What is Repointing?

If mortar in your roof tiles is broken, cracked or otherwise damaged, this can let moisture into your home, which can cause serious damage that's expensive to fix. Roof repointing is the process of repairing damaged mortar and is an important part of roof maintenance.

Read this guide to find out:

1. What is roof repointing?
2. Signs that it's time for repointing a roof
3. Benefits of roof repointing
4. What is the roof repointing process?
5. How much does roof repointing cost?

What is roof repointing?

Ridge tiles (also called capping tiles) are the most important tiles on the roof, providing the first line of defence against water damage. Pointing is cement applied to the exposed edges of ridge tiles to improve a roof's integrity and seal it against water and moisture. This cement can wear down over time, making repointing necessary.

Traditionally, repointing a roof was done with a sand and cement mixture, but today, flexible repointing materials are used that minimise the problems of shrinkage and cracking that can happen with cement.

Signs that it's time for repointing a roof

Roof repointing may be needed if:

• Your roof is leaking or there's moisture in your loft
• You can see gaps in the mortar around tiles
• Roof tiles are loose or missing
• Fragments of roof tiles or cement are found in the gutters
• Your home was built before 1995, as it may have cement mortar that can come loose

A roofer or repointing expert can inspect your roof and tell you if repointing or other repairs or maintenance are needed.

Benefits of roof repointing

If you're wondering whether repointing your roof is worth it, the best reasons are:

• Preventing serious damage
• Improving safety
• Saving money on repairs
• Restoring your roof

Preventing serious damage

Repointing seals your roof against water to prevent moisture damage, wood rot and mould growth in your home.

Improving safety

Loose tiles can fall off a roof or slide from underfoot, so it's important that these are rebedded and repointed. Water getting into a property can also risk electrical hazards.

Saving money on repairs

A repointed roof needs less maintenance. Waiting until something goes wrong can mean footing an expensive bill for roof repairs or even having to cover roof replacement cost.

Restoring your roof

Repointing can restore the look and integrity of your roof, adding to your home's curb appeal and value if you plan to sell.

What is the roof repointing process?

Repointing materials are sold at most large hardware stores, and roof repointing is a viable DIY project, but only if you know what you're doing and take the proper safety precautions. It's generally recommended that you leave the job to a qualified professional.

Before repointing, roof tiles should be inspected in turn using a probe to check for loose cement. If any loose materials are found, these must be thoroughly removed and the cavity cleaned. Your repointing professional will need to rebed or replace roof tiles that are loose or damaged.

The roof is then cleaned before being repointed, starting at the bottom and working up the roof, neatly smoothing the compound along the way. Professional repointing services usually recommend doing a thorough repointing job rather than spot repointing.

How much does roof repointing cost?

Roof repointing cost depends on the size of the roof, your location and other factors. Standard repointing costs between $120 and $170 per square metre of roofing, which includes setup and cleaning.

When you're comparing quotes from repointing specialists in your area, check that they are licensed, insured and have a proven track record by looking for feedback from previous customers or examples of their past jobs.