Understanding Roof Pointing
Roof pointing is usually done on tile roofing. To better understand it, you need to know various things:
What is Ridge Capping?
When your tile roofing is placed, you find that there are two opposite sloping sides. At the top, where the two sloping sides meet, a kind of v-shaped material is placed to cover the space/gap/ridge left at the top of your tile roofing. This v-shaped covering material is referred to as a ridge cap and the process of installing it is known as ridge capping.
What is Bedding?
When a ridge cap or ridge caps are installed, bedding has to be applied underneath to hold them firm and in place. The bedding is usually made from cement mortar.
What is Roof Pointing?
The bedding used to hold the ridge caps is not usually as strong or waterproof as pointing. Over time, it starts to crack and might end up being a leaking point. Pointing is applied to help prevent moisture from damaging the bedding. It does not usually crack easily because it is flexible; it moves as your roof shifts over time. It is usually referred to as a water-based polymer compound that acts as an adhering material between roof caps and roofing tiles.
What is Roof Re-bedding?
If the bedding used under the ridge cap gets damaged to the point that your roof is leaking, it needs to be repaired or replaced. Repair or replacement is what is referred to as re-bedding.
What is Roof Repointing?
Just like re-bedding, the pointing applied on your roof can also get worn out after a long period. Your roof does not remain stationary, it shifts slightly and unnoticeably over time because of exposure to different environmental conditions. It also grows old, and you can notice its aging appearance. The pointing may start to crack followed by bedding, which can cause the roof capping to become loose or slide off. You may need re-bedding and repointing services. Roof repointing is the reapplication of pointing.
Can You DIY Roof Pointing?
It is usually recommended to let a qualified roof specialist handle the installation of your roof and roof capping. Why?
• Working at height is risky; you can easily find yourself slipping and getting serious injuries that can leave you disabled. The fall can also kill you, especially when you get internal injuries.
• Roof pointing needs a professional's touch because it has a quick drying time and needs to be applied under particular temperatures for it to be effective. If you fail to apply it correctly, you might end up with shoddy work that needs to be repeated. You will have wasted your hard-earned money.
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