Why Ridge Tiles Matter for Your Home's Protection

Fixing ridge tiles is essential to prevent leaks, protect your roof structure, and avoid costly water damage to your home. Ridge tiles are the curved or angled tiles that run along the very top of your pitched roof where two slopes meet—and when they fail, your entire home is at risk.

Quick Answer: How to Fix Ridge Tiles

1. Assess the damage - Check for loose, cracked, or missing tiles and crumbling mortar
2. Choose your method - Traditional mortar bedding (3:1 sand to cement mix) or modern dry ridge systems with mechanical fixing
3. Gather safety equipment - Scaffolding, harnesses, ladders, and fall protection for working at height
4. Remove old materials - Clear away damaged tiles and loose mortar completely
5. Install new tiles - Either bed in fresh mortar or use a mechanical dry fix system with brackets and unions
6. Allow proper curing - Mortar needs 24 hours to reach 60% strength; work only in suitable weather

Important: According to British Standards (BS 5534:2014+A2:2018), mortar bedding alone is no longer sufficient—mechanical fixing is now required for all new or replacement ridge tile work. Almost 70% of roof failures are mortar-related, making proper installation critical.

Ridge tiles might seem like a small detail, but they're your roof's first line of defense against wind-driven rain, heat loss, and moisture infiltration. When mortar crumbles or tiles become loose—especially common in older Metro Atlanta homes—water can seep into your roof structure, leading to rot, mold, and expensive interior damage.

Whether you're dealing with storm damage, aging mortar, or tiles that have simply reached the end of their lifespan, understanding your repair options will help you protect your family's most valuable investment.

Signs your roof needs ridge tile repair

Identifying issues early can save you thousands in structural repairs. Because the ridge is the highest point of your home, it bears the brunt of Metro Atlanta’s storms, high winds, and intense summer heat. Over time, these elements cause the materials holding your roof together to fatigue.

One of the most obvious signs is crumbling mortar. If you see small chunks of gray, sandy material in your gutters or on the ground around your perimeter, your ridge tile bedding is likely failing. This mortar acts as the "glue" for your ridge, and once it becomes brittle, the tiles are no longer secure.

Other warning signs include:

• Visible Gaps or Cracked Tiles: Even a hairline fracture in a clay or concrete ridge tile can allow water to travel along rafters.
• Water Stains on Ceilings: Don't assume a leak is directly above a stain. Water often enters at the ridge and travels down the internal structure before dripping onto your drywall.
• Moss and Algae Growth: While it might look "cottage-core," moss traps moisture against the mortar, accelerating the freeze-thaw cycle that breaks the bond.
• Loose or Slipped Tiles: If the line of your roof looks "jagged" or uneven, tiles have likely shifted. In high winds, these can become dangerous projectiles.

For a deeper look at how these parts interact, check out our guide on What Makes Up Your Roof: A Guide to the Components of a Roof.

Mortar vs. Dry Fix: Which method is best?

When it comes to fixing ridge tiles, you generally have two choices: the traditional mortar method or a modern dry fix system.

Historically, mortar was the only way to go. However, industry data shows that almost 70% of roof failures are mortar-related. Mortar is "wet," meaning it’s susceptible to cracking as your house naturally shifts and settles—a process known as thermal movement.

The modern alternative is the Dry Ridge System. Instead of using "mud" to hold tiles down, this system uses mechanical fixings (screws and clamps) and a ventilated waterproof roll.

Feature Mortar Bedding Dry Fix System Installation Skill-intensive, weather-dependent Faster, can be installed in light rain Durability Prone to cracking (2-year typical guarantee) Long-lasting (10-15 year guarantee) Ventilation None (unless using special vented tiles) Built-in continuous ridge ventilation Compliance Requires additional mechanical fixings Fully compliant with BS 5534 Maintenance High (requires repointing over time) Virtually maintenance-free

As experts in Roof Replacement, we’ve seen the shift toward mechanical fixing firsthand. The updated BS 5534:2014+A2:2018 Code of Practice stipulates that mortar alone is no longer sufficient. If you choose mortar, you must still use mechanical screws or clips to ensure the tiles don't fly off during a storm.

Essential tools and safety for fixing ridge tiles

Roof work is inherently dangerous. Before you even think about fixing ridge tiles, you must prioritize safety. Falls from heights are a leading cause of injury in the home improvement industry.

Safety First Checklist:

• Access: Never rely on a standard extension ladder alone. Use scaffolding or a properly secured roof ladder that hooks over the apex.
• Fall Protection: A full-body harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard is essential. Ensure your anchor point is structural (like a heavy internal rafter or a certified roof anchor).
• Weather: Check the forecast. Mortar needs dry conditions to set, and wind makes handling large ridge tiles like holding a sail.
• Debris Management: Use buckets to collect old mortar. Dropping debris can damage the tiles below or injure someone on the ground.

Required Tools:

• Pointing trowel and bucket trowel
• Hammer and cold chisel (for removing old mortar)
• Stiff brush (to clean the area)
• Spirit level (to ensure a straight ridge line)
• Mortar mix or a Dry Ridge Kit

For more detailed equipment advice, you can reference How to fix ridge tiles - Roofing Superstore Help & Advice.

Step-by-step guide to fixing ridge tiles

If you’ve decided to tackle this project yourself, preparation is 90% of the job. Whether you are using mortar or a dry fix kit, the ridge must be clean and stable.

Preparing the ridge for new mortar

First, you must remove the old, failed materials. Start at the end of the ridge opposite your ladder access. Use a hammer and chisel to gently tap the old mortar away. Be careful—you don't want to crack the expensive field tiles (the main roof tiles) below.

Once the old ridge tiles are lifted, chip off every bit of old mortar from both the roof and the underside of the ridge tiles if you plan to reuse them. Brush away all dust and loose debris. A clean surface is the only way the new mortar will bond. Pro tip: Soak your ridge tiles in a bucket of water before laying them. If they are bone-dry, they will suck the moisture out of the mortar too quickly, causing it to crack and fail.

Best practices for fixing ridge tiles manually

The "secret sauce" for fixing ridge tiles with mortar is the mix ratio. We recommend a 3:1 ratio of sharp sand to cement.

1. The Mix: It should be "stiff"—meaning it holds its shape and doesn't slump. Add a small amount of plasticizer to make it more workable, but don't overdo it.
2. Dampen the Roof: Lightly mist the area where the mortar will sit.
3. The Bedding: Lay two thick beads of mortar along the top course of tiles on either side of the ridge.
4. Placement: Press the ridge tile down firmly. Mortar should squeeze out of the edges and the joints between tiles.
5. Pointing: Use your trowel to smooth the edges (the "pointing"). Ensure the mortar fills the vertical gap between the tiles completely.
6. Cleanup: Wipe away any smears on the tiles immediately with a damp sponge. Once it dries, it's a nightmare to remove.

Installing a modern dry ridge system

If you're using a dry ridge kit, the process is more mechanical:

1. Fix the Batten: Secure a wooden ridge batten along the apex using the metal brackets provided in the kit.
2. The Roll: Lay the ventilated ridge roll centrally over the batten. Nail it into place.
3. Seal: Peel the adhesive backing and press the corrugated edges of the roll firmly onto the roof tiles. This creates the waterproof seal.
4. Secure Tiles: Place your ridge tiles on top. Between each tile, insert a "ridge union" (a plastic joint).
5. Mechanical Fix: Screw through the union and into the wooden batten. This clamps the tiles down so they can't move, even in hurricane-force winds.

Frequently Asked Questions about ridge tile repair

Can I walk on ridge tiles safely?

Ridge tiles are stronger than they look, but they are brittle. A 200-lb roofer can often stand on them if they stay on the overlaps (where the tile is double-thickness). However, for a DIYer, it is much safer to stand in the "valleys" of the roof tiles or use a crawl board to distribute your weight. Never put your full weight on the center of a single ridge tile, as it can snap like a biscuit.

How long does ridge tile mortar take to cure?

Mortar takes about 24 hours to reach 60% of its total compressive strength. During this window, it is vulnerable to heavy rain (which can wash it away) or extreme heat (which can dry it too fast). If it’s a scorching Georgia summer day, consider covering the new ridge with a damp sheet to slow the drying process.

When should I hire a professional for fixing ridge tiles?

While a simple loose tile can be a DIY weekend project, you should call us for:

• Steep Pitches: If your roof is steeper than a 45-degree angle, the risk of slipping is too high.
• Height: Anything above a single story usually requires professional scaffolding.
• Structural Damage: If the wood underneath (the ridge tree) is rotting, a simple tile fix won't solve the problem.
• Warranty: Professional repairs often come with a guarantee that protects your home's resale value.

Conclusion

At Matt’s Exteriors, we’ve seen how a small gap in your ridge tiles can lead to big headaches for Metro Atlanta homeowners. Whether you’re in Alpharetta, Marietta, or McDonough, your roof is your home’s most important shield. Fixing ridge tiles correctly—using modern mechanical standards—is the best way to ensure that shield remains impenetrable.

As a family-owned company with over 12,000 successful projects since 2007, we take pride in high-quality workmanship and exceptional customer care. If your ridge looks a little weary or you've spotted crumbling mortar in your gutters, don't wait for the next big storm to find out if your roof is ready.

Schedule a Roof Replacement or Inspection with Matt’s Exteriors today and let our family protect yours.