What is repointing and does your roof need it?

There are many benefits to having your roof repointed. Tile repointing can be an inexpensive way to improve the appearance of your home, includes fixing of damaged tiles, prevents mould and leaks, stops water from getting through cement tiles and prevents water ingress through damaged mortar. If you’re not sure whether your roof needs repointing or not, read on.

Why do you need repointing?

If you’ve ever looked at the roof of your home, you may have noticed that it has a few areas that are uneven. When this happens it can cause water to leak into your home, which can destroy your furniture, damage your belongings, and cause leaks in your ceiling.

Benefits of roof repointing

Bonds the capping to the roof tiles
Replaces broken roof tiles
Appealing finish to match the colour of your roof tiles
prevents deterioration, durable
flexible
Stops mould
Good affordable roof maintenance
Can fix leaks and excess moisture
Stops water from coming through damaged cement mortar
Replaces fragments of roof tiles
Flexible pointing material prevents cracking and shifting
Fills in gaps in the mortar of tiles

What does roof repointing mean?

Pointing is cured concrete and mortar. In older houses the pointers are usually cement and the elasticity of the cement is not particularly good, often cracking over time and letting in rain and leaks. Modern home construction also consists primarily of flexible pointers which are better equipped in extreme weather conditions. With changing weather conditions, the pointing material expands and contracts.

It is important to keep tiles on roofs pointed in a direction to reduce leaking and protect from fierce winds. Ridge pointing is not meant to waterproof the ridge capping – although it does help in shedding the rainwater away.

Every exposed tile surface must be pointed or covered with a protective grout to protect the underlying tiles. It’s made from a non-elastic fabric. Most modern homes are now constructed from flexible materials that are better equipped to withstand extreme weather, but they also wear more slowly.

Repointing refers to the process of repointing the roof tiles of a house. Roof repointing is not just a quick and easy fix for a damaged roof. It is a terrific way to extend the life of your roof and save hundreds of dollars in repair costs.

Tile pointing and repair work typically includes:

a certain number of broken roof tiles will be replaced through-out the roof
clean and seal all aerial bolts and protrusions where necessary
clip loose valley cuts where necessary
all ridge capping tiles are repointed in flexible pointing, this is applied in a trowel
finish over all existing cement work, this bonds the capping to the roof tiles
preventing any further deterioration and creating a long-lasting durable finish
flexible pointing comes with a 5-year factory warranty
new or second-hand tiles will be used, colour may differ, tiles will be placed on lower side of roof where they are less noticeable
replace and paint broken barge caps

Roof tiles are at risk of falling if they are loose or missing. This can cause a leak that can lead to the internal structure falling and electrical faults. Roof pointing restores the roof to its original quality, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetics are as new.

How Much Does It Cost to Repoint a Roof?

Repointing roof ridge tiles can cost $20 to $25 per lineal metre. For an average-sized roof, the total cost can be around $1500 to $2500 plus GST. The cost depends on the size of your roof. Some jobs are simple, and some are complex. The labour costs for re-pointing an existing roof are normally going to be higher than a new roof because the job involves dismantling the old tiles and the old surface, which is normally a dirty and tedious job. The new material will need to be cut to size, fitted, and grouted. This is usually a messy job.

Reviews of our roof re-pointing

Wayne and his expert roofing team are the ideal trades team. From the initial call for a quote to the follow up after the job was complete Wayne and AllCoast roofing were a delight to deal with. The quote was not the cheapest or the most expensive but the finished product I have no doubt is the best possible. Our roof was checked over, an accurate assessment made, and value-for money quote provided. Then the very thorough cleaning, repointing and renovation work, and finally painting were all carried out by their respective tradesmen in a thorough and professional way. After dealing with a few other trades for other services I can honestly say AllCoast roofing is the best in the business! Thank you Wayne and team, I love my updated roof!

Melanie B

30/09/23

I had repairs to the roof including replacing clips above garage, several tiles replaced, repointing of ridge tiles, roof cleaning and painting done. From an old tatty roof in bad repair, I now have a roof that looks like new. Am so pleased with the job and the way that Wayne conducts and oversees his business. He was professional and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend Allcoast to anyone who needs their roof renovated and repaired.

Pam

28/06/21

Wayne and his crew completed a number of jobs for me including replacing a rotted soffit, ridge pointing, painting the front of my house and I also had one of his guys install gutter guard a year ago which has kept the leaves out ever since. All work was completed to a high standard and the advice on which colours to use on my house was appreciated. I have no hesitation in recommending these roofers.