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Ridge and verge repairs in Sussex and Surrey
Ridge tiles loose, or mortar falling out of the verge on your home in East Grinstead, Crawley or across Sussex and Surrey? Ridges and verges are the parts of a roof that take the most wind, and on older roofs they were often held on by mortar alone. We rebed them with mechanical fixings or fit modern dry fix systems, so they stay put. Free survey, fixed written price and our twenty year workmanship guarantee. Call 01342 445004.
What are the ridge and verge?
The ridge is the line of tiles along the top of the roof where two slopes meet. Hips are the sloping ridges on a hipped roof. The verge is the edge of the roof at a gable end. All three are exposed to wind from every direction, and all three were traditionally bedded in sand and cement mortar.
Signs of trouble
- Gaps or cracks in the mortar along the ridge
- Pieces of mortar in the gutter or on the ground below the gable
- A ridge tile that looks out of line, or has rocked loose
- Damp along the top of the loft or at the gable wall
- Tiles missing from the verge edge after wind
Ridge tiles loose? Call 01342 445004 or WhatsApp a photo to 07939 862 818. Priced after a free look at the roof.
Why mortar alone is no longer enough
Mortar shrinks, cracks and loses its grip over time, especially through cycles of frost. The British Standard for slating and tiling, BS 5534, now requires ridge, hip and verge tiles to be mechanically fixed rather than relying on mortar alone. That does not mean mortar has gone, but it must be backed up with clips, screws or fixings. When we repair a ridge or verge we bring it up to this standard.
Rebed or dry fix?
| Mortar bedded with mechanical fixing | Dry fix system | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Traditional mortar line | Neat, uniform finish with clip or cap trims |
| Maintenance | Mortar will need attention again in future | Very little |
| Ventilation | Limited | Many systems ventilate the ridge |
| Suits period homes | Yes, often preferred in conservation areas | Sometimes, depends on the setting |
| Weather to install | Needs frost free conditions for mortar | Less weather dependent |
On most modern homes a dry system is the low maintenance choice. On period properties and in conservation areas a traditional mortared ridge, mechanically fixed, often looks more appropriate. We will advise on what suits your house.
What the repair involves
- Access set up safely, usually with scaffold for ridges on two storey houses.
- Old ridge or verge tiles lifted and cleaned, broken ones replaced with matching tiles.
- Old mortar and debris removed.
- Tiles refitted with mechanical fixings and either new mortar or a dry fix system.
- Gutters cleared of debris and the work photographed.
Related services
Ridge and verge systems compared
| System | How it works | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Mortar bedded with mechanical fixings | Traditional look, tiles fixed as well as bedded | Suits period homes and conservation areas |
| Dry ridge system | Clips and roll out ventilation strip | Low maintenance, adds ridge ventilation |
| Dry verge system | Plastic caps clip over verge tiles | Low maintenance, modern look |
| Mortar bedded verge with fixings | Traditional finish | Must be mechanically fixed |
Which homes suit a dry fix?
Dry fix systems suit most modern houses with concrete interlocking tiles, which describes many homes on Crawley’s postwar estates. They need little maintenance and improve roof ventilation. On period homes, listed buildings and in conservation areas, a traditional bedded finish with hidden mechanical fixings usually looks more appropriate, which is often the case in older parts of East Grinstead.
Warning signs of a failing ridge or verge
- Mortar pieces in gutters or on the ground
- Ridge tiles that look uneven or have visible gaps
- Verge tiles rocking or lifting in wind
- Damp at the top of gable walls
- Leaks appearing near the top of the roof or along gable ends
Step by step: rebedding a ridge
- Safe access to the ridge
- Old ridge tiles carefully removed and cleaned
- Old mortar cleared away
- Damaged tiles replaced with matching ones
- Ridge tiles refixed using mechanical fixings, with mortar or a dry system
- Joints finished and the ridge line checked
- Debris cleared from gutters
Why ridges and verges fail first in storms
The edges of a roof take the strongest wind suction. Mortar bedded ridges and verges without fixings rely on adhesion alone, which weakens as mortar ages. That is why BS 5534 now calls for mechanical fixing. See storm damage roof repairs and roof damage after a storm.
What affects the price?
As a guide, rebedding or dry fixing a ridge usually costs between £300 and £900, depending on its length and access. Length of ridge or verge, access, whether tiles need replacing and the system chosen. Priced after a free look at the roof. Your exact price is confirmed in writing after a free survey.
Frequently asked questions
Pointing over cracked mortar rarely lasts. If the bedding underneath has failed, the tiles need lifting and rebedding with fixings.
It needs less maintenance and is quick to fit, but mortar can look better on older homes. Both are fine when properly fixed.
On most two storey houses, yes, for safety. Some bungalows can be done from roof ladders.
Most ridge or verge repairs are completed in a day or two once access is up.
Yes, if they are sound. Broken ones are replaced with matching tiles.
Yes. Our twenty year workmanship guarantee applies.
Usually, either by reusing them or sourcing matching ones.
Very little, though it should be checked after severe storms.
Yes, though if the rest of the mortar is failing we will tell you.
Get your ridge or verge fixed
Call 01342 445004, WhatsApp 07939 862 818, or book a free survey.
Book a free roof survey
Leave your name and number and we will call you back to arrange a free survey. Photos help us quote faster and spot anything urgent.
Free survey & fixed quote
Get a fixed price in writing
Every job starts with a free survey: we inspect the roof, photograph what we find and give you one fixed written quote. You decide what happens next.