Ridge, Hip and Bonnet replacments
Ridge, Hip and Bonnet Tile Replacements
Bespoke Roofing & Renovations provides professional ridge, hip and bonnet tile repairs and replacements throughout Sussex.
Ridge and hip tiles protect some of the highest and most exposed junctions on a pitched roof. Bonnet tiles provide a shaped covering over the hips of many traditional plain-tiled roofs. When these components become loose, cracked or displaced, they can allow water to enter the roof and may present a serious risk during high winds.
Our service covers everything from replacing individual damaged tiles to renewing complete ridge, hip and bonnet lines. We work with traditional mortar-finished roofs and modern mechanically fixed dry-ridge and dry-hip systems.
Every roof is inspected before work is recommended. We consider the condition of the tiles, mortar, fixings, roof covering, battens and membrane so that the quotation addresses the underlying problem rather than simply covering over visible deterioration.
To arrange a free inspection and written quotation, email cameron@bespoke-roofing.com.
What Are Ridge, Hip and Bonnet Tiles?
Ridge, hip and bonnet tiles each protect a different part of a pitched roof.
Ridge tiles
Ridge tiles run horizontally along the highest point where two roof slopes meet. They protect the upper junction from rain and wind while forming the visible finish along the roof’s peak.
Ridge tiles are available in different profiles, including half-round, angled and decorative designs. Replacement tiles should be compatible with the roof covering and, where possible, match the appearance of the existing roof.
Hip tiles
A hip is the external sloping junction between two roof elevations. Hip tiles run from the eaves towards the ridge, protecting this exposed junction.
Hip tiles may be traditionally bedded in mortar or incorporated into a mechanically fixed dry-hip system. Their exposed position makes secure installation particularly important.
Bonnet tiles
Bonnet tiles are curved tiles commonly used to form the hips of roofs covered with clay or concrete plain tiles. Their shape allows them to wrap around the hip while maintaining the coursing and appearance of the surrounding roof covering.
Bonnet hips are a distinctive feature of many traditional Sussex properties. Repairs require careful setting out because incorrect alignment, excessive mortar or badly matched tiles can noticeably affect the appearance of the roof.
Signs That Ridge or Hip Work May Be Required
Problems around a ridge or hip are not always obvious from ground level. Warning signs can include:
Cracked or missing mortar
Loose ridge or hip tiles
Tiles that have moved out of alignment
Sections of mortar appearing in gutters or on the ground
Cracked ridge, hip or bonnet tiles
Missing bonnet tiles
Gaps beneath the ridge or hip covering
Water staining within the loft
Leaks following wind-driven rain
Visible movement during high winds
Previous mortar repairs repeatedly failing
Tiles displaced following a storm
Moss concealing deteriorated mortar joints
Uneven or heavily weathered rooflines
A small crack in the pointing does not necessarily mean the complete ridge must be replaced. Equally, applying a thin layer of new mortar over extensively failed bedding is unlikely to provide a satisfactory long-term repair.
We inspect the condition and stability of the complete affected area before recommending the appropriate work.
Ridge Tile Repairs
Where the majority of a ridge remains sound, it may be possible to undertake a focused repair.
This can include:
Replacing an individual cracked ridge tile
Re-securing a locally displaced tile
Repairing a short section of failed bedding
Renewing defective joints
Replacing a missing end ridge
Repairing the junction between two ridge lines
Correcting a failed ridge-to-hip junction
Replacing damaged ridge end caps
Repairing storm-damaged sections
Localised work is only suitable where the surrounding ridge remains stable. If the original mortar has deteriorated along most of the roofline, replacing one small section may leave neighbouring tiles vulnerable to further movement.
Complete Ridge Replacement
Complete ridge renewal may be recommended where:
Mortar has failed along most of the ridge
Multiple ridge tiles are loose
Previous pointing has detached
The ridge has become uneven or distorted
Tiles have been repeatedly displaced
Existing fixings are inadequate
Several tiles are cracked or heavily weathered
The adjoining roof covering is being renewed
A mechanically fixed system is being installed
The existing ridge tiles are carefully removed and inspected. Suitable tiles may sometimes be retained, although replacement materials may be required where tiles are cracked, badly weathered or incompatible with the proposed system.
The ridge can then be reinstated using a suitable mortar-and-mechanical-fixing specification or a proprietary dry-ridge system.
Mortar-Bedded Ridge and Hip Tiles
Mortar has traditionally been used to bed and finish ridge, hip and bonnet tiles. It remains visually appropriate for many older and traditionally detailed properties.
However, exposed mortar naturally deteriorates over time. Temperature changes, frost, structural movement and persistent wind-driven rain can all contribute to cracking and separation.
Where traditional mortar bedding is appropriate, the work can include:
Removing loose ridge or hip tiles
Carefully clearing defective bedding mortar
Inspecting the surrounding roof covering
Replacing damaged tiles
Preparing a secure bedding surface
Re-bedding the tiles in a suitable mortar mix
Aligning the roofline
Forming neat, weathered mortar finishes
Incorporating suitable mechanical restraint where required
Removing debris and checking the completed roofline
Applying a thin coating of new mortar over loose or deeply cracked material is commonly called overpointing. This may improve the appearance temporarily but does not correct failed bedding beneath a loose tile.
Where the original bedding has failed, lifting and properly re-bedding the affected tiles is normally the more dependable solution.
Mechanically Fixed Ridge and Hip Systems
Modern roofing standards place increased importance on mechanical fixing because mortar alone should not be relied upon to resist wind loading.
A dry-ridge or dry-hip system secures the tiles with mechanical components rather than depending primarily on exposed mortar. Depending on the product and roof construction, this may include:
Ridge or hip unions
Fixing screws
Clamps
Ridge or hip rolls
Support trays
Hip trays
Batten straps
Weather-sealing components
Ventilation paths
The principal benefits can include:
Secure mechanical fixing
Reduced dependence on exposed mortar
Consistent tile alignment
Easier future maintenance
Resistance to normal weathering of mortar
Ventilation where the selected system is designed to provide it
A neat and uniform finish
Dry-fix components must be suitable for the tile profile, roof pitch and exposure. They must also be installed in accordance with the system manufacturer’s requirements.
Technical standards relevant to pitched roofing and dry-fix systems are listed by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors.
Dry Ridge or Mortar Ridge: Which Is Best?
Neither method is automatically appropriate for every roof.
A dry-ridge system is often a practical choice for modern concrete or clay tiled roofs. It provides mechanical fixing and avoids exposed bedding mortar along the ridge.
Traditional mortar finishes may remain preferable where:
The building has an established traditional appearance
Bonnet tiles form part of the original roof design
Planning or conservation requirements affect the finish
A compatible dry-fix system is unavailable
The existing tile profile requires specialist detailing
The ridge or hip arrangement is unusually complex
Where mortar is used, appropriate mechanical restraint should still be considered to satisfy the roof specification and current fixing requirements.
We explain the proposed system within the quotation rather than changing the appearance of the roof without agreement.
Hip Tile Repairs and Replacement
Hip tiles protect long, exposed junctions and must withstand considerable wind loading. Their failure can expose the cut edges of the adjoining roof covering and the underlying membrane.
Our hip work can include:
Re-bedding loose hip tiles
Replacing broken hip tiles
Renewing complete hip lines
Installing dry-hip systems
Replacing defective hip support
Renewing adjacent cut tiles
Correcting poorly aligned hip tiles
Repairing the junction between hips and ridges
Renewing mortar at the base of the hip
Replacing storm-damaged tiles
When a hip is stripped, the adjacent tiles, battens and membrane should also be examined. If water has entered through a failed hip for a prolonged period, deterioration may extend beyond the visible mortar.
Where necessary, associated work can be included within the quotation.
Bonnet Tile Repairs and Replacement
Bonnet tiles are frequently found on plain-tiled roofs and form an important part of their character. Their curved shape must align with the adjoining courses while protecting the hip beneath.
Common bonnet-tile problems include:
Cracked or broken tiles
Failed bedding mortar
Excessive movement
Missing bonnet tiles
Poorly matched previous replacements
Open joints between courses
Weathered mortar fillets
Incorrect alignment
Storm damage
Water entry beneath the hip covering
We can replace individual damaged bonnet tiles or renew complete bonnet lines where deterioration is widespread.
Matching older bonnet tiles can sometimes be challenging because colour, profile and dimensions vary between manufacturers and periods. Where an exact match is unavailable, we explain the closest suitable options before installation.
On older or conservation-sensitive properties, retaining suitable original tiles may help preserve the roof’s appearance.
Storm-Damaged Ridge and Hip Tiles
Ridge and hip tiles occupy some of the most exposed positions on a property. Strong winds can dislodge tiles that were already weakened by cracked mortar, corrosion or inadequate fixing.
Following suspected storm damage, the affected area should be assessed promptly. A loose ridge or hip tile may fall from the roof or expose the membrane and roof structure to further water penetration.
Our storm-damage service can include:
Drone-assisted inspection where appropriate
Photographs of the affected roofline
Replacement of missing tiles
Temporary weather protection where practical
Re-bedding or mechanical fixing
Inspection of surrounding tiles
Written descriptions of the proposed work
Photographs following completion
Whether the cost is covered by an insurer depends on the policy, evidence and cause of damage. Insurance approval should not be assumed simply because damage followed severe weather.
Repointing Versus Re-Bedding
Repointing and re-bedding are not the same operation.
Repointing
Repointing involves renewing the exposed outer mortar joint. It may be appropriate where the tile remains secure and the main bedding mortar is still sound.
Re-bedding
Re-bedding requires the tile to be lifted, failed mortar removed and the tile installed again onto new bedding with appropriate fixing.
If a ridge, hip or bonnet tile is moving, simply pointing around it will not reliably secure the tile. Re-bedding or replacement is normally required.
We avoid recommending cosmetic pointing where the underlying bedding has already failed.
Matching Existing Ridge, Hip and Bonnet Tiles
Roof tiles vary considerably in:
Profile
Length and width
Angle
Colour
Surface texture
Material
Age
Manufacturer
Fixing arrangement
Before ordering replacements, we identify the closest available match. Salvaged tiles may sometimes be considered for older roofs, although they must be checked for cracks, excessive weathering and suitability for reuse.
A replacement does not always weather to the same colour immediately. New clay and concrete tiles can appear more prominent until natural weathering reduces the contrast.
Ridge Ventilation
Some mechanically fixed ridge systems are designed to provide high-level ventilation as well as weather protection. This can form part of a wider condensation-control strategy.
However, installing a ventilated ridge does not automatically resolve every condensation problem. The complete roof design must be considered, including:
Eaves ventilation
Insulation position
Airflow paths
Roofing membrane type
Vapour control
Extractor fan discharge
Loft use
Roof pitch and construction
Ventilation improvements should therefore be specified as part of the complete roof system rather than treated as an isolated accessory.
Associated Roofing Work
Ridge and hip deterioration can occur alongside problems affecting other parts of the roof.
Associated work may include:
Replacing broken tiles or slates
Renewing valley lining
Chimney repointing
Lead flashing replacement
Verge repairs
Eaves support installation
Moss removal
Gutter clearance
Complete roof replacement
Roof ventilation improvements
Where related work is required, it will be identified separately within the quotation.
Scaffolding and Safe Access
Ridge and hip tiles are positioned at height and cannot normally be repaired safely from a ladder alone.
Bespoke Roofing operates an in-house scaffolding division, allowing us to plan suitable access around the roof work. Depending on the property, scaffolding may be required to:
Provide a secure working platform
Protect people below the work
Reach the complete ridge or hip line
Store replacement materials safely
Access chimney and adjoining details
Reduce the risk of damaging lower roof coverings
Allow loose materials to be removed safely
The required scaffolding is identified during the inspection and included within the quotation where applicable.
Planning and Conservation Considerations
Repairing a roof using materials that match its existing appearance will not usually require planning permission. However, additional restrictions may apply to listed buildings, conservation areas and properties subject to specific planning conditions.
Changing a traditional mortar-finished ridge to a visibly different dry-fix system may require consideration on a protected or historically sensitive property.
General information is available from the Planning Portal’s roof guidance. Property owners should confirm requirements with their local planning authority when consent may be necessary.
Why Choose Bespoke Roofing & Renovations?
Bespoke Roofing & Renovations is a family-run Sussex roofing and scaffolding company with more than 20 years of industry experience.
Our service includes:
Individual and complete roofline replacements
Traditional and modern roofing methods
Dry-ridge and dry-hip installation
Bonnet tile replacement
Drone-assisted inspections where appropriate
In-house scaffolding
Clear written quotations
Photographic evidence
£10 million public liability insurance
Registered waste-carrier status
Guarantees on qualifying work
Removal of roofing waste
One company coordinating scaffolding and roofing
Our membership can be checked through our official Federation of Master Builders profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replace one ridge or hip tile?
Yes. Where the remaining roofline is stable and the replacement tile can be matched, an individual tile replacement may be possible.
Should loose ridge tiles be repointed or re-bedded?
If the tile itself is loose, repointing the outside edge is unlikely to secure it properly. The tile will normally need to be lifted and re-bedded or incorporated into an appropriate mechanically fixed system.
Can existing ridge tiles be reused?
Potentially. Existing tiles can be reused where they remain sound, compatible and suitable for the proposed fixing method.
What is a dry-ridge system?
A dry-ridge system uses mechanical fixings and purpose-made weathering components to secure ridge tiles without depending primarily on exposed mortar.
Are dry-ridge systems maintenance-free?
No roofing component is completely maintenance-free. Dry-fix systems remove the problem of exposed bedding mortar, but the roof should still be inspected periodically and after particularly severe weather.
Can bonnet tiles be dry-fixed?
Bonnet tiles are traditionally installed as part of a mortar-finished hip. The appropriate fixing method depends on the particular tile, roof construction and available manufacturer’s system. We assess this before specifying the work.
Can you match old bonnet tiles?
We attempt to source the closest suitable match. Exact matches are not always available for older tiles, so the available options will be explained before work begins.
Do you provide scaffolding?
Yes. Our in-house scaffolding division can provide the required access as part of the roofing quotation.
Does ridge replacement require planning permission?
Like-for-like repairs will not usually require permission, but listed buildings, conservation areas and material changes can be subject to additional requirements. The relevant local authority should be consulted where there is uncertainty.
Do you provide written guarantees?
Qualifying work is supplied with a written guarantee. Its duration and coverage depend on the system and extent of work and will be confirmed in the quotation.
Request a Ridge, Hip or Bonnet Tile Quotation
If your ridge, hip or bonnet tiles are loose, cracked, missing or surrounded by deteriorating mortar, Bespoke Roofing & Renovations can inspect the roof and explain the available repair or replacement options.
Email cameron@bespoke-roofing.com to request a free, no-obligation quotation.
For information about our company and wider range of roofing services, visit the Bespoke Roofing Brighton homepage..
