Repointing your roof can be as simple as repairing and resealing a handful of broken or cracked tiles, or as complex as a complete ridge tile replacement. Our guide explains what repointing is, what you’ll need for a DIY project, and when you’ll need to call in the professionals.

Being constantly exposed to the elements means that, eventually, your roof will start to show signs of wear and tear. If you’re not vigilant though, that exposure could be adding more than just character to your home – solid and waterproof ridge tiles are the first line of defence against moisture and damp inside your roof cavity.

Safety is paramount

The most important issue when repointing your roof is safety. If your roof is steep, or sharply pitched, call in the professionals.

Similarly, if your home is two storeys, it’s also a good idea to call a professional for advice. Over a certain height, even experienced tradesmen are required to wear a safety harness. But if you are confident working on your roof, make sure you let someone know that you’re up there and how long you expect to be.

Repointing takes time and energy, so stay well hydrated and wear clothing to protect you from the sun. Don’t apply pointing on a really hot day, not only because you’ll soon feel the effects of the sun, but it will also dry out the compound too quickly. Never go up onto your roof when it is wet or windy, or if your roof tiles are slippery. Always make sure your ladder is safely secured to the roof – tie it off to a truss or batten for added safety. It is also a good idea to rope off a section of ground under where you will be working. This is to protect people below from falling materials.

What to look for

The ridge, or capping tiles, are the upside-down V-shaped tiles that run along the spine of your roof. Traditionally, these tiles were supported by a bed of mortar, and then a layer of pointing – usually a sand and cement mix – was applied to the edges of the tiles to securely fix them to the surrounding tiles. Nowadays, there are many rebedding and repointing products available, and all come with far improved flexibility and durability compared to the traditional mix.

How to repoint your roof

Like all DIY, roof repointing starts with preparation. Giving your roof a thorough clean is the best place to start. Work carefully so you avoid stepping on wet or damp tiles that might be slippery. Using an anti-fungal is a good idea for terracotta tiles and can be washed off using a high-pressure water cleaner. The water pressure will also help clean out any potential cement sediment and bring more attention to loose tiles.

Find replacements for broken or loose tiles, and position them on the roof. Chances are that if one tile is loose and needs replacing, there will be others. This is why it’s worthwhile to do a thorough job, rather than repointing a tile here and there. Check your ridge tiles. Any that are loose or broken will need to be repointed. You can use a screwdriver to check for loose mortar and remove as much of this as possible.

If your tiles are full-glazed terracotta, it’s best to call a roof specialist for advice, as it may be tricky to get the sealant to stick to the glaze.

Start applying the flexible pointing compound at the edge of the roofline and work your way up to the top. Apply as much of the sealant as you need to be able to smooth it down with a trowel, ensuring a seamless finish. Let it dry and then have another inspection to make sure you have successfully sealed all gaps. If rain is forecast,  you can apply an accelerant spray to help it dry quickly and reduce the likelihood of the product washing out in heavy rain.

Repointing is vital to the longevity of your roof and it’s a job that needs to be done right. For the inexperienced, it can turn into a lengthy project. It’s a good idea to get a quote from a roofing specialist before you start, with most offering an obligation-free quote.  Leaving the job to the pros might be safer, less time consuming and less inconvenient for you in the long run.