Do my ridge tiles need replaced?

[Roger465]

So I live in a 30-year-old L-shaped bungalow with two valleys where the short bit joins the long bit. Some of the bits of tile and mortar have detached and were lying in the valleys.

I got a man round, and he did what looks like a good job – took all the partial tiles out up the sides of the valleys, and re-mortared/pointed etc.

He said the roof was overall in pretty good shape, except for the ridge tiles – some were loose, and they have moss growing between them, and to let him know if I wanted him to do the same kind of job with them. No pressure or anything.

I’m thinking of getting him back to do it, but did a bit of reading up first, and saw suggestions that ridge tiles have kind of a lifespan, as they’re apparently treated with some sort of waterproof coating, and by now it won’t be in great shape.

So… is it false economy to have him clean, replace, and repoint them, or should I break the bank and have him replace them (he didn’t suggest this), or maybe even with some sort of plastic ridge? Or is there waterproof membrane under them, so it won’t matter?

Any thoughts gratefully received

 

[jj4091]

If they are loose you need something doing with them, preferably before the Winter storms. Ask his opinion for price and options if you trust him. Get other estimates if you feel his price is high.

 

[Vicario]

Had mine done last week. I was noticing bits of tile and mortar on the patio so I borrowed some binoculars to have a proper look. I couldn't see where the tile had come from, but was shocked by the state of the ridges - lots of gaps between the tiles and the whole thing looked pretty rough to be honest. Got a local company and it cost me £800 (3 bedroom semi). They found three loose roof tiles and two broken ones - all sorted and no extra charge over the quote; ridges all re-pointed. Inside M25 price, but they were here for most of the day and are Which Trusted Traders so I can't grumble. They reckon that they've had more ridge tile work this year, possibly heat-related cracking.

 

[aveatry]

Had mine done last week. I was noticing bits of tile and mortar on the patio so I borrowed some binoculars to have a proper look. I couldn't see where the tile had come from, but was shocked by the state of the ridges - lots of gaps between the tiles and the whole thing looked pretty rough to be honest. Got a local company and it cost me £800 (3 bedroom semi). They found three loose roof tiles and two broken ones - all sorted and no extra charge over the quote; ridges all re-pointed. Inside M25 price, but they were here for most of the day and are Which Trusted Traders so I can't grumble. They reckon that they've had more ridge tile work this year, possibly heat-related cracking.

Sounds like the just buttered them up. If a few tiles ate loose then the rest are likely to be the mainly the same. They need taking off and re setting in new mortar.