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Roof Pointing Explained
Many people wonder what the term 'roof pointing' means. And many confuse roof pointing and roof bedding and vice versa. These two roofing terms refer to different things, although both of them are related to roof repairs. Similarly, they are more related to tiled roofs and not metal roofing.
A pointing in itself refers to the external section of mortar joints in building and construction. The significance of pointing is to prevent the entrance of water from the roof into the house. After some time, decay and weathering may lead to the creation of spaces in the mortar joints between the stonework or tile units on roofs.
These spaces have the ability to direct water from the roof into the house. This may call for a roof replacement in severe cases. If discovered early enough, you can repair these damages through roof pointing and roof bedding. These processes are necessary for a properly secured roof that will not allow water into your home or cause more significant damage with time.
In this article, we will look at the difference between roof pointing and roof bedding, the benefits of these processes, how to determine the need for roof repointing and rebedding, and who is best to handle these tasks. Read on!
What Separates Roof Pointing And Roof Bedding?
Both roof bedding and roof pointing go hand-in-hand. These processes refer to an inverted V-shaped capping and tiles that are embedded in the mortar on the roof of a house. The mortar is set through a process known as roof bedding. The method of roof bedding entails the removal of the old mortar, cleaning the roof, choosing new mortar, applying the new mortar in place of the old mortar, and finally, the roof tiling is done.
This process will leave some spaces and edges between the tiles. These spaces and edges are filled with a mixture of mortar to provide a pleasant look on the roof and to plug them. A flexible compound or mortar is applied to hold these edges and the ridge cap firmly. This entire process is known as roof pointing. An excellent example of roof pointing is flexible roof pointing.
What Is Flexible Roof Pointing?
Flexible pointing, also known as the Flexi point, refers to a water-based polymer compound that is used to hold the roofing tiles and ridge caps to tiles on roofs firmly. Most frequently, Flexi point is used to block the ridge cap to conform to the gable end of the standard tile. The primary function of flexible pointing is to prevent water from getting into contact with the underlying bedding and the roofing system.
Flexible roof pointing is more efficient and better than traditional mortar-based pointing. This is because flexible roof pointing is 'flexible' in nature, allowing it to move with the roof over time. Hence, it does not crack as fast as traditional mortar-based roof pointing. Traditional roof pointing consists of a mixture of sand and cement-based mortar roof pointing that is used to seal the ridge caps to the roof tiles.
It was believed that the mix of aggregate, sand, and cement would make a strong roof pointing that would last over a long period. However, after some innovations, flexible roof pointing was established with the primary aim of enhancing the traditional mortar-based roof pointing. Builders, and especially roofers, decided to use a lower integrity formula of bedding.
Roofers realised that it was effortless and cost-effective to mix the standard builders' cement and sand to make the bedding and solely rely on the roof pointing. This mode of masonry or stonework is still evident in many estates. It's not challenging to come across estates having a flexible roof pointing with low-quality roof bedding.
When was flexible roof pointing established?
This type of pointing, that is, flexible roof pointing, was first established in Australia two decades ago. Flexitech Pty Ltd. became the first company to market it before other traders joined the market in Australia. It requires much effort and expert skills for a quick and practical application.
Building experts advise that it is best to make the thickness of a flexible roof pointing at five millimetres at the top and ten millimetres at the bottom. With these measurements, the Flexi point will effectively protect the underlying bedding by preventing any moisture contact.
Now, if there is an application error and a small section of the Flexi roof pointing is not thick enough, there are high chances that the small section would easily crack or peel away, thus allowing water to get into contact with the underlying roof bedding.
What are the downfalls of flexible roof pointing?
One primary shortcoming of flexible roof pointing is the time of application. Flexible roof pointing has a speedy cure time. Therefore, the roofer has a few seconds to apply it to get a smooth trowel finish. Matters become worse when the sun is very hot, especially during summers.
Similarly, flexible roof pointing requires about twenty-four hours of no rain or water contact to fully cure. If it gets into contact with water or rain during this time, it may not produce a smooth finish; instead, troughs and peaks will be created in the Flexi point thickness, thus lowering its effectiveness a great deal.
Advantages Of Roof Pointing And Roof Bedding
Roof pointing and roof bedding are essential aspects of roof repair or having your roof restored. These two processes are necessary for a lasting roofing system; they encourage the sturdiness of a home and improve its external outlook. Below are some of the main advantages of roof pointing and roof bedding.
Protect wood from rotting
In the absence of roof pointing, water gets access into the underlying roof bedding. Over an extended period, the bedding becomes weak and allows the water to seep through, getting into contact with the wooden beams of the roof that hold it up in good form.
The water causes the rotting of the wooden beams. This presents a grave danger of the entire roof coming down if your roofing system has a hinge due to human error. Roof pointing has the ability to prevent this from happening. Thus, you should make room for a professional rebedding to prevent water from seeping into the underlying wooden beams and causing them to rot.
Prevent the growth of mould and mildew
Mould and mildew are undergrowth that produces a musty smell where they grow. They are also able to spread spores that present health risks through the infection of clothes, foods, and other items in the house. Mould and mildew prosper where there is a lot of moisture. Low-quality roof bedding and a poorly fixed roof pointing will allow the seeping of water that would encourage the growth of mould and mildew.
This may cost you unnecessary expenses and damages to your property. It is very expensive to remove mould and mildew, and the process of dealing with them is also time-consuming. Having high-quality roof bedding and professionally fixed roof pointing will prevent rainwater from making its way into the roof, thus causing the growth of mould and mildew.
Give your home an attractive look
Who does not like beauty? The beauty of a home is the top priority in almost every home; ask any homeowner who values their investment. A beautiful home may also attract a higher value during a sale. Various houses, especially old houses built during the mortar-based roof pointing era, require occasional repairs.
Such repairs often involve repointing. Having professional roof bedding and roof pointing will give your home a longer life span. Roof pointing and roof rebedding also give your house a fresh and new appearance. To make it even more attractive, you may decide to have a change of roof tiles as well if your budget can accommodate it.
Keep the roof stronger
Roof pointing and roof bedding give your home greater sturdiness. These two processes ensure that your roof tiles are firmly fixed and unable to be blown away by strong winds. As a result, roof pointing and roof bedding will protect your home against harsh weather conditions and help prevent any accidents or property damage.
Is It Time For Roof Repointing And Roof Rebedding?
Building experts suggest that you have your roof repointed and rebedded at least once every ten years. However, this rule is subject to various exceptions. There are certain times that you may see signs that your roof needs roof repointing or rebedding. What are some of the indications that your roof requires a rebedding or a repointing?
Roof leaks
Roof leakages are not a regular occurrence and should spark some suspicions when they occur. Various factors may cause leakages in your roof at home. One of such factors is weakened or worn-out roof bedding and pointing. After an extended period, the rainwater acting as a solvent weakens the roof pointing and eventually the underlying roof bedding.
When this occurs, there are high chances that the roof pointing and the underlying roof bedding will have voids in them. Such small spaces will allow water to seep through, causing leaks in your roof. Roof leakages thus could be a sign that your roof is in need of roof rebedding and repointing.
The presence of excess moisture in your roof could also be an indication that you need roof repointing and rebedding. If you experience roof leakages, it is essential that you remedy that situation as soon as possible since untreated roof leakages can quickly cause structural damage in your home.
Cracks and loose tiles
After a long period of time, the roof bedding weakens and becomes unable to hold the roof tiles firmly in place. When this happens, there are high chances that the tiles will become loose, with some falling down and breaking or cracking. The presence of loose tiles or broken roof tiles could be an indication that your previous roof bedding has worn out; thus, you will need to have a roof rebedding.
Similarly, cracked but not fallen tiles could be an indication that your roof is deteriorating and needs repairs. You can identify that your roof tiles have cracks when sunlight seeps through them into your house.
Contact A Professional For Roof Pointing
It is important to note that roof pointing and roof bedding are not DIY tasks. Some people make the mistake of rebedding or repointing their roofs themselves to save on repointing costs but end up causing more damage. It may seem like an effortless task that requires minimal skills and a few tools. However, it is best that you resist the temptation to do it yourself.
Roof repointing and roof rebedding require expert skills, knowledge, and tools that the average person may not always possess. For instance, you may not be aware of how to step on the roof tiles without breaking them. You may also not be aware of how to apply roof pointing and what thickness to use. Similarly, the process of removing old tiles, cleaning the roof, and applying new ones is not an easy task that can be performed by any person.
Moreover, attempting such a task without the requisite skills may also subject you to grave danger, such as falling from the roof and suffering fatal injuries. While it is possible to observe and learn the skills required for roof pointing and rebedding, it is not a guarantee that you will do the job as needed. Similarly, doing it yourself may not save you the roof repointing cost as you may think. What then is the right thing to do?
Simply hire a specialist to inspect your roof and handle the rebedding and repointing. Professionals have the expertise to deal with the risks involved in these processes. Besides, they have and are well conversant with the skillset required for roof rebedding and roof pointing. Various companies are available in Australia that deals with roof pointing and rebedding. It's up to you to check them out and select reliable roofers that can help ensure the roof pointing and rebedding are done excellently.
