Date Published
May 31, 2026
Ridge tiles sit on the highest point of your roof, so when problems start here, the rest of the roof soon follows. Cracked tiles and loose mortar along the ridge are early warning signs that should not be ignored.
The ridge is where the two sides of your roof meet, forming a long horizontal line at the very top. Ridge tiles are specially shaped to cap this exposed joint and keep the weather out.
Traditionally, ridge tiles are fixed in place with a solid bed of mortar. The mortar seals the gaps between the tiles, bonds them to the roof, and creates a continuous, weatherproof barrier. When laid correctly, they should look straight, even, and well supported along their length.
Mortar does not last forever. Over time, it is exposed to sun, frost, wind and constant movement of the roof structure itself. Small defects can quickly turn into clear gaps and loose tiles if left unchecked.
Some of the most common causes of ridge tile and mortar failure include:
Once cracks form, water can soak into the mortar, freeze in cold weather and expand, blowing more of the material away. Eventually, the ridge tile can become loose or hollow sounding, held in place by very little.
Minor hairline cracks in otherwise solid mortar are usually a sign of age but not yet a crisis. Wider gaps, missing sections and visibly loose tiles are a different matter and should be treated as a priority.
Open joints allow rainwater to find its way under the ridge and into the top of the roof covering. Over time this can lead to rotten battens, damp insulation and staining on ceilings. In strong winds, loose ridge tiles can lift, break away and fall, creating both safety and property damage risks.
Where mortar has pulled away from the edge of the tile leaving a shadow or visible gap, it is often a sign that the bond has failed beneath as well. Even if the tile still looks roughly in place, it may no longer be properly fixed.
You should never climb onto a roof yourself. However, there is plenty you can check safely from ground level using your eyes, a pair of binoculars or high-zoom photos from a phone.
Stand back where you can see the full length of the ridge. A healthy ridge line usually appears straight, with each tile sitting neatly against the next and a consistent strip of mortar beneath and between them.
Warning signs to watch for include ridge tiles that look slightly tipped or twisted, dark gaps showing between tiles where mortar used to be, and lighter, chalky patches where mortar has started to crumble away. You may also notice the outline of the tile edge clearly, as if the mortar has shrunk back from it.
On hipped or more complex roofs, the ridge tiles also run down the sloping corners, known as hips. These hips are just as exposed as the main ridge and often fail first because of extra wind pressure.
From the ground, look up each hip line for any steps or uneven gaps, as if a tile has shifted slightly out of line. Missing mortar at the lower ends of hips is common and can show as darker voids between the ridge tiles and the tiles beneath, particularly after rain.
Where the ridge meets a gable wall or verge, any cracks or gaps are especially significant. The end ridge tile should appear firmly supported, with no visible lift or daylight around its base.
From the side, check that the end tile is not tilting upwards or away from the roof. Mortar that has parted from the gable wall, leaving a jagged crack you can trace with your eyes, suggests movement and a failing seal at a key water entry point.
When mortar is only slightly weathered but the ridge tiles are still firmly bedded, repointing may be an option. This involves raking out failed surface mortar and applying a fresh outer layer to seal the joints again.
If the underlying mortar bed has failed and tiles move when lightly tapped by a professional, proper rebedding is usually required. This means lifting the ridge tiles off, preparing a new full bed of mortar, and re-laying each tile so it is fully supported and aligned.
Modern dry ridge systems work differently. Instead of relying on mortar, they use mechanical fixings and an integrated, breathable ridge roll that is screwed into place, with the ridge tiles clipped or screwed down securely on top.
The advantages of dry ridge systems typically include consistent fixing strength along the ridge, built-in ventilation for the roof space, reduced risk of future cracking, and straightforward access for future maintenance without breaking mortar. Many current roofing standards and manufacturer guidelines favour mechanically fixed systems on new or re-roofed properties for improved durability and compliance.
Any ridge tile that looks clearly out of place, has a visible gap beneath it, or appears cracked through its full thickness should be treated as urgent. In high winds, these tiles are more likely to become dislodged and can fall, putting people and property below at risk.
Internal signs such as damp patches near the top corners of ceilings, musty smells in the loft, or daylight visible at the ridge from inside can all point to ridge issues that need prompt attention. It is usually more cost-effective to deal with a failing ridge before water damage spreads deeper into the roof timbers.
For your own safety, avoid walking directly beneath areas where ridge tiles appear loose during bad weather, and keep children and vehicles away from obvious risk zones until the roof has been checked.
If you have spotted cracks, gaps or loose-looking ridge tiles, the sensible next step is a professional inspection. A qualified roofer can safely access the ridge, check how secure the tiles really are, and advise whether targeted repairs, full rebedding or a dry ridge upgrade is most suitable for your roof.
Northpoint Roofing & Maintenance offers expert roof checks, roof repairs and full roof replacements, with clear guidance on the condition of your ridge and options for long-term protection. To arrange a professional inspection of your ridge tiles and mortar, call Northpoint Roofing & Maintenance on 01917390012 or ask about roof repairs and roof replacements services today.
Contact Northpoint Roofing & Maintenance for reliable roofing services with no deposit required and payment due only on completion.
