Re-pointing replaces the cracked or missing pointing along the ridge and hip caps while the caps stay in place. Re-bedding lifts the caps, removes the old mortar and lays them again on new bedding, then points them. Re-point when the caps are solid. Re-bed when they are loose, sagging or sitting on crumbling mortar.
Ridge work we have done
How a ridge cap is fixed
Ridge and hip capping tiles sit on a bed of mortar that runs along the top of the roof. The visible line of material between and along the caps is the pointing. It seals the joints and sheds water. Over the years the roof timbers move with heat and cold, and the pointing cracks and falls out. Once the bedding underneath gets wet it breaks down as well, and the caps can shift.
Ridge cap re-pointing
We rake out the loose and cracked pointing, clean the joints, then apply new flexible pointing. Flexible pointing stays elastic, so it moves with the roof instead of cracking again the way hard cement does. Re-pointing is the right job when the caps are firmly seated and straight, and only the surface material has failed.
Ridge cap re-bedding
When the caps rock under your hand or run out of line, pointing alone will not hold them. We lift the caps, clear out the old mortar, set the caps on new bedding and finish with pointing. It takes longer than re-pointing, and it is the proper repair when the bedding has gone.
Whole roof re-pointing
On an older roof, the ridges, the hips and sometimes the gable ends all need attention. We price the whole roof in one go, so you do not pay for a second visit with a second ladder. Many customers combine it with painting. Read more on full roof restoration.
Roof re-bedding at the edges
Gable end and barge tiles are bedded too, and they loosen for the same reasons. We check these during any ridge job and include them in the quote.
Which one do you need?
| What we find | Usual repair |
|---|---|
| Cracked pointing, caps solid and in line | Re-point |
| Caps rock when pressed or have shifted | Re-bed and re-point |
| Mortar crumbling or washed out underneath | Re-bed and re-point |
| Cracked cap tiles | Replace the caps, then bed and point |
| Daylight or loose caps after wind | Make safe now, then repair. See emergency repairs |
What a visit looks like
We check the ridge and hips at the quote and photograph the problem areas. One of our customers had us look over two properties. We found the pointing work they asked about, plus cracked tiles and a cracked vent flashing, and priced the lot in one quote.
“Nathan inspected the roofs of my two properties and provided a competitive quote for the Roof Repointing work. He also found some cracked tiles and a crack on a vent flashing. His quote included fixing these as well. He did an excellent work and completed both jobs on time. I would highly recommend him for any roofing work.”
If you want the colour of the new pointing to match the roof, tell us. Pointing comes in several colours, and on a painted roof we do the ridge before the coating so the finish is even.
Tell us where it leaks or what is cracked. Call 0430 545 669 or fill in the form.
Questions about ridge re-pointing and re-bedding
How do I know my ridge capping needs work?
Look from the ground or on a drone photo for cracks, gaps or missing pointing along the ridge, or for caps that are out of line. After a storm, look for caps that have moved. A roof inspection gives you a definite answer.
Is re-pointing a permanent fix?
Nothing on a roof is permanent. Flexible pointing lasts much longer than hard cement because it moves with the roof. It still weathers, and we suggest checking the ridge when you have the roof inspected.
Can you do the ridge without painting the roof?
Yes. Ridge work is a repair on its own. Painting is an extra step you can add now or later.
Why did my new house's ridge crack?
New roof framing can move as the timber dries and settles, and that can crack pointing within a few years. It is common enough that a ridge check is worth doing when you have a roof inspected.
What colours can the pointing be?
Flexible pointing comes in a range of colours. We choose the closest match to your tiles, or the new paint colour if you are repainting.