Flexible pointing (roof tiles)
Flexible pointing is silicone-based ridge and verge compound replacing cement mortar pointing on tile roofs. 20+ year life, accommodates movement, AS 2050.
Ask Chalkline about this →Flexible pointing is a silicone-based or polymer-modified flexible pointing compound used at the ridge caps, hip caps and verge tiles of a concrete or clay roof tile installation, replacing the traditional cement mortar bedding and pointing. Flexible pointing is now the default install under AS 2050:2018 (Installation of roof tiles) on most residential reroof and new-build jobs, and it is specifically the alternative the standard contemplates where the older mortar pointing has failed (verified 2026-05-16).
Why flexible pointing replaced cement mortar pointing:
| Property | Cement mortar pointing | Flexible pointing |
|---|---|---|
| Service life | 5 to 10 years before cracking | 20+ years |
| Accommodates structural movement | No (rigid; cracks at every cycle) | Yes (flexes with daily and seasonal movement) |
| Adhesion to ridge cap | Mechanical only (cup-shape sticks) | Adhesive bond plus mechanical |
| UV stability | Yes (cement is UV-stable) | Yes (in modern formulations) |
| Repair after failure | Chop out and re-point (whole run) | Topical repair possible at the joint |
Install method (typical ridge cap, two-coat flexible pointing system):
- Bedding course of standard cement mortar (sand-cement, no admixture) sets the ridge cap to the correct height and line. This is the structural bed; flexible pointing does not replace it.
- Bedding mortar is allowed to cure for at least 24 hours before flexible pointing is applied.
- Flexible pointing (silicone or polymer-modified) is gunned into the joint between the ridge cap and the underlying tile course, smoothed with a wet finger or pointing tool.
- Colour-matched to the ridge cap or to the tile; modern formulations come in 8 to 12 standard residential colours.
For retrofit and reroof jobs: the old cement mortar pointing is chopped out and the flexible pointing is applied in place. The bedding mortar is usually re-applied first if it has crumbled. Many roofers offer this as a stand-alone trade (“pointing renewal”) for tile-roof maintenance.
Standards and warranty. Under AS 2050:2018, flexible pointing must be from a manufacturer’s certified product list, applied per the manufacturer’s specification, and warranted by the installer typically for 10 to 25 years. The warranty period is in writing; the certificate is given to the homeowner at completion.
Common defects:
- Applied without bedding mortar (or to a fresh bed that hasn’t cured), creating a loose joint that tears under wind load.
- Wrong colour selection (faded by year 5 to a noticeable contrast).
- Sun-exposed installation at incompatible temperatures (above the manufacturer’s cure-window limit), causing skinning before structural cure.
- Inadequate cover at the verge, leaving the verge tile loose.
Also known as: silicone pointing; polymer pointing; flexi-point; flexible ridge pointing.
Category: Roofing.
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Last updated: 2026-05-16. Verified: 2026-05-16. Quarterly review for currency.