What is a ridge tile?
A ridge tile (Dutch: vorstpan) is the roof tile that sits on the ridge of a roof. It covers the top courses of the adjoining roof slopes, so rain and wind cannot reach the ordinary tiles.
Types of ridge tile
- Half-round ridge: the classic curved shape.
- Angled or V-shaped ridge: with a crease instead of a curve, often on crisper roofs.
- Start and end ridge tiles: with a closed end, for the start and end of the ridge at the gable.
- Ventilated ridge: with openings or combined with a ventilated ridge seal, so moist air can escape from under the tiles.
- Fittings for points where several ridges and hips meet.
Ridge tiles come per tile model and colour; choose them from the same system as the roof tiles.
Mortar-bedded or dry ridge
- Mortar-bedded ridge: the ridge tiles are laid in mortar. This is the traditional method, but mortar cracks over time due to temperature changes and small movements. Loose ridge tiles and leaks follow.
- Dry ridge: the ridge tiles rest on a ridge batten, are fixed with ridge clips and sealed underneath with a flexible ridge roll. No mortar, less maintenance, and the roof can ventilate.
| Mortar-bedded ridge | Ridge tiles laid in mortar. Traditional method, but the mortar cracks over time due to temperature changes and small movements, leading to loose ridge tiles and leaks. |
|---|---|
| Dry ridge | Ridge tiles rest on a ridge batten, fixed with ridge clips and sealed underneath with a flexible ridge roll. No mortar, less maintenance, and the roof can ventilate. |
Laying and maintenance tips
- Set the ridge batten so the ridge tiles overlap the top course of tiles sufficiently on both sides.
- Lay the tiles with the laps facing away from the prevailing wind, so wind and rain are not driven under the overlap.
- Fix every ridge tile according to the manufacturer’s instructions; wind load is highest at the ridge.
- Inspect the ridge after a storm and, on older roofs, every year for cracked mortar and shifted or broken tiles.
Related terms
- Roof ridge
- Ridge tile clip
- Ridge roll
- Thatch ridge tile
- Roof tiles
- Vorsthoed
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