5 Benefits of a Dry Ridge System for Your Roof

For so many years, the traditional mortar and tile ridges have been used to roof many houses in the UK. However, a different roofing system was developed approximately  four decades ago. The dry ridge system is said to offer a better, longer-lasting roofing system that uses a mechanical method of fixing ridge tiles to a roof. This is achieved by using strong, stainless steel screws instead of cement mortar and sand. This roofing option has many people switching to it and others opting for it when building new houses. You might be considering purchasing a dry ridge kit to get the modern roofing system but are wondering if you are making the right decision.

It can be quite challenging for one to choose between the two roofing systems but, explaining the advantages of the dry ridge roofing system can help one see it’s the superior choice.

Here are 5 benefits of a dry ridge system for your roof, that can help eliminate any doubts you have about obtaining this type of roofing:

1. Dry ridge roofing system is stronger

It makes a lot of sense for the dry ridge system to be the stronger choice for so many people who prefer it to the traditional mix of mortar and sand. While the latter has certainly stood the test of time, it has been outdone by the contemporary dry ridge system that offers a more robust fix.

Mentioned earlier, are stainless steel screws on the dry ridge which are used to fix clamps between the joints of each ridge tile. Steel is certainly stronger than mortar in this setup and has a better chance of withstanding the brutal force of the northern blustery winds. The dry ridge system has been tested and found to survive the extreme weather the country has been experiencing in the past few years. The screws used are water-resistant and can disperse rainfall.

Unlike the traditional mortar cement and sand mix on tiles, which suffers abrasion over the years, the dry ridge system can survive the blustery autumns or chilly winters since it allows for natural occurring movement within the tiles to accommodate changing weather, moisture and temperature. If your traditional tiled roof is showing signs of wear and tear, it might be time to consider a roof replacement with the dry ridge system for long-lasting durability.

2. Dry ridge system is low maintenance

If there is anything people appreciate, it is low maintenance things. This roofing system offers exactly that, which gives you another reason to consider dry ridge. One significant thing about dry ridge is that there is no mortar. Just that explains why there will be very little maintenance required over the years if you have a dry ridge roof.

It is believed that the few routine repairs done on the mortar ridge roofing systems might increase significantly, if extreme weather continues to batter the country over the coming few years. Many residents with the traditional roofing system might be forced to switch to dry ridge for obvious reasons.

Dry ridge has an enhanced lifespan of limited visits on the roof which means less worry about damage from extreme weather, low maintenance costs and overall increased peace of mind for you.

3. Allows increased ventilation

As a bonus, the dry ridge allows improved ventilation which minimises harmful condensation build-up under the tiles throughout the years. This level of ventilation is impossible with the traditional roofing system of mortar and sand ridges. By allowing moisture out of the roof void, building up of condensation that causes issues are minimised. You will end up with a longer-lasting structure if you get the dry ridge kit.

4. Dry ridge system is long-lasting

Thanks to the flexibility explained above, this roofing system can serve you for a long time.  It has been found to last for over 40 years. By allowing flexibility that accommodates movements from external things like machinery and transport nearby, as well as expansion and contraction due to weather mentioned earlier, a dry ridge system eliminates the problems of mortar ridge roofing. Absorption of shock from movement means there will be no cracks like in traditional ridge roofing. Since most people consider houses to be a permanent structure, it is important that one should get a roofing system that offers close to that, and a dry ridge is an ideal option here.

5. Dry ridge is the future

Being the superior and easy-to-install option isn’t the only reason why you should get the dry ridge system. Most of its advantages indicate it’s the roofing system to adopt for the future. First, dry ridge lasts long enough to allow almost a lifetime of service. Secondly, as per European Standards (BS 5534) and (BS8216:2018), mortar should not be the only means of fixing tiles or fittings onto roof ridges. Mortar-only is only for a few particular repair jobs as well as heritage properties.

Take away

It is easy to understand why so many people are opting for the dry ridge system. Thanks to its advantages, the system offers more than the traditional mortar and sand option. Maybe it is time to change or consider this new option if you are looking for a better, more durable option for your roof.

Please note that the dry ridge option requires a very easy, quick installation that will save you the cash you would have used trying other alternatives.

If you are considering the dry ridge roofing system, take a look at our dry ridge kit to get an idea of the great roofing system option we can install for you.