

Technology is ever-evolving. The building industry cannot rely on traditional methods forever, or else we will remain static. Adapting roofing systems is an integral part of adapting to the modern world.
This is where dry ridging is taking the world of roofing by storm. A mechanical method of fixing ridge tiles to the roof, this innovative technology is easier, faster and longer-lasting than the traditional mortar system. Australia is yet to reap the extensive benefits of dry roofing—why not get ahead of the game and design your home with the latest practices in mind?
Shift to an inviting, groundbreaking technology and read on to see why dry ridging is leading the future of efficient, sustainable roofing.
What Is Dry Fixing?
A popular system in Europe, dry roofing is yet to take off in Australia. A brand new concept, dry roofing ventilates your home naturally and is highly cost-effective. Dry roofing or dry fixing is a building method that uses mechanical technologies to fix your roof tiles in place. Moving away from the traditional “wet” mortar, dry ridging relies only on screws, fasteners and clamps.
Roof tiles are fixed directly onto timber that runs the entire length of the ridge. These enforce the mainframe and allow for a waterproof membrane to be added. Tiles are laid on the waterproof covering and attached with stainless steel connectors.
You can install dry roofing with or without added ventilation. In the hot Australian sun, ventilation in the home is a priority for most of us. Dry ridging includes a passive ventilation system that facilitates natural cooling.
This system is fixed mechanically, using the natural movement of air to reduce heat transfer into the building. At the top of the roof, an open ridge sits under the ridge cap. Then, eaves vents sit under the last course of tiles and encourage air to continually circulate through the tiles. A UV stabilised ridge flashing is laid on top of the tiles to protect against the worst of the sun’s rays.
3 Benefits of Dry Roofing
Dry roofing can reduce your energy bills, save you stress and looks aesthetically more pleasing than ventilated mortar fixed roofs. Investing in this new technology will keep your home design in line with the best practices in the roofing world.
Easier to Install
Dry roofing is easy to install. Builders and roofers can install a dry ridge system in half the time it takes to install a traditional mortar roof. This lowers costs and labour efforts. You also benefit from using only one product. Furthermore, builders can construct dry roofing in all weathers. Unlike the traditional mortar process, builders can dry-fix every day of the year.
Maintenance
With an estimated half a century life span, a dry ridge is stress-free. Its proven resilience to weather conditions makes it a more effective, longer-lasting method. Australia already has a variable climate, and as extreme weather conditions are on the rise, a dry fixed roof makes increasing sense. Save yourself time and money by investing in this durable roof system.
Ventilation
As explained above, dry fixed ridge uses a natural cooling system to protect your home from Australia’s most extreme sun. Ventilation is crucial for the health of you and your home. It helps reduce temperature and moisture build-up, protecting the structure of the roof and the freshness of the air within the home.
Dry Fixing Vs. Traditional Mortar
So let’s compare the two systems. Traditional mortar has been a consistent part of Australia’s roofing industry. However, is it time for a change?
Dry Fix System
The pros of a dry fix system include:
- Ease of installation—saving you and your builders time and money.
- Zero maintenance—dry ridge tiles don’t degrade, unlike those attached with mortar.
- An innovative, cost-effective ventilation system.
A dry fixed roof is, therefore, a more sustainable option. As we all look to reduce our energy use, using a dry fix system for your roofing will save time, resources and money in the future.
Traditional Mortar
Mortar is currently the most widely used practice in Australia. However, it is less used in Europe. In fact, using mortar to fix roofs in the UK has been a restricted practice since 2015. So why is Australia behind the times?
The average Australian energy bill can be up to $2,224 annually. The good news is, with dry fixed roofing, you can reduce your energy costs by 5%. Mortar, however, doesn’t allow you to install a cost-free ventilation system. Instead, you rely on unattractive, costly, external ventilation systems to keep your house cool.
In addition, mortar lacks flexibility. The rigid fix of the roof prevents the house from moving, as it needs to in response to road vibrations, natural expansion and contraction and heavy winds. Dry ridging has been tested against winds as high as 100mph. Mortar cracks as it ages, falling out and leaving your home unprotected.
However, using traditional mortar isn’t all bad. It has its uses in historic properties or preserving the heritage of some buildings. Yet, its short lifespan and costly installation and repair fall far behind a dry fixed roof.
The Dry Fixing Innovation Taking Over Australia
There really are few benefits of using traditional mortar to fix your roof tiles when dry ridging is available. With increased resilience, ventilation and cost-effectiveness, dry fixing is sure to take Australia by storm.
If you want to install a dry fixed roof, contact your local contractor and ask whether they offer dry ridging. It’s time for Australia to catch up to the rest of the world and take advantage of this durable, efficient and cheap technology.
Call (02 9666 1069) or email (info@evobuild.com.au) us today to discuss you options when it comes to installing a dry fixed roof.