Possible to retrofit dry ridge system
Jethro
now rather than have it remortared, I was wondering how easy/possible
it is to fit a dry ridge system.
Presumably you start with removing the old (curved) ridge tiles and
mortar. However all the instructions I have seem show a length of wood
either side of the ridge with no description as to how it got
there ... I suspect this is for new builds ....
Has anyone done this job ?
harry
Yes you can retrofit. However you will probably end up replaced the
top row of tiles as I expect the cement has stuck to them better than
you think. It gets down the back of them too. They can be cleaned
up, long job best done with 4" angle grinder and diamond disk. They
are pretty brittle.
There are various systems from different makers, you'll just have to
tour your local builders merchants and collect technical leaflets.
Most need the top row of tiles to come off anyway as they hold them
down too.
There are different sorts for slates and different tiles too.
(thickness related)
Most incorporate ridge ventilation.
You will need new ridges too, suitable to the system you choose.
harry
The lenght of wood is, I imagine, the topmost batten. ie the last row
of tiles is nailed to this and already exists in your roof. It may
need to be replaced/moved for your proposed new system.
Kipper at sea
There are 2 types of dry ridge system, 1, Roll out and 2, track.
Either can be used on slates or tiles any "profile".
You first have to take off the top row of tiles both sides of the roof
and the top tile or slate batten. In the Roll OUT type pack there is
a pack of metal straps theses are fixed to the top of the rafter with
one leg either side with the nails provided the other leg is wrapped
over a length of timber which runs the length of the ridge apex again
fixed with the nails provided. The top tile/ slate batten is re fixed
and the tiles or slates re fixed, there is a roll of membrane with a
corrugated edge both sides, this is rolled out the full length of the
timber fixed to the ridge and tacked with felt studs or staples. On
the underside of the corrugation piece there is a protective paper
that is pulled off and the corrugations stuck down either into the
profile or direct to the flat slate or tile. The ridge tiles are fixed
with the joint profile seal pushed into the end of one ridge and the
next ridge pushed into the other end of the profile. There is a screw
hole in the joint strip and a screw with a stainless steel retaining
clip Screw this through to the long timber until it clamps the ridge
tight. Do not over tighten as you may crack the ridge. You may have to
specify the type of manufacture of the ridge as not all ridge have the
same radius
The track system is mainly designed for profile tiles but can be used
on all types of roof covering. The same process used to fix the
timbers the only difference is the track system., this as to match the
make and profile of the slate or tiles.