If your roof looks solid but you’re noticing small leaks or water stains inside, the problem may not be your tiles, it could be your ridge caps. Cracked or crumbling mortar under ridge caps is one of the most common and overlooked causes of roof leaks in Queensland homes.
At Storm Call Roofing Projects, we frequently find that ridge capping deterioration is the hidden culprit behind long-term water damage. Here’s why cracked mortar matters and how to fix it before storm season hits.
What Is Roof Ridge Capping?
Ridge caps are the curved or angled tiles that sit along the peak and edges of your roof. They seal the gap where two roof sections meet, protecting your roof cavity from wind and water. Mortar, the cement mixture beneath the ridge caps, holds them firmly in place and prevents water penetration.
When that mortar cracks or erodes, your roof loses one of its key defences.
Why Ridge Cap Mortar Cracks Over Time
Queensland’s hot sun, humidity, and heavy rain all contribute to mortar breakdown. Common causes include:
- Natural ageing and weather exposure
- Poor installation or incorrect mortar mix
- Roof movement and tile shifting during high winds
- Lack of regular maintenance or pointing repairs
Once cracks appear, water begins seeping through, softening the mortar even further. Eventually, ridge caps loosen, allowing water to enter your roof cavity.
How to Spot Failing Ridge Capping
You don’t need to climb up to know something’s wrong. Signs of ridge capping failure include:
- Visible cracks or gaps along the ridges
- Loose or uneven ridge tiles
- Mould, moss, or dark streaks forming beneath the ridge line
- Leaks appearing after heavy rain, especially in central ceiling areas
If you notice these, it’s time for professional inspection and repointing.
The Solution: Repointing and Rebedding
Repointing involves applying a flexible compound over the existing mortar to reseal the ridge caps, while rebedding replaces old mortar entirely. Together, these repairs restore your roof’s integrity and protect against future leaks.
At Storm Call Roofing Projects, we use modern pointing materials that flex with temperature changes, preventing cracking and extending the lifespan of your ridge caps.
Final Thoughts
Cracked ridge capping may look minor, but it’s one of the most common sources of tiled roof leaks, especially during Queensland’s storm season. Catching the problem early and repointing your roof keeps water out, extends roof life, and saves you from expensive internal repairs.Contact Storm Call Roofing Projects today for professional ridge capping inspection and repairs across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
