Ridge and hip tiles cap the joints where roof slopes meet. On many older roofs they are held only by mortar, which cracks with age and weather, leaving tiles loose and the joints open to rain.
Loose ridge tiles are heavy and can be dangerous if they fall, so they are worth dealing with early. We re-bed in mortar or convert to a mechanically fixed dry system.
What this service covers
- Removing and re-bedding loose ridge or hip tiles
- Re-pointing cracked joints
- Replacing broken ridge and hip tiles
- Installing dry ridge and dry hip systems
- Fitting hip irons and end caps
Signs you may need it
- Mortar fragments in gutters or on the ground
- Ridge tiles visibly uneven or moving
- Gaps between ridge tiles
- Damp patches high up near the apex
How we approach it
- 01
Inspect
We check how many tiles are loose and the condition of the bedding and timber.
- 02
Lift
Loose tiles are lifted, old mortar removed and timbers checked.
- 03
Refix
Tiles are re-bedded in a suitable mortar mix or fixed with a dry ridge kit.
- 04
Seal ends
End caps, hip irons and junctions are finished and debris cleared.
Options we commonly discuss
- Traditional mortar bedding
- Dry ridge and dry hip systems
What affects the quotation
Your free written quotation is priced for your property and covers:
- Length of ridge and hips
- Whether tiles can be reused
- Access height
- Choice of mortar or dry-fix
- Condition of ridge board
Any guarantee depends on the job and materials and is stated in your written quotation.
Ridge and hip tile repairs: common questions
Is dry ridge better than mortar?
Dry systems are mechanically fixed and don't rely on mortar for adhesion, so they need little maintenance. Mortar suits some period or clay roofs. We'll suggest what fits your roof.
Can loose ridge tiles wait?
If tiles are moving, don't leave it, as they can fall and let water into the roof void. Book an inspection promptly.
Do you replace the whole ridge?
Not always. If only a few are loose and the rest are sound, we can repair those sections.