Terracotta ridge capping protects your roof’s peaks from leaks and damage and looks good. In this article we will explain the benefits, dimensions, types, installation and maintenance. Read on to find out how terracotta ridge capping can save and beautify your home.
What is Terracotta Ridge Capping
Terracotta ridge capping serves two purposes in roofing: it saves and beautifies. Ridge capping is a critical part of roofing, covering the peaks of a pitched roof where two sides meet, hence preventing water from entering. Without this important piece, water can easily get into the roof structure and cause leaks and potential water damage that can compromise your home.
Besides its protective qualities, terracotta ridge capping also looks good. These ridge caps give a smooth, uniform look that can increase the value of your home. When installed correctly, ridge capping gives you:
- Protects the roof from water damage and leaks
- Prevents entry of pests and debris
- Adds structural integrity to the roof
- Extends the life of the roof, it’s a cost effective investment in the long run
Regular inspection of ridge cap tiles for any damage or misalignment is important to maintain its function. Maintaining your terracotta ridge capping in good condition allows you to enjoy its dual benefits.
Dimensions and Specifications of Terracotta Ridge Caps
Knowing the dimensions and specs of terracotta ridge caps is important to get a perfect fit and peak performance. Standard terracotta ridge caps have:
- Length: 435 mm
- Width: 265 mm
- Depth: 88 mm
- Cover length: 400 mm
These dimensions are designed to give full coverage and protection to your roof’s ridges, taking into account all the details, leaving enough room for installation.
Besides the standard size, there are variations available to fit different roofing needs. For example, some terracotta ridge caps have a width of 300 mm and length of 475 mm to give a bigger coverage area. The thickness of these ridge caps is also important, standard ones are around 170 mm thick to ensure durability and strength.
Selecting the right dimensions and specs for your roof will ensure your terracotta ridge capping gives you the protection and visual appeal.
Types of Terracotta Ridge Capping
Terracotta ridge caps come in different styles and sources, so homeowners can choose the best for their roofing needs. These ridge caps can be sourced as new products or as recycled from demolished buildings, a sustainable option for eco-friendly homeowners.
Recycled terracotta ridge caps are salvaged from demolished houses, mostly around Melbourne and are a popular choice for those who want to maintain a classic look and be eco-friendly. These recycled options reduce waste and has a unique charm that new products may not have.
Style and colour is a big factor to consider when choosing terracotta ridge caps. A visit to a showroom will help you find the right match for your existing roof tiles and overall home look. With many options, you can get a smooth and visually appealing finish that increases your home’s street appeal.
Benefits of Terracotta Ridge Capping
Terracotta ridge capping has many advantages, that’s why it’s a top choice for homeowners who want to protect and enhance their roofs. One of the biggest advantage is weather protection. Terracotta ridge capping prevents water, snow and debris from entering the roof’s interior, reduces the risk of leaks and water damage,
Besides weather protection, terracotta ridge caps also contributes to the longevity and durability of the roof. They:
- Acts as a shield against harsh weather and UV rays
- Keep your roof in good condition for years to come
- Extend the life of the roof
- Is a cost effective investment.
Aesthetic appeal is another big benefit of terracotta ridge capping. These ridge caps give roofs a smooth and cohesive look, overall look of the home. Plus, many terracotta ridge caps are lightweight, some are 80% lighter than traditional concrete roof tiles, making them easy to install and handle.
Plus, using recycled materials in manufacturing terracotta ridge caps makes it an eco-friendly option. By improving the visual appeal and structural integrity of the roof, terracotta ridge capping can increase the property value.
How to Install Terracotta Ridge Capping
Several steps are involved in installing terracotta ridge capping, starting with the safety measures. Secure your roofing ladder in a safe location, away from doorways and electrical areas, and make sure you have the right safety gear such as sturdy boots and harnesses.
Here’s the steps to follow:
- Remove the existing bedding mortar to prepare for the new cement.
- Remove each ridge cap carefully, don’t damage the ones you plan to reuse.
- Clean off the moss and debris from the ridge caps to have a clean surface for the new installation.
Next, here’s how to install the ridge cap:
- Mix a mortar using 3 parts builders’ sand to 1 part cement to get a thick and smooth mixture.
- Apply the mortar mix generously to the edges where the ridge cap will be placed and press the ridge cap down firmly.
- During the pointing, tidy up the mortar mix around the edges of the ridge caps to get a professional finish and reduce future cracking.
There are two ways to secure ridge caps: traditional wet mortar mix and dry fixed roofing system. The traditional method uses wet mortar mix, the dry fixed system uses mechanical fasteners, making installation faster and easier.
Maintenance and Repairs of Terracotta Ridge Capping
Regular maintenance of terracotta ridge caps is the key to its long life and performance. Regular visual inspection is crucial to spot cracked or missing terracotta tiles, do it every spring, winter and fall. These inspections will prevent major issues and extend the life of the ridge capping.
If you see moss or algae growth on the ridge caps, it’s usually a sign of underlying moisture issues due to broken or crack tiles. Inspect the ridge caps for visible cracks, chips or gaps where water can penetrate. Check for water spots or stains on the ceiling or walls to identify leaks caused by damaged ridge capping.
Timely repair is crucial if damaged. Here’s how to repair terracotta ridge caps:
- Use roofing cement or fibre cement to fill in the cracks and seal properly.
- If the damage is extensive, it’s recommended to hire professional roofing contractors for customized solutions and safety during the repair process.
- To replace damaged tiles, lift the surrounding tiles with a pry bar, remove the broken tile and secure a new tile with roofing nails.
How to Choose the Right Terracotta Ridge Cap for Your Home
Several things to consider when choosing the right terracotta ridge cap for your home. First, consider the architectural style of your home to match the ridge cap to its design. A good ridge cap can enhance the visual appeal of your roof and home.
Colour and texture are also important. Choose a terracotta ridge cap that matches or complements your existing roof tiles and overall home design. So it will look cohesive and nice.
Last, check the durability and weather resistance of the terracotta ridge caps to suit your local climate. The right ridge cap should fit and provide protection based on the pitch and design of your roof.
Testimonials
Hear from satisfied customers like Matt to know more about the benefits and quality of terracotta ridge capping. Natalie was impressed with the professionalism and cleanliness of New Ridge Roofing staff during her roof restoration, she said the service was top notch.
Sasha was impressed with the speed and service of New Ridge Roofing and recommended their services to her friends and family because of the good experience. Such testimonials build credibility and trust to the products and services, so potential customers can make a informed decision.
Contact Us for Roofing Services
Roofing services can be very helpful if you’re thinking of terracotta ridge capping. Abdul Hafiz recommends New Ridge Roofing for their affordable roof restoration. Melbourne Plumbing and gutters likes Dean’s pricing and easy to work with for roofing jobs.
Dragon Roof Restoration provides affordable terracotta tile roofing in Australia on the Sunshine Coast, customer satisfaction with competitive pricing and experts. Melbourne Roof Tiling Services Pty Ltd also offers reliable and affordable terracotta roof restoration and repair. Contact them and your roofing project will be handled with care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, terracotta ridge capping offers exceptional benefits, from enhancing your home’s aesthetic appeal to providing robust weather protection and boosting property value. The key to harnessing these advantages lies in expert installation and diligent maintenance. Selecting the ideal terracotta ridge cap that complements your home’s architectural style, colour, and durability needs is crucial.
At Fremantle Roofing Service, we specialize in providing top-tier roofing solutions including roof restoration, roof cleaning and roof repair that align perfectly with your needs. Ready to elevate your home’s appearance and protection? Contact us today to discuss your roofing options and ensure your investment pays off with lasting benefits.
FAQs
What is the purpose of terracotta ridge capping?
The purpose of terracotta ridge capping is to prevent water from entering the ridges of a pitched roof and to enhance the roof’s visual appeal.
What are the standard sizes of terracotta ridge caps?
Standard terracotta ridge caps are 435mm long, 265mm wide and 88mm deep with 400mm cover length.
How often to inspect terracotta ridge caps?
Terracotta ridge caps should be inspected for damage or misalignment every spring, winter and fall so you can maintain them properly. Visual inspections should be done regularly to address any issues as soon as possible.
Can terracotta ridge caps add value to my home?
Yes, terracotta ridge caps can add value to your home by improving the roof’s looks and strength.
What to consider when choosing terracotta ridge caps for my roof?
When choosing terracotta ridge caps for your roof, consider architectural style, colour, texture, durability and weather resistance so it will match your home and provide protection.
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