A ridge tile might get broken or come out due to very windy weather. In case you are thinking whether the tiles that you got in the first place were worth it or not, know that it is not about tiles – it is about the disintegration of the mortar that you had bought years back. What happened is, the mortar gradually started to become damaged because of frost and rain. It is but obvious that the moment there is a small crack, rain will penetrate it and if the cracks are exposed to frost, the water will definitely increase in size. And, then it will create more fissures and finally the mortar will collapse. If by chance, the ridge tile that you are currently using is impaired then you surely need to get either a substitute.
in this article
Broken Ridge Tiles and Their Replacement
What you need to do first of all is – get a decent ladder, wear protective gear and get to the ridge. Now, inspect the ridge tiles thoroughly and look out for the ones that have come out. Also, try to locate the cracks in the mortar joints. Now, get rid of all the ridge tiles one by one. Don’t give in to the temptation of keeping the ridge tile in place just because it is very much secured to the ridge of the roof. The moment you see a cracked or broken ridge tile, your first instinct should be to move it as quickly as possible.
Tools You Will Need To Use
You will require a cold chisel and the classic hammer to go forward with this. Using these equipment, make an effort to pull out the old mortar as much as you can. Grill it in your mind that this step is VERY important because it will make it easier for the new and fresh mortar to apply itself intensely on the new tiles as and when they are replaced . The next step for you should be to be cautious while getting rid of the old mortar which is glued to the bottom of the tiles.
Presuming that you are going to use the ridge tile once again, make sure that the mortar is gotten rid of completely. For this, your focus should be on the edges and lower side of the surface. Make it a point to place each of the ridge tiles along the length of the ridge and so that it behaves and stays out under the lines of all the undamaged tiles. This needs to be done before you start to rearrange them. In case you are dowering why this is necessary –it is needed because this will make sure that there is enough space below each tile to reapply the fresh mortar. It also ascertains that after the repairmen the new tiles will not turn out to be like their ancestors.
Prior to replacing the tiles, ensure that the loose ones are in a condition to be strengthened. Also, you are required to see to it that all the dust and dirt are gone from the tiles. Stick to the ratio 3:1 and after mixing 3 portions of sand with one portion of cement and turning it into mortar, place the tiles one by one on top of the ridge. Keep it in mind that the mortar can’t afford to be dry. It needs to be adequately wet to glue itself to the tiles. But, do not go overboard and make it super wet because if that happens, then the entire thing backfires –meaning it sinks and moves away from the joints and tiles.
Assuming that you are not doing this in the rainy season (because we all know about UK’s rain and its hampering of things like these), and indulging in this task in the warm weather – immerse the unfixed tiles in water so that the ridge and the lower parts can become adequately wet prior to putting on the mortar. Since on hot days, the water tends to get dried at a rapid pace, this step becomes fairly important for successfully fixing broken ridge tiles.
Put a thick layer of mortar from one side of the ridge to another and also beneath the ends so that the mortar is forced to fill up the gap. Now, put down a cracked tile throughout the width/expanse of the ridge to so that the mortar remains in its place.
Then, you should place the ridge tile on top of the surface of the mortar and force it downwards. During this, you will require a little trowel to get rid of the mortar which comes out from the lower parts. While you do this, keep in mind to avoid smudging the mortar on the tiles. You need to be careful and see to it that all the ridges are full of mortar because if you leave out even one, your work will go to waste.
The Agony of Cracked Mortar Joints
Sometimes, the ridge tiles don’t behave badly – it is the mortar which refuses to behave. When you see that the mortar joints have started to collapse, take hold of metal spike and collect the mortar which is coming off. If the gaps are super wide, then you need the 3:1 ratio of sand and cement to fill out the loose gaps. Make use of that little trowel and just when you are about to apply them mortar, stop for a minute and dip a brush into water and after its fully wet, use it to moisten each of the sides of the gaps. This is needed to be done to make the new mortar and old mortar best friends.
If the gaps are not as wide, then make use of a non-setting sealant to fill the cracks up and seal them once and for all. You don’t need to ponder over the sealants being unmatched with the mortar. There are plenty of coloured sealants and one or the other will end up being compatible with your mortar.