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Pointing (ridge tiles)

Pointing is the mortar or flexible polymer compound applied over ridge bedding on tiled roofs to seal and finish. Flexible acrylic is the new-work default.

By Dan Waring. Last updated 16 May 2026. Verified 16 May 2026.

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Pointing in tiled roofing is the mortar or flexible polymer compound applied over the ridge bedding (or hip bedding) of a tiled roof to seal and visually finish the joint between the ridge cap or hip cap and the underlying tile courses. Pointing must:

  1. Seal the joint against water entry.
  2. Accommodate the thermal expansion/contraction of the roof system.
  3. Hold the ridge cap securely on the bedding mortar.
  4. Provide a clean visible finish (pointing is highly visible from the ground).

Two main approaches: traditional cement pointing (which historically lasted but is now superseded) and flexible acrylic pointing (the current default on new work and re-pointing). AS 2050:2018 references both; new residential work in Australia overwhelmingly uses flexible (verified 2026-05-16).

The construction sequence on a typical tiled ridge:

                     Ridge cap (tile)
                    ▾
              ┌────────────┐
              │  POINTING  │  ← here
              └────────────┘
              ┌────────────┐
              │ RIDGE BED  │  (mortar)
              └────────────┘
       ┌──────┘            └──────┐
       │ tile course up to ridge  │
       └──────────────────────────┘
  1. Tile courses are laid up to within 1-2 tiles of the ridge.
  2. Ridge bedding mortar (typically 3:1 sand:cement, sometimes with admixture) is laid to receive the ridge cap.
  3. Ridge cap is set in the bedding while wet.
  4. Pointing is applied along both sides of the ridge cap, filling the gap between the cap and the courses below, sealing and finishing the joint.

Traditional cement pointing vs flexible pointing:

PointingCompositionLifespanProsCons
Traditional cement pointing3:1 sand:cement plus oxide colourant8-15 years before failureCheap; can be coloured to match tileCracks under thermal movement; brittle; needs re-pointing
Flexible acrylic pointingProprietary polymer compound (e.g. acrylic, polyurethane)25-30 years (rated)Accommodates movement; less cracking; better colour retentionMore expensive; requires manufacturer’s recommended application

A modern Australian residential re-pointing job typically specifies flexible pointing. Cement pointing is still used in heritage matching and on smaller budgets.

Why pointing fails:

Failure modeWhat you see
CrackingHairline cracks along the pointing-cap interface, deeper cracks across the pointing face
Loss of adhesionPointing pulls away from the cap; gaps visible
DisintegrationPointing crumbles and falls off; ridges become loose
DiscolourationCement pointing chalks and fades; flexible pointing can yellow under UV
Vegetation in pointing cracksMoss, lichen, weeds taking root in failing pointing

Once pointing fails, water entry to the underlying ridge bedding accelerates failure: the bedding loosens, ridges come unbedded, and the ridge cap can lift in high wind.

Re-pointing schedule:

  • Cement pointing: schedule re-pointing every 10-15 years on residential. Earlier if cracking is visible.
  • Flexible pointing: 20-25 years typical service. Inspect at every 10-year roof check; spot-repair as needed.

Re-pointing process:

  1. Inspection: confirm the ridge bedding is sound (if bedding has failed, re-bed before re-pointing).
  2. Remove old pointing: chip or grind out the existing pointing, exposing the joint.
  3. Clean and primer: brush dust off; some flexible pointings require a primer for adhesion.
  4. Apply new pointing: using a gun or trowel, fill the joint and tool to a smooth fillet on both sides.
  5. Tool the surface: tool flush with the cap, no sag at the bottom edge.
  6. Allow cure: typical 24-48 hours before exposure to rain.

Common defects:

  • Pointing applied over failing bedding: a re-point that doesn’t address the bedding underneath has the cosmetic appearance of repair but the structural problem persists.
  • Wrong product: hard cement pointing combined with thermal-cycling-sensitive ridge: cracks within 2 years.
  • Insufficient thickness: pointing applied as a thin smear; UV and movement crack and detach it within 5 years.
  • Skipping primer: flexible pointing without primer doesn’t bond; visible by year 3.
  • Mixed material types: half cement pointing + half flexible pointing on the same ridge: different expansion coefficients; differential failure.

Also known as: ridge pointing; pointing-up; finishing pointing; rendered pointing (heritage term); tip-pointing.

Category: Roof.

See also

Last updated: 2026-05-16. Verified: 2026-05-16. Quarterly review for currency.

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