Is this neccessary? (Roofing question)

King

Looking for some advice from someone with a little more knowledge than myself.

We had a tile come loose with recent high winds and finally managed to get someone to come out and fix it today. Many roofers didn't respond/turned it down due to it only being a small job, so I couldn't choose a reputable roofer like I'd usually do.

I received a text afterwards from the roofer mentioning,

"While I was up there I noticed some of the ridge tiles were loose and could do with repointing as well as the lead work down the side where the chimney is could do with repointing as they are just allowing water to come in."

I'll attach some pictures he sent on.

Hopefully it's all legitimate, but I've no idea. Does it look like a genuine job that needs doing, or am I getting the wool pulled over my eyes?

Many thanks

pramsay13

He's sent you photos so you can see there are actually issues there. 
If there are no issues with water penetration you could maybe hold off for a bit if you're worried, but if the quote is decent I would just get it sorted.

FreeBear

King said: "While I was up there I noticed some of the ridge tiles were loose and could do with repointing as well as the lead work down the side where the chimney is could do with repointing as they are just allowing water to come in."

You can just the flashing around the chimney & parapet on the right - Doesn't look very good, and there is indeed potential for water to get in.

And yes, ridge tiles & parapet could do with repointing in the near future. Fourth tile along from the chimney also looks like it has slipped. Hopefully, he fixed that one whilst up there.

Bigphil1474

As it's a bigger job, could you ask your reputable roofers to do the work and presumably they'll tell you if it didn't need doing? 

daveyjp

Roof and ridge pointing is a job worth keeping on top of and just one of those things which needs occasional maintenance.  I had mine done about three years ago.

The developing issues on the photos won't heal themselves and a job well done now will last many many years.  You don't want to get to the stage of having to strip off and rebed all those gable slabs if the joints can be raked out and pointed now.

jj_home_80

Totally get where you’re coming from – it’s hard to judge when you’re not up there yourself, and it’s frustrating when you’ve had to settle for whoever’s available.

That said, what the roofer mentioned is pretty common stuff to flag once they’re up there. Loose ridge tiles and tired leadwork around the chimney are things that genuinely do let water in over time, especially after storms or high winds. If mortar’s cracked or missing and lead flashing isn’t properly sealed in, it can definitely lead to leaks down the line.

If the photos show clear gaps or crumbling mortar, it’s likely a fair shout. Repointing ridge tiles and flashing is standard maintenance on older roofs. Doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an emergency, but it’s worth sorting before it gets worse.

You could always get a second roofer to quote or even just give a quick opinion – some will come out for free or for a small call-out fee. But based on what he’s said, it sounds legit, especially if it’s been a while since the roof had any TLC. Just make sure you get a proper written quote before agreeing to any more work.