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Ridges and Finials

Some examples of ornamental ridges

 

Gable stop end

This drawing shows an example of a gable stop end ridge tile. These are commonly used at the gable in conjunction with bedded verges and avoid the need for a deep bed of  mortar underneath the end ridge tile .

At the gable end the first 900mm of ridges (ie first 3 if they are 300mm long, or first 2 if they are 450mm long) must be mechanically fixed to the roof structure (see example fixings in section 10.5).

 

Block end

This drawing shows an example of a gable block end ridge tile. These are commonly used at the gable in conjunction with cloaked verges, although they can also be used with bedded verges to avoid the need for a deep bed of mortar underneath the end ridge tile .

At the gable end the first 900mm of ridges (ie first 3 if they are 300mm long, or first 2 if they are 450mm long) must be mechanically fixed to the roof structure (see example fixings in section 10.5).

Hip end

This drawing shows an example of a hip end. These are commonly used at the junction between a ridge and hips, which bonnets, arris hips or a mitred hip have been used.

A suitable lead saddle (not shown) should be fixed underneath the end ridge tile to weather the ridge/hip junction.

Mechanically fixed ridges - use of nails or screws

This drawing shows an example of a mechanically secured ridge tile using nails or screws with sealing washers. The ridge tile must be drilled or specially manufactured with holes.

Where the ridge tree is absent, or of insufficient height or width to accommodate the fixings, it will be necessary to fit an additional ridge timber.

Where using this method of mechanically fixing in conjunction with mortar bedding it is better to use screws rather than nails to avoid the risk of dislodging the mortar during fixing.

Mechanically fixed ridges - use of metal strap

 

This drawing shows an example of a mechanically secured ridge tile using a metal strap inserted into a recess at the end of the ridge tile and secured to the ridge timber.

This method of fixing requires the manufacture of special ridge tiles.

Where the ridge tree is absent, or of insufficient height or width to accommodate the fixings, it will be necessary to fit an additional ridge timber.

Examples of ventilated dry ridge systems

An example of a proprietary ventilated dry ridge system using ventilated strips on each side of the ridge to maintain a ventilation gap at high level.

Plastic joints provide a waterproof seal between the ridge tiles, which are secured using screws or nails and small metal plates.

An example of a ventilated dry ridge system using a universal ridge roll.

The ridge roll provides high level ventilation as well as a seal at the ridge.

In this example holed ridge tiles are secured using nails or screws with sealing washers.

Examples of decorative finials

Mechanical fixing of finials

In this example the finial has a hole to enable it to be nailed or screwed to the ridge batten.

In this example the finial has a threaded bar embedded in it to enable it to be bolted through a suitable hole in the roof structure; for example, through a hole drilled in the ridge batten.

In this example the finial has a metal strap inserted into a recess at the end of the finial and secured to the ridge timber.

Clay Roof Tile Council, British Ceramic Confederation, Federation House, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2SA
Tel: 01782 744631 Fax: 01782 744102 Email: chrish@ceramfed.co.uk