The Dry Fixed Roofing System from RapidRidge is a relatively new concept to Australia, a transformative move away from a traditional ‘wet’ method of mortar and pointing for securing ridge caps.
The Dry Fixed Roofing System does not degrade over time, meaning there is no need for future maintenance, making it a more cost-effective system than the traditional style.
However, to understand the real advantages of this latest system, we need to dive into the idea of ridge capping and how this latest technology improves the roofing process.
What is Ridge Capping?
A ridge cap is an essential part of any roofing installation.
Ridge capping is a type of roofing material that is used to cover the ridges of a pitched roof (where two roof sides meet). It is typically made of metal or asphalt and is used to protect the roof from water damage and to provide a finished look to the roof.
For example, a metal ridge cap would provide an attractive finish to corrugated steel roofs, and comes in many available colours for a neat finishing touch to corrugated roofing.
Ridge capping is installed along the roof’s peak and is designed to fit snugly over the top of the roof tiles or shingles. It is essential to properly install ridge capping to ensure that the roof is adequately sealed and protected from water damage.
Therefore, ridge capping is important for three key reasons:
- Ridge capping helps to give the roof a polished, aesthetically pleasing look. It covers the ridge of the roof and gives it a cohesive, professional appearance. An aesthetically pleasing roof can increase the value of your home.
- It protects the top of the roof and prevents water from entering through the gaps between the roof tiles or shingles. This could cause damage to the roof and the building itself.
- Effective ridge capping extends the life of your roof, making it a cost-effective investment to get it right.
What Is the Traditional Style of Ridge Capping?
The traditional “wet” method of mortar and pointing for securing ridge caps involves using a wet mortar mix to secure the ridge caps to the roof.
This method involves preparing a wet mortar mix by combining cement, sand, and water in a specific ratio. The wet mortar mix is then applied to the roof using a trowel or similar tool, and the ridge caps are pressed into the wet mortar to secure them in place. Once the mortar has dried, it creates a strong and durable bond that helps to keep the ridge caps in place and protect the roof from water damage.
The traditional wet method of mortar and pointing has been used for many years and is still a popular choice for securing ridge caps. However, this type of roof capping requires ongoing maintenance due to natural wear and tear.
What is Roll-Top Ridge Capping?
Roll-top ridge capping is a type of roofing material that is used to cover the ridge of a pitched roof. It is made of metal and is designed to fit snugly over the top of the roof tiles or shingles. Roll top ridge capping is a type of ridge cap that is made in a long, continuous strip, with one end of the strip designed to overlap the other end when it is installed on the roof. This creates a “roll” effect at the top of the roof, hence the name “roll top” ridge capping.
Roll-top ridge capping is typically made of metal, such as aluminum, steel, or zinc, and is available in a variety of colors to match the roof. It is a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings because it is durable, long-lasting, and resistant to weathering and corrosion. Roll-top ridge capping is also relatively easy to install and maintain, making it a convenient choice for many homeowners and building owners.
How Is a Dry Fixed Ridge Roofing System Different?
A dry fixed ridge roofing system is a type of roofing system that is designed to be installed without the use of wet mortar or other adhesive materials. Instead, dry fixed ridge systems use mechanical fasteners, such as screws or nails, to secure the roofing materials to the roof. This type of system is typically used for installing ridge caps.
One of the main advantages of a dry fixed ridge roofing system is that it is quick and easy to install. It does not require the use of wet mortar, which can be messy and time-consuming to mix and apply. A dry fixed ridge system can also be more durable and long-lasting than a wet fixed system, as the mechanical fasteners used for ridge caps provide a stronger bond than wet mortar. In addition, a dry fixed ridge system can be easier to maintain, as there are no wet mortar joints that can crack or deteriorate over time.
RapidRidge Dry Fixed Roofing System
RapidRidge consists of 3 components that work together to securely hold the ridge caps in place. A UV-stabilised ridge flashing is placed over the ridge and affixed to the tiles with butyl strips. We use mechanical clips to securely attach the ridge tiles to the roof, eliminating the need to use more complicated and old-fashioned mortar for bonding. The ridge tile is fixed securely with the clips to the ridge batten, which is held in place by the batten holder.
The batten holders can withstand high winds and can be bent and split by hand to suit various heights and rafter alignments. The clips hold the ridge caps securely in place and are designed specifically to suit Australian houses. The whole system is currently available in either black or terracotta.
Ultimately, this ridge capping system using mechanical clips makes for a professional-looking roof that will require much less ongoing maintenance than traditional methods that use mortar for roof capping. Without the need to mix mortar, this roof capping method also reduces the installation time and can be installed in all weather conditions.
Consider RapidRidge for your roof installation to make the most of the latest roof mapping technology to protect your home.