removed, and the tiles and caps must be cleaned to remove it. The caps are then re-bedded into place using a sand-and-cement mix in a 4:1 ratio. When the caps’ edges are dry, they are wire-brushed to remove any bedding from the caps’ edges and the tiles, leaving a clean surface for the flexible pointing to adhere to. After that, the caps are pointed (sealed) with new tinted flexible pointing.
What exactly is ridge capping?:
Ridge capping refers to the triangular-shaped tiles installed at the highest point of the roof where two roof areas meet. These are attached to the roof using bedding and pointing.
What is the difference between pointing and bedding?
Bedding is a mixture of sand and cement/mortar that holds the ridge capping in place. Pointing is a flexible material used to finish the joints between ridges and roof tiles. Duravex Roofing Group Services uses Selleys Point Works when re-pointing.
How do I know if my roof needs to be re-bedded or re-pointed?
Cracks or gaps in the pointing along your ridge capping indicate that your roof needs re-pointing. I think a visual inspection of your ridge capping from the ground should be enough to determine the condition of your pointing. It’s a little more difficult to identify yourself when you’re re-bedding. If you suspect that your bedding needs repair, it is best to have a qualified roofer inspect the ridge capping.
What is the procedure for re-bedding or re-pointing?
Re-bedding requires removing the old bedding and pointing material. Following that, bedding mortar is mixed, consisting of three parts roofers’ loam and one part cement. This bedding mix is then trowelled onto the roof tiles that the ridge capping will cover. A ridge rack keeps the ridges straight and the bedding in place so the ridge caps can sit on it. The bedding is then trowelled up to a clean-up-and-down finish that is slightly inward of the ridge. This creates a solid foundation for the flexible pointing to adhere to.
After the bedding has dried, flexible pointing is applied to the sides of the ridge at a thickness of 3 – 5mm, as well as the collars where the ridges overlap. The ridges are now completely windproof and waterproof. The flexipoint or Selleys point also works and flexes in sync with normal roof movement, preventing future ridge capping cracking.
This list should have helped you understand the ins and outs of your ridge capping! If you think it is time to schedule a roof quote, contact Duravex Roofing Group today to receive a full roof report from a qualified roofer.