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Dry ridge system

Dry ridge systems are beneficial for a number of reasons, not least because they are virtually maintenance-free. Dry ridge is also quick to install and has lasting benefits for your wallet and the safety of your home.

What is dry ridge?

A dry ridge system results from mechanically fixing ridge tiles to the ridge of a roof in the absence of mortar. There are a few different methods within dry fix itself; however, the most popular is ridge roll ventilation. This particular procedure involves covering the roof batten with ridge ventilation roll and allocating it to the tile or slate.

One by one, ridge tiles are installed over this ventilation roll using unions, clamps, screws, washers and clips. This helps to secure it in place across the apex of the roof. The unions fix the tiles together with a small expansion gap while the clamps are placed between the tiles before being screwed down into the ridge board or batten.

Doing this will make the roof windproof and prevent any tiles loosening over time. Dry ridge even accounts for natural contraction, expansion and any other type of roof movement.

The weather may be a little scattered at the moment; one minute, we’ve got unseasonably warm temperatures, and then the next, Storm Freya is threatening to blow us all away. However, a dry ridge system can be fitted regardless of the weather. A dry ridge system won’t alter the appearance of your roof, either.

Because dry fix systems require no maintenance, they are cheaper, safer and less taxing.

Why to consider dry ridging

For all new roofs, a dry ridge system is a building control requirement – following the introduction of BS 5534. However, it should be noted that any repairs to existing roofs are exempt from this requirement, as are some listed and period properties.

Many factors may affect the lifespan of mortar-bonded ridge tiles. However, with dry ridge, tiles will not be blown off in normal conditions, and this reduces the risk from storm damage tenfold.

Unlike with mortar, there is nothing to maintain with dry ridging. Mortar mixes are designed to degrade over time – and, often, this can happen prematurely.

Dry ridge can also provide discrete ventilation of the roof space. In turn, this helps to prevent any harmful build-up of condensation. Eventually, enough condensation can cause visible leaks, rot, mould and a host of other problems, which can spell disaster for the health of your roof; hence, dry ridge is a favourable option.

Roofs can also move. For properties near train tracks and main roads, this can happen through vibration or simply natural contraction and expansion. Generally, this shifts your tiles, but dry ridge allows for such types of movement.

If you’re considering spending on improving your home, it would be wise to start with a dry ridge system.

For an experienced and professional  look no further than Spartan Roofing. Not only can we introduce you to the basics of how a dry ridge roofing system works, we can also undertake the installation of such a system on a new or existing roof.