You might not give your roof a second thought until it leaks. And when it does, it’s easy to blame the tiles. But what if the real culprit isn’t the tiles at all?
Let me tell you a quick story. A homeowner in Bucklands Beach rang us last summer. Water had started dripping into their hallway after a heavy downpour. At first glance, the roof tiles looked fine, but the issue was in the pointing. The mortar around the ridge caps had cracked, water was sneaking in, and things were going south fast.
If you’ve never heard of concrete tile roof pointing, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Most East Auckland homeowners aren’t familiar with it until something goes wrong. But knowing how it works (and why it matters) could save you thousands in repairs.
Key Takeaways
- Roof pointing is the mortar that seals the ridge caps on your tile roof.
- It keeps water, wind, and pests out while holding your roof together.
- Cracks in pointing are a major cause of roof leaks in East Auckland.
- Regular roof repointing helps prevent long-term damage and costly repairs.
- ProTop Roofing has over 25 years of experience fixing pointing problems across Howick, Pakuranga, Botany, and surrounding suburbs.
What Is Roof Pointing?
Let’s break it down. Your concrete tile roof has ridge caps—those curved tiles that run along the top and edges of your roofline. These are held in place by a mortar compound known as pointing.
In the past, roofs were only “bedded” with cement. These days, we use more flexible compounds (known as flexible pointing) that can move slightly with the house—important when we get four seasons in one day, like we do here in Auckland!
Roof pointing seals the gaps between ridge caps and roof tiles. It acts as a protective barrier, keeping out rain, wind, bugs, and debris. More importantly, it keeps the ridge caps secure so they don’t blow off during high winds.
Why Is Roof Pointing So Important in East Auckland?
Here in East Auckland, we get hit with salty sea air, strong gusts, and the kind of moisture that eats away at building materials. All of that plays havoc with your roof pointing over time.
We see this all the time in suburbs like Botany Downs, Half Moon Bay, and Howick—especially on roofs that haven’t had maintenance in 10+ years. The pointing starts to crack, bits flake off, and the next thing you know, rainwater’s making its way into the ceiling cavity.
Once water gets in, it’s not just your roof at risk. It can damage insulation, framing, gib, and even your electrics. A small issue with your pointing can snowball into a $10,000 repair job real quick.
Signs Your Roof Pointing Needs Repair
We’re not saying you need to climb up there with a trowel (please don’t!). But it’s worth knowing what to look for:
- Visible cracks or gaps in the mortar around ridge caps
- Pieces of mortar falling into the gutter or onto the ground
- Ridge caps that look misaligned or loose
- Small leaks after rain, especially if they’re coming from the top of your ceiling
A client in Pakuranga called us after finding mortar bits in their spouting. Turned out half the ridge line needed repointing. We sorted it quickly and finished it off with a roof clean and treatment to extend the life of the tiles.
What Happens During Roof Repointing?
At ProTop Roofing, we start with a full inspection. Then we remove any loose or damaged mortar, re-bed ridge caps where needed, and apply a fresh layer of flexible pointing compound.
It’s a detailed job—we’re talking precision work here, not slapping on some cement. Our team makes sure every ridge cap is sealed tightly and aligned properly.
And because we’ve been doing roof pointing repairs across East Auckland for over two decades, we know how to spot trouble before it starts.
How Often Should You Get It Done?
Most concrete tile roofs need repointing every 10 to 15 years, but that can vary depending on the weather and how well the roof has been maintained. In Auckland’s climate, it pays to keep a close eye on things.
A regular roof maintenance check (every few years) helps catch issues early. Combine it with a roof treatment, and you’ll extend the life of both your pointing and your tiles. It’s a smart way to save money in the long run.
Real Results: Before and After in Botany Downs
Here’s a recent example: We worked on a 20-year-old home in Botany where the pointing had almost completely worn away. The ridge caps were loose, and leaks were starting to appear in two upstairs bedrooms.
Our team removed the old mortar, re-bedded some of the caps, and repointed the entire roof. After that, we applied a moss and mould treatment to protect the tiles.
The result? No more leaks, improved roof strength, and a house that looked 10 years newer from the street. Not to mention one very relieved homeowner.
NZ Stats You Should Know
According to the New Zealand Building Research Association, roof damage accounts for up to 40% of reported weather-related building issues nationwide. In Auckland, where high humidity and strong winds are common, the number’s even higher.
Pointing failure is one of the most under-reported causes, often because homeowners don’t realise what it is until the damage is already done.
Roof pointing might not be the flashiest part of your house, but it plays a massive role in keeping everything safe, dry, and sturdy.
If you live in East Auckland and your roof hasn’t had a once-over in the last decade, now’s a good time to take a closer look—or better yet, let us take a look for you. Whether it’s a few cracks or a full roof repointing, our crew at ProTop Roofing will get it sorted quickly and professionally.
Don’t wait for a leak to ruin your Sunday.
Call Jason today on 021 114 4224 or book a Roof Cleaning and Roof Treatment from just $300.
We’ll inspect your pointing, give you honest feedback, and help protect your home from Auckland’s wild weather.
Because when it comes to your roof, prevention really is cheaper than repair.