A Property Owner’s Guide to Roof Repointing and Rebedding

A healthy roof is essential to the health of the rest of your property. If you have an older home, it may still feature cement mortar for the roof pointing. The cement can crack or break, allowing roof tiles to loosen or shift.

Explore the benefits of replacing the cement mortar with flexible pointing compounds. Repointing roof tiles may help you save money on costly repairs over the long term.

What Is Roof Repointing?

Roof bedding and pointing are important parts of your roof’s structure. The bedding holds the roof tiles in place and the pointing helps create a stronger hold and tighter seal.

Repointing is the process of replacing the pointing while rebedding is the process of replacing the bedding.

The bedding is typically made of cement mortar, which was also commonly used for the pointing. In 1995, cement mortar was replaced with a flexible pointing compound for roof pointing.

When either of these components becomes damaged or worn, you may experience roof leaks and other types of roof damage.

Advantages of Roof Repointing and Rebedding

Repointing and rebedding may protect your home against mold growth and water damage. Broken, cracked, or damaged mortar provides entry points for moisture and leaks.

When water or excess moisture penetrates the inside of your property, there is a greater risk of mold growth, which can lead to several additional issues.

The mold can move quickly through your home and may even enter your duct work. As it spreads, it poses a health hazard to you and your family. People who suffer from asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues are at greater risk.

Removing the mold is also costly and time-consuming. Even with professional mold removal, you may not get all the spores.

Besides promoting mold growth, excess moisture may also cause wood rot. As the wood rots, it becomes weaker and is more likely to crack or break. Supporting beams and joists that rot may even increase the risk of floors or ceilings collapsing.

Flooding is also a concern when you have damaged pointing or bedding. The damage may allow rainwater to reach the inside of your property. The accumulating water may pool in the ceilings or run down through the walls into the basement.

These issues can severely affect the structural integrity of your property, especially if the water works its way into your basement. Constant exposure to water can cause the cement foundation to weaken and crumble. In some cases, the foundation starts to bow inward in your basement.

The foundation of your property is responsible for keeping other structures in place. When the foundation weakens, your entire home is in danger.

Broken or cracked mortar may also cause roof tiles to shift or loosen. Left unchecked, the loose tiles can become a safety hazard. The tiles may potentially slide off the roof and cause injury.

Repointing roof tiles is commonly recommended to replace the cement mortar used for pointing before 1995. The cement is prone to cracking and shifting. Flexible pointing material helps to eliminate these drawbacks.

You may also need repointing for roofing built after 1995. Natural wear and tear can cause pointing to deteriorate.

In fact, it is typically recommended that your roof gets repointed every ten years. The flexible compound may start to wear, allowing moisture or water to enter your home.

How Do You Know If Your Roof Needs Repointing?

Repointing roof tiles may protect your property from damage and reduce the need for repeat maintenance.

Homes built before 1995 may still have pointing constructed from cement mortar. If your roofing has not been replaced or updated since before 1995, you may want to consider repointing.

There are also several signs of roof damage that may indicate the need for repointing roof tiles. For example, you may notice loose tiles. Other signs that you require repointing include:

  • Roof leaks
  • Excess moisture
  • Loose roof tiles
  • Missing roof tiles
  • Granules in the gutter

Roof leaks and excess moisture are two common signs that the pointing is failing. As the cement mortar or flexible compound breaks down or cracks, water can reach the inside of the roof.

The pointing is responsible for holding roof tiles in place. If the pointing is worn or damaged, the roof tiles may loosen. You may even notice that some of the tiles are missing.

When the tiles slide off the roof, some of the debris may end up in the gutters. If you notice any granules or pieces of roof tile in the gutter, you may need to inspect the rest of the roof for damage.

The bottom line is that repointing is a necessary part of property maintenance to prevent costly moisture issues and leaks.

If you detect any signs of roof damage, including leaks or excess moisture, allow a professional roofer to inspect your roof. Repointing may help protect your property from further damage.

What is roof repointing?

Repointing is the process of replacing the pointing while rebedding is the process of replacing the bedding.

What is roof bedding made of?

The bedding is typically made of cement mortar, which was also commonly used for the pointing. In 1995, cement mortar was replaced with a flexible pointing compound for roof pointing.

How to tell if your roof needs repointing?

You may see roof leaks, excess moisture, loose roof tiles, missing roof tiles, granules in the gutter.

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