

Dry Ridge Roofing: Case Study Of The UK Building Trade
Australia’s building industry is far behind the times. As the UK and Europe surge ahead with new innovative technologies, Australia remains steadfast in its traditional ways. At the core of Australia’s old-fashioned systems is our insistence on using mortar to fix roofing in place.
Dry verge roof edging has long been the fashion in the UK, with positive results and a booming building trade. So what is the UK doing right?
What is a dry roof system?
Dry ridge roofing is a method of placing ridge and hip tiles without the use of mortar. Engaging mechanical screws, fasteners and clamps, a dry roof system is durable, resilient and weather-proof.
Pros and Cons
There are a few disadvantages to switching to a dry roof system. However, there are many benefits Australia is yet to reap.
The dry verge roof edging allows builders to install a ventilation system that utilises natural cooling methods to prevent heat from entering the house. They are low-cost, efficient and aesthetically pleasing. With improved flexibility and a guarantee of no future maintenance issues, a dry ridge roof will be highly beneficial for Australia’s building trade to take advantage of.
The UK has been using a dry roof system since the twentieth century, lowering energy costs and improving the durability of their roofs.
The Rise of Dry Ridge Roofing In The UK
Mortar is a centuries-old roofing strategy. Tiles, sand and cement have gone hand in hand since man first learned to build shelters. However, in the last hundred years, the UK has revolutionised its roofing trade.
A dry ridge roof found its home in the UK quickly. As it only requires a few materials, none of which are wet, builders can complete dry roofing in all weathers. Known as one of the rainiest countries, the dry roof system enabled builders and construction workers to install roofs every day of the year, no matter the weather.
While mortar has stood us well for thousands of years, receiving every treatment imaginable, it also requires constant upkeep and maintenance. In the fast-paced, constantly evolving world we live in today, no one has time to employ builders to continuously fix roof repairs every few years. Furthermore, in Australia, roof replacements and repairs can cost up to $20,000.
The UK’s switch to a dry ridge roof promises to be maintenance-free for up to an estimated fifty years. Although sceptics question the durability of the fastenings used for dry verge roof edging, only UV tested materials are used that are guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Dry ridge roofing has grown in popularity across the UK as builders and construction companies see the value of low-cost, easy to install roofing techniques. In addition, dry roofing is thought to be safer for construction workers. It is also far more efficient, allowing builders to complete jobs much more rapidly and improve productivity.
As in every country, there are mortar loyalists. However, with the introduction of new regulations, the UK has revolutionised its roofing industry. Now, dry ridge systems are the predominant method for installing new roofs across the UK.
Dry Ridge Roof Regulations
With the burgeoning demand for roof materials in the last twenty years, the UK also saw a rise in low-quality products on sale. This, of course, resulted in poor roofs that did not meet standards. Similarly, the continued use of poor mortar-produced roofs resulted in increased reporting of problems. Two-thirds of roofing issues resulted from mortar fixing.
In response, the UK introduced new regulations to combat low-quality roofing and improve the UK’s building industry. BS 5534 was introduced in 2014. This new code of practices demanded that all ridge and hip tiles must be mechanically fixed with dry ridge roof methods. It specified the exact specifications for materials used to dry fix roofs, such as UV testing.
More recently, in 2018, the UK followed with BS 8216. This new set of regulations has furthered the standard specifications for construction workers to use. The new standards respond to the durability of dry roofing materials against strong winds. The UK is now required to test mechanical resistance to wind load in each area a new roof is constructed.
The new standards also introduce tests to determine the effectiveness of the material at water drainage. All dry ridge roof products now must comply with strict specifications.
Therefore, the UK’s systematic change in roofing practices has introduced the nation to safer, more resilient roofs that stand the test of time. While builders might have to conduct more thorough research before installing the roof, the new regulations have reduced roofing complaints, saving construction companies time and money in the long run.
The UK construction industry is now thriving, seeing its fastest growth period since 2014 despite the impact of the global pandemic.
When Will Australia Follow?
Australia is yet to take up the mantle of dry ridge roofing. While the market of dry fixing is burgeoning, the country has a long way to go before it reaps the full benefits of dry ridge roofing. The majority of Australians still stand by the traditional mortar practice—an inefficient, low-quality, costly roofing method.
Australia’s construction industry is set to grow 2.4% in the next five years. Taking advantage of innovative new technologies, such as the UK’s highly popular dry fixing methods, will only improve those odds further. We’ve seen the success rates of the UK’s switch to dry ridge roofing and can testify its durability, sustainability and economic benefits.
So, if you’re redesigning your home, make sure to stay up to date with the industry’s best practices.
Get in touch with us today if you want to learn about RapidRidge, our dry fixed roofing solution.
Call 02 9666 1069 or email info@evobuild.com.au.