Ridge Cap

Ridge caps serve the critical function of weatherproofing the highest point of a roof. On a tile roof, ridge caps are typically half-round or angular cement or terracotta pieces that sit atop the ridge line and are bedded in place with a sand-cement mortar mix, then pointed with a flexible compound to seal the joints. On a metal roof, ridge caps are formed from the same Colorbond or Zincalume material as the roof sheets and are screwed directly to a ridge board or timber backing. The ridge cap is one of the most maintenance-critical components on a tile roof. Over time, the bedding mortar can crack and crumble due to thermal cycling, moisture penetration, and general ageing. Once the bedding fails, ridge caps become loose and may shift or fall from the roof during high winds — creating both a safety hazard and a direct path for water entry. This is one of the most common causes of roof leaks on older tile roofs in Gippsland. During a roof restoration, all ridge caps are re-bedded with modern flexible polymer-modified mortar and re-pointed with a flexible pointing compound (such as Dulux Acratex Flexpoint). This process restores the structural integrity and weather seal of the ridge line. On metal roofs, ridge cap maintenance is generally limited to checking and replacing screws and ensuring the foam or rubber infill strip beneath the cap has not deteriorated.