Ridge Tile Repairs Explained — Rebedding vs Dry Ridge
Ridge tiles are the most common storm casualty on Cork roofs, and the cheapest thing to fix before they fall.
Why mortar lets go
Ridge tiles on older roofs are bedded on sand and cement. That bond lasts roughly 20 to 30 years in Irish conditions before frost, thermal movement and wind-driven rain break it down. Once one tile rocks, wind gets underneath and the run unzips.
- Hairline crack running along the mortar bed
- Mortar crumbs collecting in the gutter
- A ridge line that is no longer perfectly straight
- Any tile that visibly moves in strong wind
Rebedding or dry ridge?
Rebedding lifts each tile, cleans off the old mortar and beds it back on fresh mix, usually with mechanical fixings added. It preserves the traditional look, which matters on period and slate roofs.
A dry ridge system screws each tile down over a ventilated union roll with no mortar at all. It never needs rebedding, it ventilates the ridge and it holds far better in wind — the better choice on exposed and coastal Cork properties.
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