Smienk Roofing
Ridge tile renovation
The ridge tile is the highest point of your roof and therefore the most exposed part. Two roof surfaces meet here and are sealed with ridge tiles and ridge mortar or a modern ridge sealant. Because the ridge is subjected to so much wear and tear from wind, frost, and rain, it's also one of the most common areas where a roof develops problems.
Smienk Dakwerken repairs and renews ridge tiles on all types of tiled roofs, quickly and with craftsmanship.
What is a ridge tile?
The ridge tile is the connection at the top of the roof where the two sloping roof surfaces meet. This connection is made waterproof with ridge tiles laid over the ridge and secured with ridge mortar or ridge tile tape. Without a proper ridge tile, water will penetrate the roof structure immediately, causing moisture damage to attic beams, insulation, and ceilings.
There are two main methods for finishing the ridge:
Traditional ridge mortar
The ridge tiles are cemented in place with a cement-sand mortar. This is the classic method that has proven effective for decades, but after 20 to 30 years, it becomes crumbly and requires maintenance or replacement.
Ridge sealing with ridge tile tape
A modern, low-maintenance method in which the ridge tiles are secured with a flexible strip or ventilated sealant instead of mortar. This system is less susceptible to frost damage, allows the roof structure to ventilate, and lasts longer than traditional ridge mortar.
Repair or completely replace the ridge tile?
This is the most frequently asked question about ridge tile work. The answer depends on the condition of the mortar and the ridge tiles.
Repair This is useful if the mortar has come loose in a few places or if some ridge tiles have shifted or broken, while the rest of the ridge is still firmly in place. We repair the affected sections with fresh mortar or reattach the ridge tiles.
Complete renewal It's wiser if the mortar is crumbly along the entire length of the ridge, if the ridge tiles are loose in several places, or if moisture damage has already occurred. In that case, we remove all the ridge tiles, clean the substrate, and re-lay the ridge with fresh mortar or ridge sealant.
We always assess the situation first and give you honest advice about which approach is best for your roof.
Our working method
Quotation
Request a free, no-obligation quote via the website.
Execute command
We at Smienk Dakwerken will carry out the assignment.
Rounding off
Together we will view and discuss the end result.
Portfolio
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Frequently asked questions about ridge tile renovation
Traditional ridge mortar has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the mortar and its exposure to frost and wind. Ridge sealing with ridge tile tape generally lasts longer and requires less maintenance.
For most homes, ridge sealing with a ventilated strip is a better choice than traditional mortar. The system is more flexible, lasts longer, and allows the roof structure to ventilate better. We can advise you on which method is best for your roof.
We strongly advise against this. The ridge is the highest point of the roof, and working at height without the proper equipment is dangerous. Moreover, applying ridge mortar or ridge sealant requires expert knowledge to ensure a lasting result.
Yes, and that's often the smartest choice. If scaffolding or a roofer is on the roof for tile or lead work, we always include the ridge tile in the inspection and schedule any necessary work immediately.
The leak is likely in the mortar beneath the ridge tiles, not in the tiles themselves. Mortar that's crumbly from the inside will no longer hold water, while the tiles still appear intact from above. An inspection will reveal the exact location of the problem.
