Should a ridge tile be cemented in?

altyfc

Hi all

We live in a new build (built approx 4 years ago). For a while, we've had a variety of mostly minor snagging issues which our builder has continually 'wriggled' on, evading blame. One concern has been a rattling from the roof. I've been convinced that something's not right, but continually told that it's been checked and it's all OK. My problem is that I am completely DIY unaware and so it's hard for me to fight my corner when I don't especially know what I'm talking about.

Night before last, a ridge tile blew off from the house (from the area where we hearing the rattling noise from). Last night, with the tile missing, there was no rattling noise despite high winds. To me, it seems clear that this tile was never correctly fitted.

I have recovered the ridge tile from our garden (it is still intact as it landed on the lawn) and I notice there is no cement on the underside... does this seem right to you? Should it not have been cemented into place?

maninthestreet

Yes, ridge tiles normally need to be cemented in - how would they stay in place in strong winds otherwise ??

altyfc

Well, yes... this is what I thought. And the ridge tile that has blown off... if had been cemented in, should I expect to see signs of the cement on its underside? (or could that cement all be on the roof still?)

glosman555

Cementing ridge tiles is the traditional and cheap way to fix ridge tiles, the more modern method is to use a dry-fix product made by Marley or other manufacturers which use mechanical fixings to hold the ridge tiles in place. I have used a DIY method on my garage roof useing silicone adhesive which so far has given no problems for many years.

altyfc

If a tile has been cemented (which I think is what is likely to be claimed here), would it be reasonable to expect to see some of that cement still stuck to the underside of the fallen tile?

tanith

I would say Yes in answer to your question and taking a look at how the rest of the ridge tiles are fixed will answer your question without question :rotfl: if you see what I mean...

altyfc

They're working on fixing it now. It cheeses me off that the builder won't accept responsibility. I could pursue it via Small Claims but for what is probably going to be less than £50, it hardly seems worth it. It's just the principle bugs me...

Poppycat

That reminds me I need some replacing as they look weathered. But yes they get cemented in.

hewhoisnotintheknow

ive dropped bricks in the past and all traces of the cement has come off....

ormus

you are finding out that the NHBC 10 yr guarantee is like most/all other warranties.
not worth the paper its written on.

daveyjp

It should have cement put underneath and then once laid into position the ridge tile should be pointed on the outside to fix it to the last row of tiles. Long before a ridge tile blows off you would see this mortar coming loose - in our case it took 25 years - we heard it rolling down the roof during high winds. I had all the ridge tiles reset just before Chirstmas to sort the problem.