GLOSSARY · ADELAIDE
Ridge capping
Plain English
The mortared or mechanical cap at the apex of a tile roof, sealing the top edge against weather.
Ridge capping in Adelaide is typically mortar-bedded - a strip of mortar laid over the apex tiles. Modern systems use mechanical ridge caps with screws, which last longer.
Mortar capping degrades over 20-30 years. Crumbling capping mortar is a primary cause of roof leaks. Look for visible cracks, missing chunks, or moss growth indicating saturation.
Re-pointing or rebedding the ridge is a standard maintenance item. Replacing the entire ridge capping with modern mechanical fixings is a larger investment but lasts much longer.