How often should a roof be repointed?

As homeowners, we often overlook the maintenance of our roofs until we are faced with a costly problem.

Repointing your roof is a maintenance task that is often ignored but can have disastrous consequences if neglected for too long. Read on to find out how often a roof should be repointed and why it’s essential to keep up with this crucial maintenance task.

What is repointing?

Repointing is the process of repairing the mortar joints (resealing the ridge capping mortar) between the bricks or tiles on your roof. Repointing prevents water penetration into the roof cavity.

Over time, weather conditions such as rain, wind, and extreme temperatures can cause the mortar to become brittle and crack, allowing water to seep through and cause damage to your roof’s structure.

Repointing involves removing the old, damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar to maintain the integrity of your roof.

How often should you repoint your roof?

The frequency with which you should repoint your roof depends on several factors, such as the age of your roof, the type of material it is made of, and the weather conditions in your area. As a rule of thumb, it is recommended that you repoint your roof every 10 to 15 years.

There are some signs that you should look out for that may indicate that your roof needs repointing sooner.

If you notice loose or missing mortar between your roof ridge tiles, or if you see cracks, gaps, or other signs of wear and tear, it may be time to consider repointing your roof.

Other signs that your roof may need repointing include water leaks, dampness, and mould or mildew growth on the roof surface or in the attic.

If you are unsure about the condition of your roof or whether it needs repointing, it’s recommended to consult with a professional roofing contractor like AllCoast Roofing for an assessment.

Regular roof maintenance and inspection can also help prevent the need for extensive repointing work in the future.

Signs that your roof needs repointing

If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to repoint your roof:

• Cracks in the mortar joints
• Loose or missing tiles or bricks
• Water stains on your ceiling or walls
• Dampness in your attic or loft

If you are unsure whether your roof needs repointing, it is always best to consult a professional roofer who can assess the condition of your roof and advise you on the best course of action.

What does ridge capping include?

Typical ridge capping work includes:

• Replaced broken roof tiles through-out the roof including 1 valley cut and 2 under the ridge capping
• Re-fixing small corners into place with flexi-point or sealant
• Clean and seal all aerial bolts, cracked lead and protrusions etc. where necessary
• Strip up the base of valleys, cleaning out rubbish and then re-assembling
• Clean leaf debris from gutters where necessary
• Clip loose valley cuts where necessary
• High pressure water blast all ridge capping concrete on the roof
• Cut back top edge of all ridge capping with a grinder
• Repoint all ridge capping in flexible pointing

The cleaning removes dirt and loose pointing and readies the caps for repointing. If the caps are not cleaned, the new flexipoint may peel off within 2 years.

Can you repoint over old mortar roof?

We recommend having a professional roofer inspect your roof before deciding whether to repoint over old mortar.

While it is possible to repoint over old mortar, it’s important to ensure that the existing mortar is still in good condition and won’t compromise the integrity of the new mortar. In some cases, it may be better to remove the old mortar and start fresh with new mortar.

Our team of experienced roofers can assess the condition of your roof and provide recommendations based on what’s best for your specific situation.

Roof ridge

What is a roof ridge?

A roof ridge refers to the horizontal peak or line that is formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes. It is usually the highest point of a roof and runs along the length of the roof. The ridge is typically covered by a specialised set of tiles, known as ridge tiles, which are designed to cover and protect the gap or joint between the two roof planes.

The ridge plays a key role in the overall design and function of a roof, as it helps to prevent water from seeping into the roof structure and provides ventilation to regulate temperature and moisture levels in the attic or roof space. Proper installation and maintenance of the ridge is crucial in ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your roof.

How do you repoint a roof ridge?

To repoint a roof ridge, we start by cleaning the area around the ridge tiles and inspecting them for damage. Mix the new mortar and apply it to the gaps between the tiles, pressing it firmly and smoothing it with a pointing trowel. Allow the mortar to dry completely and optionally apply a sealant.

Repointing a roof ridge can be complex and dangerous, so it’s recommended to hire a professional roofer with experience in repointing.

How long do ridge tiles last?

The lifespan of concrete ridge tiles can be between 40 to 75 years. Repointing is a term used for resealing the ridge capping mortar. Repointing lasts about 10 to 15 years. At AllCoast Roofing, we use high-quality materials like flexipoint, this ensures a longer lifespan for your roof ridges. Harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain, wind, and extreme temperatures, can hasten wear and tear, leading to faster deterioration.

If you are unsure about the condition of your roof ridges, our team of professionals can assess them for you and provide expert recommendations.

Cost of repointing roof ridge tiles

Repointing roof ridge tiles can cost $20 to $25 per lineal metre. For an average-sized roof, the total cost can be around $1500 to $2500 plus GST.

The price may increase if there is a lot of damage, the roof is challenging to access, such as on a multi-story building, the size of the roof, and the condition of the existing mortar.

It’s crucial to obtain quotes from reputable and experienced roofers to ensure that the work is of high quality and backed by a warranty. AllCoast Roofing offers a 5-year factory warranty on Flexible pointing.

The labour costs for re-pointing a roof are normally going to be higher than a new roof because the job involves dismantling the old tiles and the old surface, which is normally a dirty and tedious job.

The new material will need to be cut to size, fitted, and grouted. This is usually a messy job.

What is the difference between bedding and pointing?

Rebedding is removing the ridge capping completely, stripping up the old concrete, running out a new bed of mud (sand/cement), then pointing the caps in flexipoint. Repointing is going over the existing capping, leaving it in place, we do water blast the old capping cement first so the new flexipoint adheres properly.

Can you repoint a roof yourself?

Repointing a roof is a complex and potentially dangerous job that requires specialised skills and tools. If you do not have experience working on roofs or are not familiar with the materials and techniques used in repointing, you run the risk of causing further damage to the roof or even injuring yourself.

At AllCoast Roofing, we advise against attempting to repoint your roof yourself. It’s always best to entrust the task to our team of qualified experts, who have years of experience in the field and can complete the job safely and efficiently.

Our team of professional roofers is fully insured, providing you with peace of mind that you are protected in case of any mishaps during the repointing process.

Unless you have experience in roofing and repointing specifically, it’s best to leave this job to professional roofers.

Why is repointing important?

Repointing is an essential maintenance task that can save you from costly repairs and prolong the life of your roof. Ignoring the cracks in the mortar can lead to water seeping through and damaging the timber structure of your roof, causing rot and decay.

By repointing your roof, you not only prevent such damages but also enhance the visual appeal of your roof and increase the value of your property.

Reviews of our repointing jobs

I first engaged All Coast Roofing to repoint my roof. The team were incredibly friendly, professional, and skilled! A tradesman checking my neighbours roof commented on the quality of mine and asked who did it. I have since had the team back for other jobs, I will not go anywhere else. They can get quite busy in peak season but well worth the wait.

Greg Merrick

25/11/24

Wayne and his expert roofing team are the ideal trades team. From the initial call for a quote to the follow up after the job was complete Wayne and AllCoast roofing were a delight to deal with. The quote was not the cheapest or the most expensive but the finished product I have no doubt is the best possible. Our roof was checked over, an accurate assessment made, and value-for money quote provided. Then the very thorough cleaning, repointing and renovation work, and finally painting were all carried out by their respective tradesmen in a thorough and professional way. After dealing with a few other trades for other services I can honestly say AllCoast roofing is the best in the business! Thank you Wayne and team, I love my updated roof!

Melanie B

30/09/23

I had repairs to the roof including replacing clips above garage, several tiles replaced, repointing of ridge tiles, roof cleaning and painting done. From an old tatty roof in bad repair, I now have a roof that looks like new. Am so pleased with the job and the way that Wayne conducts and oversees his business. He was professional and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend Allcoast to anyone who needs their roof renovated and repaired.

Pam

28/06/21

Wayne and his crew completed a number of jobs for me including replacing a rotted soffit, ridge pointing, painting the front of my house and I also had one of his guys install gutter guard a year ago which has kept the leaves out ever since. All work was completed to a high standard and the advice on which colours to use on my house was appreciated. I have no hesitation in recommending these roofers.

Clint R

30/07/20

Getting your roof repointed

Repointing your roof is an essential maintenance task that should not be ignored. While the frequency with which you should repoint your roof depends on several factors, it is recommended that you repoint your roof every 10-15 years.

If you notice any signs of damage, such as cracks in the mortar or loose tiles, it is important to act quickly and consult a professional roofer.

By maintaining your roof, you can prevent costly damage and ensure that your home remains safe and secure for years to come. Contact AllCoast Roofing if you’d like a roof inspection to determine if you need your roof repointed today!