What is a vorsthoed?
A vorsthoed (Dutch, literally “ridge hat”) is a ceramic fitting shaped like a half dome, with cut-outs that fit over the adjoining ridge tiles. It is used at the point where several ridges or hips meet.
Where is it used?
On a simple gable roof the ridge runs in one straight line, so no such fitting is needed. It comes into play where three or more ridge or hip lines meet:
- Hip roof: at both ends of the ridge, the ridge and two hips meet, giving three lines.
- Pyramid roof: all hips meet at one point, often four.
- Compound roofs, such as T- or L-shaped roofs, where ridges of different roof sections join.
At such a junction you cannot make a neat, watertight connection with loose ridge tiles. The fitting covers the junction in one piece; the ridge and hip tiles slide with their ends under or into the cut-outs.
In practice
- Choose the fitting from the same system as the ridge tiles, with the same profile, colour and engobe or glaze. Manufacturers supply fittings per tile and ridge type.
- Check the number of connections. Versions exist for three and for four adjoining lines; the angle between ridge and hips must suit the fitting.
- Fix it mechanically. The fitting sits on the highest and most wind-exposed point of the roof. Secure it with the matching clip or screw, even if the ridge is bedded in mortar.
- Seal the underside with the ridge seal that belongs to the system, such as a ridge roll, to keep out rain and birds.
Related terms
- Ridge tile
- Roof ridge
- Hip
- Hip roof
- Pyramid roof
- Ridge tile clip
- Ridge roll
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