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CEMENT WORK & RE-POINTING:
PROTECTING THE WEAK POINTS OF YOUR ROOF
Cement work may only make up a small part of your roofing system, but when it begins to fail, it can create much larger problems.
Cement and mortar are traditionally used throughout many roofs to secure and weatherproof areas such as ridge tiles, verge tiles and chimney stacks. After years of exposure to rain, wind, frost and changing temperatures, this cement can begin to crack, loosen and deteriorate.
Once this happens, water can find its way behind the roof covering and into areas that should remain completely protected.
At Marsh Roofing, we inspect, repair and renew deteriorating cement work before minor defects develop into serious water ingress and expensive roofing repairs.
Where Is Cement Used on Your Roof?
Depending on the age and design of your property, cement may be found around several important areas of your roof.
These commonly include:
• Ridge tiles.
• Verge tiles.
• Chimney stacks.
• Chimney pots.
• Brickwork and pointing.
• Certain roof junctions and abutments.
Each of these areas is exposed to some of the harshest weather conditions your property experiences.
Maintaining them correctly is an important part of protecting the entire roofing system.
Why Does Roof Cement Deteriorate?
Traditional roofing mortar is continuously exposed to the elements.
Over time, natural movement within the building combined with changing temperatures and weather conditions can cause the cement to weaken.
Common causes include:
• Age and general weathering.
• Frost and freezing temperatures.
• Heavy rainfall.
• Strong winds.
• Thermal expansion and contraction.
• Movement within the roof structure.
• Previous poor-quality repairs.
• Water getting behind existing mortar.
Small hairline cracks can eventually become larger openings, while entire sections of cement can become loose or break away completely.
Cracked Cement Can Cause More Than a Cosmetic Problem
One of the biggest misconceptions about deteriorating cement is that it’s simply an appearance issue.
It isn’t. Once cement begins cracking or separating from the tiles or brickwork, it can create a direct route for water to enter the roofing system.
Water ingress can then begin affecting:
• Roofing membrane.
• Roof battens.
• Rafters and structural timbers.
• Insulation.
• Loft spaces.
• Ceilings and internal walls.
• Electrical installations in severe cases.
Something that begins as a relatively straightforward re-pointing repair can therefore become considerably more expensive if it’s ignored. Catching deterioration early is always the best option.
Ridge Tile Cement
Ridge tiles sit at one of the highest and most exposed points of your roof.Traditional ridge tiles are often bedded and pointed using mortar. Over time, this mortar can crack or become loose.
Warning signs can include:
• Visible cracking.
• Missing sections of mortar.
• Loose ridge tiles.
• Pieces of cement appearing in gutters or around the property.
• Water ingress around the ridge area.
Loose ridge tiles can also become a safety risk during strong winds, which is why deteriorating ridge cement shouldn’t be ignored.
Where appropriate, we’ll remove defective mortar and professionally re-bed or re-point the affected ridge tiles.
Verge Tile Cement
The verge is the exposed edge of a pitched roof. Traditional verges often rely on cement mortar to secure and weatherproof the tiles along the roof edge. Because this area is particularly exposed to wind-driven rain, deteriorating cement can allow water to penetrate behind the tiles.
Signs of failure include:
• Cracked verge cement.
• Sections falling away.
• Loose tiles.
• Visible gaps.
• Water staining around the roof edge.
Our team can remove failed material and restore the verge to provide a secure, weather-resistant finish.
Chimney Re-Pointing
Your chimney is one of the most exposed structures on your property. Years of wind, rain and frost can cause the mortar joints between bricks to deteriorate and eventually crumble away. When chimney pointing fails, water can penetrate into the brickwork and surrounding roof structure.
Common warning signs include:
• Crumbling mortar.
• Cracked pointing.
• Loose bricks.
• Damp around the chimney breast.
• Water ingress within the loft.
• Moss or vegetation growing from mortar joints.
Re-pointing removes defective mortar before replacing it with a new, durable mortar finish, helping restore the strength and weather resistance of the chimney.
Repairing the Cause Before It Becomes a Bigger Problem
Our objective is always preventative. If we’ve caught deterioration early, re-pointing or renewing failed cement work may be all that’s required. However, if water has already penetrated behind the roof covering, we’ll investigate the affected area and explain any additional repairs that may be required.
We don’t believe in simply covering over cracked mortar. Defective material should be correctly removed and the area properly prepared before new work is installed. That’s what gives the repair the best opportunity to perform long-term.
Why Choose Marsh Roofing?
• Professional cement and re-pointing repairs.
• Ridge and verge specialists.
• Chimney re-pointing.
• Thorough roof inspections.
• Complimentary drone inspections where required.
• Honest advice with no unnecessary work.
• Quality materials and workmanship.
• Clean and professional working practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
"Does cracked roof cement need repairing immediately?"
Small cracks may not always be causing an active leak, but they indicate the mortar is beginning to deteriorate. Addressing the problem early can help prevent water ingress and more expensive repairs later.
"Can cracked cement cause my roof to leak?"
Yes. Once mortar cracks or separates from the surrounding tiles or brickwork, wind-driven rain can penetrate through the opening and affect the roofing system beneath.
"Do you re-point chimneys?"
Yes. We remove deteriorated mortar and professionally re-point chimney brickwork where required. We’ll also inspect surrounding flashings and roofing materials while carrying out the survey.
"Can ridge tiles be re-pointed?"
Depending on their condition, yes. Where required, loose or defective ridge tiles may need to be lifted and correctly re-bedded rather than simply having new mortar applied over failing cement.
"How do I know if my cement is failing?"
Visible cracks, crumbling mortar, loose tiles and pieces of cement appearing around the property are common warning signs. A professional inspection can determine whether maintenance is required.
Book Your Free Roof Inspection
Cracked or deteriorating cement may look like a small problem today, but once water begins penetrating behind your roof covering, the damage can spread far beyond the original defect.
If you’ve noticed failing cement around your chimney, ridge tiles or verge tiles, contact Marsh Roofing today. We’ll inspect the affected areas, explain exactly what we’ve found and recommend the most appropriate solution to keep your roof secure and weatherproof.