Ridge Tiles and Hip Repairs Taunton
Do you need a ridge tile or a hip repair in Taunton?
Ridge and hip tile repairs across Taunton and Somerset — re-bedding, repointing and dry fix on properties that Somerset's rainfall puts under constant pressure
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One of the most common roofing issues in Taunton and the surrounding Somerset area is ridge and hip tile mortar failure. The reasons behind this are simple when you consider the effects of the vale's climate on mortar bedding over time. Rib and hip degradation follows the same universal mechanics: water seeps into the pointing, freeze-thaw cycles enlarge and fracture the joints, and, in due time, the mortar that supports the tiles completely loses its hold. The number of freeze-thaw cycles that mortar undergoes in a particular winter, the duration that it remains wet, and the frequency with which it gets wet all contribute to the pace at which that process develops. When compared to other parts of southern England, the Vale of Taunton Deane is the most difficult on all three counts.
While yearly rainfall totals are important for ridge and hip mortar, the distribution of that rainfall is just as important, if not more so, for the Taunton area. Somerset experiences a lengthy wet season that usually begins in September and continues until April. The wettest months in this season are usually October, November, and December. The ridge and hip mortar on Taunton's housing stock is constantly wet for six or seven months straight, never dries completely in between rainstorms, and is vulnerable to the mild winter frosts that Somerset can dish out. In a surprising turn of events, mild winters are more taxing on mortar than cold ones. This is because more freeze-thaw cycles occur in mild winters when temperatures remain slightly above freezing for longer periods of time rather than dropping sharply to below five degrees and remaining there.
This issue arises in a variety of property types and roof configurations within Taunton's housing stock. Clay ridge tiles resting on mortar beds that have, in many instances, never been fully replaced—original or early replacement bedding that has endured the full brunt of Somerset's wet winters—adorn the Victorian and Edwardian terraces that wind their way through Rowbarton and Tangier. Concrete ridge tiles, which were cutting edge when installed, now rest on hundreds of times saturated mortar in the interwar and postwar semis that dot Bishops Hull and the suburbs. The rural properties in the villages surrounding Taunton, such as Norton Fitzwarren, Creech St. Michael, Ruishton, and Bishops Lydeard, have roofs made of plain clay and handmade tiles. When it comes time to replace the roofs, it's important to carefully match the material profiles.
Hip roofs are a prominent feature of Taunton's Edwardian housing stock
— the larger semis and detached properties built in the first two decades of the twentieth century across the better-off residential streets of the town frequently feature hipped designs that combine the standard ridge run with diagonal hip sections running down to the eaves. These hip tiles are subject to the same mortar failure as ridge tiles but present their own particular challenge in Somerset's climate — the diagonal angle at which they sit channels more water across the mortar bed than a horizontal ridge tile does, and the wind loading from multiple directions that a hip tile experiences means movement under wind pressure begins earlier in the deterioration cycle.
We carry out ridge and hip repairs across Taunton and the surrounding Somerset area on all roof types and property ages, and we assess the full extent of what's needed honestly rather than quoting for the minimum and coming back repeatedly.
Repairs for Hips and Ridges Offered Throughout Taunton
Repointing Ridge Tiles
Repointing can fix weathertight seals that have cracked and opened in the mortar between ridge tiles without having to re-bedding the entire structure. This is done when the bedding underneath is still solid. We make an honest evaluation of the best course of action, taking into consideration the weather in Somerset as well as the amount of stress that new pointing will experience during the wet winters in the vale.
Hip Re-bedding and Repair
Among our most common calls are for hip tiles on Edwardian hipped roof properties in Taunton to come loose, slide, or go missing following a storm in Somerset. When we examine the mortar around the tiles, we can tell how long the problem has been quietly building. In order to evaluate the entire hip run and not just the section that caused the call, we re-bed and repoint the hips extensively.
Replacement of Hip and Ridge Tiles
Hip and ridge tiles that are cracked or broken will be replaced in an effort to restore the original profile. Rather than just installing whatever is in stock, we take the time to find the perfect match—whether that means sourcing reclaimed clay or handmade tile profiles—for Taunton's older Victorian and rural properties.
Reinstating Tiles on a Sloped or Loose Ridge
Taunton ridge tiles lose their fixings and shift when the mortar bed beneath them fails due to the persistently wet weather in Somerset. Rather than using a surface repoint applied over hollow bedding that will fail again before the next winter is over, we lift the affected tiles, remove all failed mortar to a sound substrate, and re-bed the roof correctly using a mix that is appropriate to its age and construction.
Complete Hip or Ridge Re-Bed
A full re-bed is the best and most economical option when mortar failure extends the entire length of a ridge or hip run. This is a common problem on properties built during the Victorian and Edwardian eras in Taunton, where the original or early replacement bedding has been exposed to decades of rainfall in Somerset. Instead of doing a patch repair that will need to be redone in a couple of Somerset winters, we repoint the entire run, strip all failed mortar, and properly re-bed every tile to a standard that gives you years of dependable performance.
System for Dry Fixing Hips and Ridges
Taunton has a strong argument in favor of dry fix systems. The new mortar bedding in Somerset is subject to pressure from the persistent rainfall almost immediately after it is laid. Traditional bedding in the vale's climate requires maintenance more frequently than in drier areas. There is no longer any need to repoint every ten years or so, no mortar to saturate, and no freeze-thaw failure thanks to mechanical fixings and flexible dry fix components. Dry fix deserves a serious discussion on properties where re-bedding has become an ongoing expense or when the ridge is being addressed as part of a larger roof overhaul. Regardless of the tile profile, we can install a dry fix ridge or hip system.
Our Approach to Taunton Ridge and Hip Replacements
Thorough Evaluation of the Hip and Ridge
We take a look at the whole hip and ridge run, not simply the part that looks like it failed or caused the call. After mortar deterioration starts appearing in one spot, it usually spreads along the entire ridge of Victorian and Edwardian properties in Taunton. Because of the climate in Somerset, parts of the ridge that seem to be in good condition today are frequently only a winter or two behind those that have failed. We paint a complete and accurate picture of the situation for you.
An Unambiguous Suggestion
We'll take into account the property's unique characteristics, the severity of the damage, and the actual rate of weathering in Somerset to determine if a full re-bed, dry fix, or targeted repairs are the best course of action. No unnecessary upselling, and no underestimating a job to get a lower price that makes you come back too soon.
Completing Tasks
The majority of hip and ridge repairs only require one office visit to finish. Bedsheets and several standard ridge profiles are on hand in the van. Without undue delay, we will confirm availability and schedule the installation of handmade tile profiles or reclaimed clay for Taunton's older and rural properties.
Prior to Departure
The bedding and pointing of each tile was examined. While access is being set up, it is worth clearing the roof and gutters of debris. Wind-blown leaf litter and organic material can accumulate on roof surfaces quickly in Somerset. A rundown of the steps taken, along with an unobstructed view of anything else worth addressing found on the roof.
Why Pick Taunton Roof Repairs?
Somerset roofing is something we are familiar with.
Understanding the effects of Somerset's continuous rainfall on roof materials over time, as well as the differences between the Victorian and post-war stock inside the town and the older rural properties outside, is essential to working throughout the Vale of Taunton Deane and the nearby villages.
We live nearby.
Norton Fitzwarren, Bishops Hull, Creech St Michael, Wellington, and the villages throughout the vale are all included in our daily coverage of Taunton and the surrounding area. We can get to you fast, and we are familiar with the housing and its conditions.
Always give honest advice.
We'll let you know what must be done right away and what can wait. Work that is not required will not be pushed.
Both insured and qualified.
Every job is completed by skilled roofers who are fully insured against public liability.
How Much Are Taunton Ridge and Hip Repairs?
The length of the ridge or hip run, the severity of the mortar failure, the need for access, and the appropriateness of targeted repair or full re-bedding determine the costs. When standard profiles aren't a good enough match, the cost of sourcing recycled material for older and rural properties in Taunton can be affected. To give you an idea of what to expect around Taunton:
A full ridge re-bed (terraced/semi): £500 to £1000
Full ridge re-bed (detached): £700 to £1,600
Ridge tile repair and re-bedding job: £300 to £600
Replacement ridge or hip tile job: £200 to £300
Verge repair and repointing: £150 to £350
Dry fix ridge system installation: £600 to £1,400
All figures are for illustration purposes only. Finding reclaimed clay or handmade tile profiles for older properties, as well as access on rural properties in the Somerset villages surrounding Taunton, can impact the final cost. Having us take a look is the surest way to receive an accurate quote.
