Ridge Capping & Repointing
Cracked pointing at your roof peak? Loose ridge caps? This is one of the most common—and most overlooked—causes of roof leaks. We fix it properly with flexible pointing that actually lasts.
Every time it rains, water runs down to your roof's ridge. If the pointing is cracked, that water gets in. We rebed and repoint ridge capping using modern flexible compounds—not the old rigid cement that cracks again in 5 years.
Understanding Ridge Capping
What It Is
Ridge caps are the curved tiles that sit at the peak of your roof, covering the join where two roof slopes meet. They're secured with:
- •Bedding – mortar that holds the cap in place
- •Pointing – sealant applied over bedding to waterproof
Why It Fails
Ridge capping fails because of constant thermal movement—your roof heats up to 60°C+ in summer and drops to near-freezing in winter. Traditional cement:
- •Can't flex, so it cracks
- •Cracks let water in every time it rains
- •Eventually caps come loose and can fall off
💡 The Modern Solution: Flexible Pointing
We use flexible pointing compounds (brands like Mapei Keraflex or Sika) that move with your roof. They're designed to expand and contract without cracking—typically lasting 15-20 years versus 8-10 for rigid cement mortar. Slightly higher upfront cost, significantly better long-term value.
Signs Your Ridge Capping Needs Work
🔴 Cracked Pointing
Visible cracks in the mortar between ridge caps—even hairline cracks allow water entry.
🔴 Loose Ridge Caps
Caps that rock or move when touched. Bedding has failed—caps could fall off in wind.
🔴 Mortar on Ground
Finding chunks of mortar in garden beds or on pavement around your home.
🟡 Visible Gaps
Daylight visible under ridge caps, or obvious gaps where pointing has fallen away.
🟡 Leaks at Roof Peak
Water stains on ceiling near the centre/peak of your roof—common ridge leak sign.
🟡 Over 15 Years Old
Original cement pointing from 15+ years ago is likely cracked or failing.
See any of these? Get a free inspection before the next big rain.
Book Free InspectionOur Ridge Capping Services
Rebedding
Complete removal of old failed mortar, cleaning the ridge cap underside and roof tiles, then resetting the caps in fresh bedding mortar. We ensure proper alignment and solid adhesion.
Required when caps are loose, rocking, or bedding has crumbled
Repointing
Application of flexible pointing compound over the bedding to create a waterproof seal. We use premium products designed to flex with temperature changes—not rigid cement that cracks.
Always done after rebedding; sometimes standalone if bedding is sound
Ridge Cap Replacement
Replace cracked, broken, or missing ridge caps with matching tiles. We stock common profiles and source others from suppliers. Included in our rebedding service where needed.
Most common profiles available; some terracotta may need sourcing
Hip Capping
Same professional service for hip caps—the angled ridges running down from the peak on hip roofs. Often need attention at the same time as ridge caps.
Usually quoted together with ridge for complete roof peak sealing
Ridge Capping Results
Frankston Heights – Full ridge and hip rebed/repoint. Old cement mortar had cracked throughout, causing ceiling leaks during heavy rain.
Why Choose Our Ridge Capping Service?
Flexible Pointing
We use flexible compounds that won't crack with temperature changes
Full Rebedding
When needed, we fully rebed caps for a lasting fix
10-Year Warranty
Written workmanship warranty on all ridge work
What's Included:
- ✓Free roof inspection and quote
- ✓Removal of old pointing/bedding
- ✓Quality flexible pointing compound
- ✓Colour matched to your roof
- ✓Clean up and debris removal
- ✓No hidden costs or surprises
Free inspection • Detailed quote • No obligation
Ridge Capping FAQs
What exactly is ridge capping?
Ridge caps are the curved or angled tiles that run along the peak (ridge) of your roof where two sloping sides meet. They're bedded in mortar and sealed with pointing to create a watertight barrier at the highest point of your roof. Hip caps are similar but run along the angled ridges on hip roofs. Both need the same maintenance.
What's the difference between rebedding and repointing?
Rebedding means removing the old mortar completely and resetting the ridge caps in fresh bedding mortar—essentially reinstalling them. Repointing means applying a flexible sealant (pointing compound) over existing bedding that's still sound. Usually both are done together: rebed to secure the caps, then repoint over the top for waterproofing. If just the pointing has cracked but the bedding is solid, we can sometimes repoint only.
Why do you use flexible pointing compound instead of cement?
Traditional cement mortar pointing is rigid—it cracks as your roof expands and contracts with temperature changes (and they change a lot on hot Frankston days). Flexible pointing compound moves with the roof, typically lasting 15-20 years versus 8-10 years for rigid mortar. It costs slightly more initially but saves you money long-term. We use Mapei, Sika, or equivalent quality products.
How do I know if my ridge capping needs attention?
Warning signs: 1) Visible cracks in the pointing/mortar—even hairline cracks let water in; 2) Ridge caps that move when touched; 3) Pieces of mortar on the ground or in gutters; 4) Gaps visible under ridge caps; 5) Leaks in ceiling near the roof peak; 6) Original pointing over 15 years old. If you see any of these, get it inspected before the next rain.
How long does ridge capping work take?
A typical residential roof with one main ridge and two hips takes 1-2 days. Just the front ridge might be half a day. Large or complex roofs (multiple ridges, steep pitch, difficult access) can take 2-3 days. We work weather-dependent—need dry conditions for the mortar and pointing to cure properly.
What determines ridge capping costs?
The main factors are: total linear metres of ridge and hip capping, whether full rebedding is needed or just repointing, accessibility of your roof, and the extent of any cap replacements required. We quote per job after inspection—not by the metre—so you know the exact cost upfront with no surprises. Free inspections, no obligation.
Do you replace broken ridge cap tiles as well?
Yes. If ridge caps are cracked or broken, we source matching replacements (most concrete caps are still available; terracotta is harder but we have suppliers). Replacement caps are included in the rebedding process—we don't charge separately unless many need replacing. We'll tell you in the quote how many need replacement.
What warranty do you provide on ridge capping work?
All ridge capping work comes with 10-year workmanship warranty. If the pointing cracks, caps come loose, or you get leaks through our work, we come back and fix it at no charge. The flexible pointing compounds we use typically last 15-20 years, so you're covered for well over half the expected lifespan.
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Learn More →Ridge Capping & Repointing Across the Peninsula
We provide professional ridge capping & repointing services throughout Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. Click your suburb to learn more.
Stop Roof Peak Leaks
Get your ridge capping inspected and fixed properly. Flexible pointing that actually lasts, backed by 10-year warranty.
✓ Free inspection ✓ Flexible pointing ✓ 10-year warranty ✓ 15-20 year lifespan