The roof of your home is one of the most vital parts to its structural integrity, as it shields you from rain, wind and intense heat. But your ridge cap and its held in place with mortar – over time that mortar can fail from exposure to weather or temperature variations & other outside influences. This usually creates the requirement for roof repointing an essential part of long-term maintenance to keep your roof watertight, steady and strong. Spotting the early signs that your roof requires repointing could save you from costly repairs later on and can help extend the lifespan of your entire roofing system.
Repointing is the process of replacing the outside portion of mortar on a roof tiles especially along the top of ridge caps, which are those triangle like shaped tiles you’ll see on your roof. The original cement used in years gone past when building a roof can crack and crumble over time due to Australia’s harsh climate. The combination of harsh UV, rainfall, and the change in temperature through summer to winter which is typical across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria results in mortar expanding and contracting; this contributes to the breaking down process. When this occurs, small spaces are created around the ridge cap allowing for water and debris to infiltrate causing potential leaks or structural damage.
The most obvious and first sign that your roof may require repointing is cracked mortar. Hairline cracks or pieces missing out of the corner of shingles where they form ridges and valleys are a sure sign the mortar is failing. If the mortar starts to erode, the ridge caps become loose, thus creating a risk of your roof shifting during heavy winds or storms. loose ridge caps are not just harming the structure of your roof but can also be a health and safety hazard if they blow off. Also, once the mortar is cracked, water can infiltrate underneath the tiles and promote mould growth, wood rot and eventually damage of your ceiling cavity.
Another indication that there is need for repointing is roof leaks or moisture spots on interior walls in your home. Leaks can be caused by a number of roofing problems, but faulty mortar is one of the most common. Water leaks into the underlayment or roof cavity as it seeps through gaps between your ridge caps. This can produce obvious marks to ceilings and walls, especially after prolonged or heavy rain. When leaks are detected early, repointing can be used to effectively seal the gap and provide a barrier against future harm without incurring the cost of re-roofing.
How to tell if roof’s mortar is gone One band of dense moss or a patch of thick lichen isn’t going to ruin your roof, but lots of growth can be an indication that the mortar on your roof ridges and cap pieces is pretty much finished. These biological entities enjoy growing in moist environments and usually appear where water gets trapped — in cracks or pourous surfaces. With moss established, its roots can make their way into mortar joints — which hastens deterioration. There are parts of Australia, like coastal NSW for example, that have high humidity and/or frequent rainfall – in these cases moss growth is particularly prevalent. Through regular checks and professional re-pointing of the roof, you can rid yourself of these problem areas before it becomes a more serious structural problem.
If you find that your roof looks lumpy and bumpy or that some of the shingles seem to be crooked upwards, it could also indicate failed mortar holding up the ridge caps. The mortar gradually becomes weaker and can no longer hold the tiles. Even a small misalignment can leave gaps that allow water and other debris inside. These problems can snowball over time and eventually result in sagging ridges or else a more severe roof repair job. You also need the roof penetration of pipes etc repointing, which will help to hold your ridge caps strong enough not to blow off and flout in the wind.
Technically,, contemporary repointing methods use flexible pointing compounds in contrast to the inflexible Portland cement that was traditionally used in older methods. Flexible compounds are fabricated to move as well as the expansion and contraction of your rooftop, thereby minimizing the chance of cracking on account of temperature stress. They also have better adherence and are waterproofed, compared to the older style materials. Numerous Australian roofing specifications now specify flexible pointing to increase the life of the roof & decrease ongoing maintenance.
Remember that failing to repoint in time may have long-lasting results. Untreated mortar decay can expose your roof cavity to rainwater, leading very quickly to damaged insulation, electrical wiring and timber. In the worst case scenario, this wet can cause structural rot requiring extensive and expensive restoration. Furthermore, small mortar cracks can become large curtain walls for bugs and birds to nest under the tiles. This process (proactive repointing) is far less costly and much more practical than repairing water or structural damage.
Halfway down the article and it’s important to know that professional roof pointing is most effective when done in dry weather for adhesion and curing. Us dainty hands, caress thy nether regions!Roofers will start out by getting rid of any loose or broken mortar and apply new pointing that’s both flexible and fresh along your ridge caps. This will not only stop the leaks at joints, but it also enhances the roof’s look. Often repointing is done at the same time as roof cleaning or re-bedding which provides an overall restoration of strength and appearance.
Homeowners often underestimate how often their roof should be checked. Because of the climatic extremes in Australia, you should have your roof inspected every few years (and especially after major storms or an extended period of hot, dry weather). Repointing, if done promptly (at the first sign of damage), can extend your roof life by 10-15 years. It’s also worth having your repointing done in combination with roof painting or sealing not only does this add extra protection for both the tiles and mortar, but it can help prevent each from getting damaged further by UV and moisture.
A well-pointed roof doesn’t just protect your home; it also means less energy is being wasted. It keeps your conditioned air inside by improving insulation and cutting off water intrusion, lowering stress on heating and cooling systems trying to maintain a steady temperature. Additionally, the mortar joints in the bricks help to keep your roof tight with no drafts.
In summary Keeping your roof repointed is the key to long term protection! Cracks in the mortar, loose ridge caps, water penetration and an attack of moss are all early signs that your roof needs some TLC. Addressing these issues early can help prevent serious water damage, enhance overall stability of the roof and maximize its life expectancy. In an unpredictable climate like Australia’s, maintaining your roof is going to mean more than a half-century of security for what matters most: the sanctuary and longevity of your home.
