Dry Ridge Systems offer a method of securing ridge and hip tiles to a roof instead of the traditional method of using sand and cement mortar. Instead of relying on traditional mortar, which can crack and deteriorate over time, dry ridge systems use mechanical fixing.

They are secured using screws and clamps, ensuring a strong and stable installation. Under the screw are waterproof unions that will catch any small amount of direct rainfall and disperse it back onto the roof.

Advantages of a Dry Ridge System

• Durability: Without the need for mortar, there’s less risk of cracking or deterioration, ensuring a longer-lasting and more reliable roof.
• Low Maintenance: Since there’s no mortar to degrade over time, maintenance requirements are significantly reduced, saving you time and effort.
• Weather Resistance: Dry ridge systems provide excellent protection against harsh weather conditions, including high winds and heavy rain, by ensuring a secure and stable fix.
• Ventilation: These systems often include a continuous ventilation feature that helps prevent condensation build-up in the roof space.
• Ease of Installation: The mechanical fixing method is straightforward and can be done in various weather conditions, unlike traditional mortar that requires dry, warm weather for proper setting.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Dry ridge systems offer a neat and uniform appearance, enhancing the overall look of your roof.
• Compliance with Standards: They meet British Standards (BS 5534 and BS 5250), ensuring they adhere to safety and performance requirements.
• Environmental Benefits: Since there is no need for mortar, there is less waste and a reduction in the use of materials that can be harmful to the environment.

Overall, the advantages clearly outweigh the slight increase in price when compared to the traditional mortar ridge. They offer peace of mind that you won’t need any repair work done to your ridge line, which you could more than likely expect with a mortar ridge, sometimes even prematurely.

The ridge is the highest point of your roof—and its first line of defence against the elements. While modern "dry-fix" kits have become common, the Mortared Roof Ridge (or Wet Ridge) remains the gold standard for homeowners who value traditional craftsmanship, durability, and a bespoke finish.

A mortared ridge is a time-tested roofing technique where ridge tiles are meticulously set into a bed of high-strength roofing mortar.

Unlike mechanical systems that rely on plastic strips and screws, a wet ridge uses a custom-mixed cement compound to bond the ridge caps directly to the roof tiles. This creates a solid, heavy-duty seal that contours perfectly to the unique shape and "waver" of your specific roofline.

Advantages of a Mortared Ridge System

For many of our clients, the decision to go with a mortared system comes down to four key factors:

• Superior Aesthetic Appeal: On heritage homes or traditional builds, a mortared ridge provides a clean, hand-finished look. It eliminates the visible plastic gaskets and bulky lines associated with modern dry-fix kits, maintaining the architectural integrity of your property.
• Maximum Structural Weight: The sheer mass of a mortared ridge adds significant "ballast" to the top of your roof. This weight helps lock the top courses of tiles in place, making the structure incredibly resilient against wind uplift during storms.
• Total Weather Protection: Because mortar is applied by hand, it fills every nook and cranny. This creates a tailored barrier that prevents driving rain, snow, and nesting birds from entering the roof void at its most vulnerable point.
• Breathability & Flex: Our modern mortar mixes include specialised additives that allow for minor thermal expansion and contraction, reducing the risk of cracking while maintaining a rock-solid bond.

A mortared ridge is only as good as the person laying it. Our roofing team follows a rigorous process: we clear all old debris, use a specific ratio of sand and cement fortified with polymers, hand-lay each tile for a level ridge line, and finish with professional pointing to shed water instantly.

Is your roof ridge showing signs of wear?

Cracked mortar or loose ridge tiles can lead to costly internal water damage if left unaddressed. Whether you need a full re-ridge or a professional "re-point," our team is here to restore the peak of your home.