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How to rebed and repoint a ridge cap roof tile?

Booki
Growing in Experience

How to rebed and repoint a ridge cap roof tile?

Hello!

 

I noticed one of our ridge caps needs to be re bedded and repointed, is there still a 2 in 1 product? or is it advised to buy the pointing and bedding seperately?

 

What do i need to buy to resolve and fix this?

 

Any assistance would be appreciated, I am new to this.

 

 

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EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How do rebed and repoint a ridge cap roof tile?

Hello @Booki 

 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your ridge cap.

 

I recommend using Mortar Mix in combination with Bondall 1L BondCrete Cement Additive to re-bed the ridge cap. You'll need to purchase the tile pointing as a separate item for your repairs.

 

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - How to repair cement roof tile pointing and bedding by @Thirko

 

Please take all necessary safety precautions when working at height. Please make sure to use proper safety equipment such as a roof harness, gloves and goggles when working on your roof.

 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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Booki
Growing in Experience

Re: How do rebed and repoint a ridge cap roof tile?

Thanks Eric,

 

Is the Bondall cement additive required? I assume this is for making the process easier due to not having to 'prep' the surfaces for a better bond? Correct me if i am wrong please :smile:

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How do rebed and repoint a ridge cap roof tile?

Hi @Booki 

 

If you decide not to use the Bondall 1L BondCrete Cement Additive, it's important that the surface be very clean and that the old mortar be totally removed. Please note for better mortar adhesion make sure that the surface is rough. I Propose using a steel brush to rough up the surface of the roof tile. The main purpose of the Bondall cement additive is to give extra adhesion to the mortar base.

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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Booki
Growing in Experience

Re: How do rebed and repoint a ridge cap roof tile?

Thanks Eric, do you know if the colour would be the same as the existing pointing/mortar?

 

I am not sure how to get it looking similar

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How do rebed and repoint a ridge cap roof tile?

Hello @Booki 

 

If you are after colour I suggest looking at the Dunlop 10L Terracotta Tile Pointing and the Selleys 10L Point Works which come in a few different colours. I can only advise trying to get the colour that is closest to the current colour of your pointing.

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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Booki
Growing in Experience

Re: How do rebed and repoint a ridge cap roof tile?

Thanks Eric,

 

When rebedding the tiles/ridge caps - can you use the pointing you listed for this?

 

From my understanding is that mortar can be used for both the bedding and pointing, - is it the same as purchasing the pointing compounds you listed above?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/dingo-10kg-mortar-mix_p0760516

 

Can this be used for the side (pointing) as well as the bedding of the tile?

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How do rebed and repoint a ridge cap roof tile?

Hello @Booki 

 

The Dunlop 10L Terracotta Tile Pointing and the Selleys 10L Point Works are for pointing works on roofs as stated.

 

The difference between mortar and pointing on a tiled roof lies mainly in their purpose and application, even though both involve similar materials.

 

Mortar is a mixture (typically cement, sand, and water) used as a structural bonding agent. On a tiled roof, it's primarily used to bed ridge caps, gable ends, and sometimes hip tiles, securing them in place over the main roof tiles. Its role is to hold things together structurally and bear loads.

 

Pointing, on the other hand, is the finishing layer that goes over the visible edges of that mortar. Traditionally, it served to seal the joints, protect the underlying mortar from weather damage, and give a neat appearance. In older roofs, the pointing was often just a cosmetic skim coat of mortar over the bedding. However, modern roofing often uses flexible pointing compounds, which are more resistant to cracking and movement caused by thermal expansion or structural shifting.

 

While yes, you technically can use mortar as pointing, it’s not ideal anymore. Mortar is rigid and can crack over time, particularly in Australia’s fluctuating weather conditions. Once cracks form, water can get in, leading to leaks or even tile displacement. That’s why flexible pointing compounds (usually polymer-based) have become standard practice, they move slightly with the roof and last longer.

 

So, for repairs: use mortar to bed the tiles if needed, but finish with a proper pointing compound to ensure durability and weather resistance. 

 

In regards to the Dingo 10kg Mortar Mix, the reference to re-pointing of block and brick work is just for those materials on the ground and not for roofing tiles. 

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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