How is your roof looking? If you’ve been noticing leaks from your ceiling, it might be time to have your roof repointed. Roof repointing is a process of repairing the mortar joints on a roof. This is done by removing old, cracked, and damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar. 

Roof repointing can add to the overall lifespan of your roof – but how often should you repoint your roof and are there any downsides to the procedure?

Let’s take a look at the benefits, how often you should re-do it, and everything else you need to know about repointing your roof. 

Benefits of Roof Repointing

• There are several benefits of repointing your roof, including:
• It prevents water leakage from entering the building.
• The lifespan of a newer roof will be longer than an older one.
• It improves the performance of your roof and can help extend its life by up to 50%.
• It prevents mould growth on your roof.
• It is a cost effective solution that can be completed in as little as one day.

Prevent Water Leaks 

If you’ve ever noticed a water mark on your ceiling, there’s a good chance you have a roof leak. This might be from a cracked or missing tile or it may be due to the pointing on your roof. Over time your pointing, particularly if it is made from mortar, will develop cracks – these cracks then let water drip into your roof cavity and can cause damage to beams and your ceiling. 

By having your roof repointed, you minimise these risks – particularly if your roofing contractor uses the more common flexible compounds for pointing. 

Longer Lifespan

Nothing lasts forever, but tile roofs do last a long time. One of the big benefits of tile roofs is that they are durable and they have a fairly long lifespan. But only if you maintain them. By repointing your roof regularly, you are ensuring a longer lifespan, which in turn saves you money from having to retile you entire roof. 

Prevents Mould Growth

Mould can be dangerous and sadly you often don’t know you have it until it’s too late, especially if the mould is growing in your roof space. Mould is caused by water leaks and dampness, and broken tiles as well as damaged pointing can contribute to mould growth. 

If you live in an area with wet and humid conditions, like we often see here in South East Queensland, it’s essential to have your roof repointing, and your roof in general, checked regularly. By having regular checks, you can have broken or missing tiles replaced, and work can take place on the pointing long before it becomes a problem. 

Like many things, it is best to have this work done in a non-rainy period, but maintenance can happen at any point throughout the year. 

Cost Effective

Replacing your entire roof is expensive. Preventative maintenance like gutter and roof cleaning, and replacement of broken tiles and pointing can help you save money in the long run. As an example, repointing a roof may cost you a few thousand dollars (depending on the size of your roof). Replacing your roof on the other hand can cost you many thousands of dollars. 

How Often Should I Repoint My Roof?

Tile roofs are designed to last a long time – it’s not usual for them to last 30 years or more. But that’s only possible if they are maintained well. 

You should have your roof checked at least every two years, more often if you notice cracked or missing tiles or leaks coming from your ceiling. This allows for any preventative maintenance work to take place, minimising the need for big, expensive jobs later on. 

Depending on where you live, you may need to repoint your roof more regularly, however it is a job that usually needs to be done about every 10 years. Doing it this often helps to ensure that your roof lasts longer, and no damage is caused to the internals of your property.  

Downsides to Repointing a Roof 

As with any maintenance job, there are of course some downsides to repointing your roof, but if you prepare for these, they won’t be too much of an issue. 

The first downside is that it can be a disruptive job – it requires work to be done on your roof and can be noisy. It is important to keep this in mind if you have young children, pets who may be disturbed by the noise or you work from home. You may like to organise to go out for the time it will take the work to be done to minimise noise disruption. 

Secondly, it’s a messy job – there’s dust and debris falling from your roof as work is being done, so being prepared is key. Cover any outdoor furniture and belongings, and make sure to take any washing off the line. You may also want to let your neighbours know if your properties are close so that they can take any preventative steps as well. 

Finally, it can be expensive. Yes it is cheaper than replacing the whole roof, but depending on the size of your roof and how much needs to be repointed, it can be an expensive exercise. The good part is that it generally doesn’t need to be redone for around 10 years, so it is something you can budget for longterm. 

Does your roof need repointing?

Contact our friendly Roof Repointing team at Brisbane Roof Tile Restorations for a quote today.