Dry Ridge vs Mortar Ridge: Which Is Better?

Short answer: a dry ridge system is mechanically screwed and clipped down, with no mortar to crack or wash out, so it needs far less maintenance and the ridge tiles can't blow off in high winds the way loose mortar-bedded ones do. On a re-roof we fit dry ridge as standard, and on an existing roof it's usually the best fix for ridges that keep coming loose.

What's the difference?

Mortar ridge: the traditional way. Ridge tiles are bedded on sand and cement along the top of the roof. It looks good when new, but mortar shrinks, cracks and washes out over the years, and the tiles work loose.

Dry ridge: the ridge tiles are fixed to a timber batten with screws and clips, over a breathable roll-out strip that seals the ridge and lets the roof space ventilate. No mortar is involved.

Pros and cons

• Dry ridge: mechanically fixed, so tiles can't blow off; no mortar to crack or repoint; ventilates the roof space; meets current fixing standards
• Dry ridge downside: costs a little more than re-bedding, and the look is slightly different from a traditional mortar line
• Mortar ridge: traditional look, and sometimes required on listed buildings or in conservation areas
• Mortar ridge downside: needs re-pointing or re-bedding every 15 to 25 years, and loose ridges are a common cause of storm damage and leaks

What dry ridge costs in Doncaster

Fitting a dry ridge system to an existing roof usually costs £700 to £3,000 including VAT, depending on the length of the ridge, any hips, and whether scaffold is needed. Re-bedding mortar ridges typically costs £1,050 to £3,600. Prices are from our own Doncaster jobs in 2025 and 2026.

When is it worth upgrading to dry ridge?

If your ridge tiles are loose, the mortar is cracked or falling out, or you've had ridges come off in a storm, dry ridge is usually the better long-term fix than re-bedding. If you're having a new roof, it's included as standard in our re-roofs.

Ridges loose or cracked?

Want an honest price for your roof? We're family-run, roofing in Doncaster since 2014, with 180+ five-star Google reviews. Inspections are free and you'll get a written, fixed-price quote within 24 hours. Use the form on this page, call 01302 456781, or WhatsApp us a photo.