Dry Ridge vs Mortar-Bedded Ridge: Which Is Best?
The ridge runs along the very top of your roof, where the two slopes meet. It's the most weather-exposed line on the whole roof, which is why how the ridge tiles are fixed matters so much. Traditionally they were bedded in mortar; today, mechanically fixed dry ridge systems are increasingly the standard. Here's how they compare.
How mortar-bedded ridges work
The traditional method beds each ridge tile onto a bed of sand-and-cement mortar. Done well by a skilled roofer, it looks superb and is perfectly weathertight — which is why it remains the right choice for many heritage and conservation-area properties.
- Traditional appearance, ideal for period homes
- Lower up-front material cost
- Relies entirely on the quality of the mortar and the weather during installation
- Mortar can crack and work loose over 10 to 15 years, needing re-pointing
How dry ridge systems work
A dry ridge system mechanically fixes each ridge tile to the roof with screws and clips, over a ventilated, weatherproof ridge roll. No mortar is involved, so there's nothing to crack, crumble or wash out over time.
- Each tile screwed down — far more secure in high winds
- Built-in ventilation helps prevent condensation in the loft
- Typically guaranteed for 10+ years and virtually maintenance-free
- Complies with the modern BS 5534 roofing standard for mechanical fixing
What the standards say
Since the BS 5534 standard was updated, ridge and hip tiles should be mechanically fixed rather than relying on mortar alone. Mortar can still be used for appearance, but the tiles must also be clipped or screwed. In practice, that makes a dry ridge system the most future-proof choice for most homes.
Which should you choose?
If you own a modern or standard property and want a secure, low-maintenance ridge that stands up to our increasingly stormy winters, a dry ridge system is hard to beat. If you have a period or listed property where appearance is paramount, a correctly fixed mortar-bedded ridge may be more appropriate. We're happy to advise on the right approach for your specific roof.
Want to know more? Read our full guide to ridge systems, or get in touch for honest advice and a free quote.
