A dry verge is a set of interlocking plastic caps fixed along the gable edge of a roof, over the ends of the tiles and the verge batten. It replaces the traditional sand and cement bedding, so the edge is held mechanically rather than by mortar.

How do you fix a dry verge?

If a unit has blown off or cracked, the right replacement for that system is clipped or screwed back on, and the fixing below is checked. If several have come away, the verge batten or tile fixings beneath may be the real problem and should be inspected.

How much does it cost to install a dry verge?

It depends on the length of the gable, the tile profile, access and scaffolding needs, and whether the end tiles and battens need refixing first. We quote in writing after looking at the roof.

Do I need planning permission for a dry ridge?

Generally not on an ordinary house, as it's a repair to the existing roof. In conservation areas or on listed buildings the appearance matters, so it's worth checking with the council first.

Dry Verge & Dry Ridge Systems Taunton

The problem with mortar edges

On many houses the gable edges and ridge are held in sand and cement. That works, but the mortar shrinks, frost gets into hairline cracks and chunks start to fall out. Bits of mortar in the gutter, gaps under ridge tiles and tiles rocking at the gable are all signs. Once the bedding goes, wind can get under the ridge or end tiles and lift them. Repointing is one answer; a dry system is another.

What a dry verge does

A dry verge system uses interlocking caps along the gable that cover the cut ends of the tiles and are screwed or clipped to the verge batten and tiles. There's no mortar to crumble and the edge is held firmly. Many modern housebuilders use them as standard, and they're commonly fitted when an older roof's verges have failed.

What a dry ridge does

A dry ridge replaces mortar under the ridge tiles with a roll of ventilated material and mechanical fixings, usually screws or clips into a ridge batten. Each ridge tile is fixed individually and the roll lets moist air out of the roof space, which helps reduce condensation in the loft.

Is a dry system right for your roof?

They suit most concrete interlocking tile roofs and many modern clay tiles.
Systems are made to fit particular tile profiles, so matching matters.
On older or character homes, traditional mortar may look more appropriate.
On slate, dry ridge is possible, but verges are usually finished differently.

We'll tell you whether a dry system or traditional repointing suits the house. Mortar ridge and verge repairs are covered on our roof repair page.

How installation works

For a dry verge, the old mortar is removed, end tiles are checked and mechanically fixed, a batten is set where needed, and the caps are fitted from the eaves up to the ridge, with an end piece at each end. For a dry ridge, the old ridge tiles are lifted, mortar is cleaned off, a ridge batten and ventilated roll are fixed, then the ridge tiles go back with their clips. If the job is part of a full re-roof, it fits naturally into that work; see our roof replacement page.

Dry verge repair and installation cost

Cost depends on the gable length, how many gables there are, the ridge length, whether scaffolding is needed and what condition the tiles underneath are in. We give free written quotes after a visit, across Somerset and Devon within about 50 miles of Taunton. Call 07399 680142 or get in touch online.

Dry Verge and Dry Ridge Systems