What’s the Difference Between a Dry Ridge Roofing System and Traditional Mortar?

Traditional Mortar Method: Mortar has historically been used to fix ridge tiles on roofs, making it suitable for heritage properties. However, mortar can degrade over time due to weak mixes and environmental factors, raising concerns about its longevity.
Dry Ridge System: This modern method uses screws or mechanical fixings to secure tiles without mortar. It includes waterproof unions to manage rainfall, making it more durable and weather-resistant than mortar.
Advantages of Dry Ridge: Dry ridge systems are easier to install, require less maintenance, are sturdier in high winds, allow for roof movement, and provide better ventilation, reducing condensation.
Current Trends: Dry ridge systems are increasingly common in new builds and are now required by British standards, which mandate mechanical fixings alongside mortar on roof ridges, verges, or hips.

Fixing ridge tiles to your roof can be done in two different ways; by using the traditional mortar method, or by using a dry ridge roofing system.

Each one has its own unique method of application, and its own benefits and drawbacks.

In this article, we’ll be outlining the key differences between dry ridge roofing and traditional mortar to help you make an informed decision.

roof tiles

What is the Traditional Roof Mortar Method?

Using mortar has been the traditional, and historical, way of fixing ridge tiles to a roof.

And while most properties could benefit from a dry ridge upgrade, there are still certain properties where a mortar touch is suitable; e.g. historical properties, or those trying to preserve their heritage.

Whilst some mortar is affected by weak mixes and environmental factors, there are ways to lessen these issues by ensuring the mix is of the highest quality.

However, despite this, there have been concerns raised about the longevity of the mortar method, which has lead to the development of the modern dry ridge system.

What is a Roof Dry Ridge System?

A dry ridge system is a method of using screws or other mechanical fixings to attach ridge tiles to a roof.

This eliminates the need to use mortar for bonding.

Screws or other mechanical fixings attach clamps between the joins of each and every roof tile, which then clamp the tiles to the roof. Underneath the screws lie waterproof unions which catch and disperse rainfall that falls on them.

Benefits of dry ridge systems include:

Easier to install. When it comes to the process of installing a dry ridge system, the process is much more straightforward and hassle-free than its mortar counterpart.

They are sturdy. During high winds or storms, the likelihood of dry ridge system tiles blowing off is very unlikely and this therefore reduces the risk of damage to your roof, and anything below your house that a tile could blow onto.

Low maintenance. Whilst mortar can degrade over time, dry ridge systems retain their quality for years to come without the need for maintenance.

Can withstand movement more easily. You may not realise that roofs move as a result of nearby vibrations such as roads, train tracks, and runways, or through natural processes of expansion and contraction. Dry ridge systems allow for better and more flexible movement.
Better ventilation properties. The dry ridge system can help combat buildup of condensation by offering ventilation properties.

Another thing to bear in mind is that dry ridge systems are now being installed on most new builds.

Further to this, currently, under new British standards, any mortar located on the ridge, verge or hip of a roof must now be reinforced by some sort of mechanical fixing.

It certainly seems like dry ridge roofing is a new trend that is here to stay, so consider this before making your final decision.

Here at Abbey Roofing, we have a dedicated and skilled team of roofers with more than 20 years’ experience working in both the domestic and commercial roofing sectors.
We work hard all year round, carrying out emergency repairs and re-roofing, and take great pride in the reliable and quality service we deliver.

We offer a range of roofing services including; lead roofing, slate roofing, flat roofing, felt roofing, sheet metal roofing, emergency roof repairs, commercial roofing, new roof installations, gutter cleaning.

To customers in Hemel Hempstead, Watford, St Albans, Bedford, Slough, Milton Keynes, Watford, Barnet, Harpenden and beyond.

Why not contact Abbey Roofing for a free quote today, quality skilled tradesmen at great prices!