Lee FlecknellEmergency roof repairs, rental property · August 2026
Highly recommend this company carried out some emergency roof repairs on one of my properties would use again.
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Dry ridge and dry verge systems
Dry verge and dry ridge systems that never need re-pointing
Dry verge and dry ridge systems replace the mortar that holds the edges and top of most older roofs, the part that cracks, washes out and drops into gardens after every hard winter. Best Top Roofing fits mechanically fixed dry verge caps and dry ridge and hip systems on re-roofs and as upgrades to existing roofs across Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire.
On most roofs built before the last 20 years, the ridge tiles along the top and the tiles along the gable edges are bedded in sand and cement. Mortar is rigid and the roof is not: timbers move with the seasons, frost gets into the joints, and the mortar cracks, loosens and falls out. Once it goes, ridge tiles can rock and blow off in a storm, and verge tiles lose their seal so wind-driven rain gets in at the gable. It is one of the most common repairs we are called for.
A dry verge system uses interlocking plastic caps clipped over the end of each course of tiles, fixed to the battens so the verge is sealed and held mechanically. A dry ridge uses a roll-out breathable ridge seal and stainless fixings that clip each ridge tile to a batten along the top of the roof. Neither relies on mortar, both let the roof ventilate at the ridge, and neither needs re-pointing. They also meet current requirements for the mechanical fixing of ridge and verge tiles.
Every new re-roof we fit is finished with dry ridge and dry verge. On an existing roof, we can strip out the failed mortar and convert the ridge, hips and verges to dry systems without replacing the whole roof.
When you call, you speak to the familyBest Top Roofing is family-run. The family that answers the phone and gives you the quote is the family that turns up and does the job.
What is included
- Old mortar ridges and verges stripped out
- New ridge batten and breathable roll-out ridge seal
- Ridge and hip tiles mechanically clipped and screwed
- Dry verge caps fitted to each course at the gable
- Eaves closure and starter units
- Colour-matched caps for the tile
- Damaged ridge or verge tiles replaced
Signs you need this
- Mortar crumbling out from under ridge tiles
- Ridge tiles that are loose, rocking or missing
- Cracked or missing mortar along the gable edge
- Pieces of mortar in the garden or gutter
- Damp at the top of a gable wall inside
Dry ridge and dry verge: our recent work
Every photo is one of our own jobs. Tap to enlarge.
Grey slate-effect hip roof finished with a mechanically fixed dry hip and ridge
Slate-effect roof with a dry ridge between chimneys on a terraced street
Grey interlocking tiles finished at the gable with a dry verge, brick wall beside
Clay plain tile roof with half-round ridge tiles bedded in mortar
How it works
Look along the ridge and verges
We check every ridge tile, hip and gable from the roof.
Fixed written price
Ridge, hip and verge lengths and the system to fit, in writing.
Strip the mortar
Old bedding removed, ridge and verge tiles lifted and cleaned.
Dry system fitted
Ridge seal and clips, verge caps fitted, tiles re-fixed.
Mortar ridges and verges are a repair on a timer. A dry system fixes the problem for the life of the roof.
Dry ridge and dry verge: your questions answered
Is a dry verge better than mortar?
For most tiled roofs, yes. Dry verge caps do not crack or wash out, they hold each tile mechanically and they need no maintenance. Mortar verges need re-pointing every so often.
Can dry ridge be fitted to an existing roof?
Yes. We strip out the old mortar, clean the ridge tiles and refit them on a dry ridge system without replacing the rest of the roof.
Do dry verge caps come in different colours?
Yes. Caps are made in colours to suit most tiles, including black, grey, brown and terracotta.
Will a dry ridge let the roof breathe?
Yes. The roll-out ridge seal is breathable, which helps ventilate the roof void and reduce condensation.
Are mortar ridges still allowed?
Current British Standards require ridge and verge tiles to be mechanically fixed, and dry systems are the most common way to meet that. Mortar can still be used alongside mechanical fixings on some traditional roofs.
Related services
Reviews
What customers say on Google
Dannie SmithQuoted the next day · June 2026
Thomas came and gave me a quote next day, very professional and clean work was carried out. I will be using best top roofing for all my projects going forward and would highly recommend them.
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R Vidya RLeaking felt roof repaired · September 2026
thanks to Thomas for fixing our roof. It was pleasure working with you. I feel confident that the water leak is accessed from all points and all problem addressed
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Lee SextonNew flat roof · April 2026
I needed a new flat roofing doing and this amazing company did it exactly how I wanted it. Highly recommended. Friendly and polite. Would use and again and tell all my friends and family.
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Mahmoud Al SuwwanRoof problem fixed · August 2026
We had a problem in our roof we called this company and they solved the problem so happy and satisfied. I really highly recommend if anyone needs roofing work done if I ever need a roofer again hopefully we don't if I ever did I will always use this company again, thank you so much, guys.
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Lisa DunneBlocked gutters cleared · April 2026
Cleaned out our gutters as were blocked and overflowing. Very happy with the job done. Thank you very much!
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Ligita KaledaiteChosen over other quotes · July 2026
Very friendly. Had couple of Quotes from other companys And this was the best company for it.
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Sally MaskellRoofing work by Thomas · June 2026
Very impressed with the work that Thomas has done. Definitely recommend.
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Scarlet BullRoofing work · August 2026
Professional, good quality work! Recommended.
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Checkatrade customerBalcony roof installation · August 2026
Fantastic, professional and polite throughout the job.
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10 year
re-roof
guarantee
Our guarantee
re-roof
guarantee
Every new re-roof guaranteed for 10 years, in writing
When we replace your roof, our workmanship is guaranteed for 10 years from the day we finish, and the membrane, tiles and slates carry their manufacturers' guarantees on top. Repairs and flat roofs are guaranteed too, with the terms for your job written on your quote. We are fully insured.
Covered
- Our workmanship on every new re-roof for 10 years
- Lead, flashings, ridges and verges we fit
- Flat roofs laid to the system's specification
- Repairs, with the terms written on the quote
On top
- Tile and slate manufacturer guarantees
- Membrane and flat roof system guarantees
- Photos of the finished job
- The same family to call if anything is wrong
Not covered
- Storm or accidental damage after completion
- Work altered or added by someone else
- Parts of the roof we did not work on
- Gutters left to block and overflow
The guarantee for your job is written on your quote before you agree to anything. Read the full guarantee.
Talk to us about dry ridge and dry verge
Ring or send the form. We come out, look at the roof, show you what is needed and give you a fixed written price. No pressure and no hidden extras.