OT: Not DIY - dry ridge

They are often used on new builds - quicker to install. Not sure I would bother retrofitting since you would need to remove all the existing ones, and break out the bedding mortar they are on.

We had one fitted when we replaced the roof two years ago, no problems so far. One thing I think you might consider is also fitting a dry verge as the apex piece overlaps the the end of each end ridge tile making a more secure fixing.

Richard

The only time I lost one it ended up in my gutter. Do you live in a very windy place, or is there a footway right next to your house? I remember many years ago, it was not a ridge tile but a chunk of render that fell off and nearly killed a neighbours cat. Apparently water had got in and frozen behind it. Brian

just go wet again you can't beat a nice bit of parging ....quality

According to Mr Aerial, he has seen many badly bodged dry-fit ridge systems retro-fitted to existing houses so be careful who you get to do it.

Mine was when the roof was replaced about 30 years ago.

When replacing a felted flat roof at the rear, the courses of tiles above that had to be replaced too as the felt went under them. And the ridge tiles. Which shock horror appeared to be asbestos and so dangerous they wouldn't take them away. And replaced with ones set in mortar. And the mortar will of course fall out in time.

Yes indeed. Don't get some gypo type who turns up out of nowhere. You need to be thoroughly confident in the company you use. I had mine done about 3 years ago with no clue about what was being done. Never heard of the idea before. I actually rang up the contractor after they'd finished and told them they'd forgotten to remove the tile spacers! When informed that was how it was supposed to be, I nearly had kittens. Anyway, thus far no issues, thank god, but I'd feel safer with a conventional roof, which is what I thought I was getting. Just put that down to my advanced age, I guess - and not understanding the schedule attached to the contract!

I have never been so keen on the look of dry verges... the ridge looks ok, but the segmented "wrap around" look of the verge always seems "odd" to me.

Mr average will never venture up on his roof to check the quality of any work.

When I had my roof replaced I took the opportunity to use the scaffolding to perform some other roof height repairs and painting and to check the quality of workmanship of flashing etc.

A few days ago an elderly relative had one ridge tile that had detached and had slipped a couple of feet down the slope re-attached (not dry ridge). Another relative had attempted to get some roofers around and all were quoting over the phone £200 to £300 for the job. In the end it was done for £80 based on a off chance recommendation. As a bonus when he came down he advised that he had examined the roof and gutters and could see nothing else amiss so don't be taken in by any door knocker who claims otherwise.

Find a friend with a drone and have a good look. We had a problem some time back with weeds growing around the base of the chimney pots. I was quoted horrendous prices fos a cure. No.3 son had a drone. Put it up. Assessed the problem and we hired a cherry picker which was considrably cheaper . He was happy using the cherry picker and effecting the repair. I had one attempt and that was enough. My onset vestibulation did not agree woth it

OK tifting then .....

Yes this is true. Really bad some of them. Bill

Easy to do nowadays with a drone. My son checked mine over after last winter's storms. He's also checked his own roof whilst getting repairs done.

And if the roof is hipped, the angled joint has to be done in mortar anyway, which looks a bit naff.