Roof Repointing Explained: Ridges, Verges and Chimneys
By Leonard Walton, owner & lead roofer3 min read
Mortar is the weak link on a lot of roofs. It's what beds the ridge tiles, seals the verges at the gable ends, and holds a chimney together — and it's the first thing to crack, crumble and wash out with age. Repointing rakes out that failed mortar and renews it, along ridges, verges and chimneys — and where mortar keeps failing, a mechanically fixed dry-fix system is often the longer-lasting answer. Catch it early and it's a tidy job; leave it and it becomes a leak.
Where roof mortar fails
- Ridges — the mortar bedding the ridge tiles along the top of the roof cracks and lets go, loosening the tiles.
- Verges — the mortar sealing the tile edges at the gable ends crumbles, exposing the roof edge to wind and rain.
- Chimneys — the pointing between the bricks and the flaunching on top are constant weather-facing failure points.
All three do the same job — sealing a joint and holding units in place — and all three fail the same way, over years of expansion, contraction and weather.
How to spot it
You'll often see it before it leaks: cracked or missing mortar along the ridge line and gable edges, bits of mortar in the gutter after wind, or ridge and verge tiles that have visibly loosened or slipped. From the ground it's easy to miss, which is why we check ridges, verges and chimney tops close-up — usually with a drone — so nothing gets taken on guesswork.
Repoint, or switch to dry-fix?
Repointing renews the mortar and restores the joint — the right call where the rest of the roof is sound and you want to keep it traditional. But mortar will always be mortar: it cracks again eventually. A dry-fix (dry ridge) system does away with mortar altogether, holding ridges and verges with clips and mechanical fixings — nothing to crack, wash out or blow off. Where a roof keeps shedding its pointing, switching to dry-fix is often the more permanent fix, and it's what we'd usually recommend on a re-roof.
Frequently asked questions
What does roof repointing involve?
Raking out the old, cracked or missing mortar and renewing it with fresh mortar — along ridges and verges, and on chimneys. It reseals the joints so water can't get in and tiles stay secure.
How do I know if my roof needs repointing?
Look for cracked or crumbling mortar along the ridge line and gable edges, bits of mortar in the gutter, or ridge and verge tiles that have loosened. From the ground, a drone survey shows it clearly.
Is repointing or a dry-fix system better?
Repointing renews what's there; a dry-fix (mechanically fixed) system replaces mortar with clips and screws, so there's nothing to crack or wash out again. Where mortar keeps failing, dry-fix is often the longer-lasting answer.
Can repointing stop a roof leak?
Often, yes — failed mortar at ridges, verges and chimneys is a common leak source. But the fix has to match the fault, so we check what's actually letting water in before quoting.
Mortar cracking along your ridge, verges or chimney? We repoint properly — or fit a longer-lasting dry-fix system — across Hull, Beverley, Hessle and the East Riding. Free fixed written quotes. Call 07447 352091.