What is a ridge tile clip?
A ridge tile clip or ridge tile hook (Dutch: vorsthaak) is a hook or clip that holds the ridge tile in place, so it cannot slide or be blown off. It grips around or into the ridge tile and is fixed to the ridge batten or the structure below.
Why a ridge tile clip?
The ridge is the highest part of the roof and the most exposed to wind. In the past, ridge tiles were bedded in mortar only. Mortar, however, cracks due to temperature changes and small roof movements, after which tiles can come loose. With a dry ridge system (no mortar), the clip is the main fixing; with a mortar-bedded ridge, clips are often added as extra security.
Types
There are many types of ridge clips. Which one you need depends on the ridge tile and the manufacturer’s system:
- Clips screwed or nailed to the ridge batten that grip over the edge of the ridge tile.
- Clips that sit between two ridge tiles and hold both tiles at the overlap.
- Clips for specific ridge shapes, depending on the tile model.
In practice
- Use the clip designed for the ridge tile. Manufacturers supply clips per ridge tile type; a universal clip does not always fit well.
- Choose corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless or galvanised steel, with matching screws or nails.
- Set the ridge batten at the right height, so the ridge tiles sit neatly on the top course of tiles and the clip can grip properly.
- Check after a storm whether ridge tiles have shifted and clips are still secure.
- Follow the tile manufacturer’s fixing guidance; it sets how much fixing is needed depending on the wind load at the site.
Related terms
- Ridge tile
- Roof ridge
- Ridge purlin
- Slate hook
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