The short answer
When the pointing along the ridges and hips has cracked or come loose, the roof needs repointing. If the bedding mortar underneath has also crumbled or the caps have moved, they need rebedding first, because new pointing needs a sound bed to sit on. A roofer can tell which you need by looking at the ridge up close.
This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Check your own strata plan, by-laws and policy, and ask a qualified adviser about your situation.
What bedding and pointing are
On a tiled roof, the ridge and hip caps sit on a bed of mortar. Monier, a roof tile maker, describes the bedding as the mortar that holds the ridge caps in place, and the pointing as the top layer that seals and finishes the joints.
Many roofs now use flexible pointing over the bedding. Monier describes its flexible pointing as an adhesive mechanical fastener for hip and ridge tiles. It says that, unlike brittle cement mortar, it stays flexible after curing so it can move with the roof without cracking (Monier accessories).
Signs your ridges need attention
Monier says pointing can crack or loosen from weather exposure. Things a roofer looks for include:
- Pointing along the ridges and hips that has cracked or come loose.
- Bedding mortar with holes in it.
- Powdery mortar along the edges of the caps.
The last two matter because Monier’s pointing data sheet says they must be put right before new pointing goes on (more on this below).
You may see some of this from the ground. Don’t climb up to check. Monier warns that walking on a roof can be dangerous and can damage it or void warranties, and recommends a qualified roofing professional for inspections and repairs.
Repointing or rebedding: how to tell
This is how we use the two terms.
Repointing means removing the old pointing, preparing the surface and applying new pointing over the existing bedding. It suits ridges where the bedding is still solid.
Rebedding means lifting the caps, clearing out the old mortar, bedding the caps back down in fresh mortar and then pointing them. It’s needed when the bedding itself has failed.
The test is the bedding. Monier’s flexible pointing technical data sheet says the bedding must be free of holes and defects before pointing goes on. Surfaces must be clean and free of loose material, and the edges of the ridge tiles must be free of powdery mortar. If the bed underneath is crumbling, new pointing has nothing sound to bond to.
Done properly, either job starts with careful removal. The national training unit for repairing tile roofs says old pointing or bedding should be removed without damaging the roof tiles (training.gov.au).
What the standards say
The Australian Standard for laying roof tiles is AS 2050, Installation of roof tiles. The Housing Industry Association’s summary of AS 2050:2018 says it covers materials including flexible pointing, and the installation of tiles, bedding and pointing. The National Construction Code references it as a Deemed-to-Satisfy provision.
The ABCB Housing Provisions (Part 7.3) say every ridge, hip, barge, valley and capping tile must be fixed. Permitted fixings include clout nails, screws, purpose-made clips and flexible pointing material that complies with AS 2050. These rules are written for new building work. The Standard itself is sold by Standards Australia, so check the full text with a qualified person if you need the detail.
Timing the work
Flexible pointing needs dry weather to set. Monier’s data sheet says not to apply its flexible pointing if rain is likely within two hours, or when the surface is 10°C or colder. It says the product resists rain after two hours in good weather and takes 24 hours to cure fully, longer in cold and wet conditions.
Monier suggests having a qualified roofing professional inspect a tiled roof, ideally every five years, to pick up early signs of wear. Repairs to bedding and pointing, it says, should use modern flexible compounds.
Strata buildings
Ridges on a strata building can be hard to see from the ground. Photos of each ridge and hip help the committee compare quotes and approve the right scope. Who pays depends on the scheme: see our guide to roof leaks in strata buildings. Inspections and reports for strata buildings are charged. We confirm the fee when you send the job.
How JSJ can help
Inspections are free for home owners, with no obligation. We check the bedding and pointing on the roof and send you photos, so you can see whether you need repointing or rebedding. We’ll contact you by the next business day to arrange an inspection. After the inspection you get a written quote with photos within 24 hours.
Our workmanship warranty: 5 years on repointing, 2 years on general workmanship. See repointing and rebed and point.
Common questions
What’s the difference between repointing and rebedding?
Repointing replaces the pointing over bedding that is still solid. Rebedding lifts the caps, clears out failed mortar, beds them back down in fresh mortar and then points them. We’ll tell you which your roof needs.
Can new pointing go over the old bedding?
Only if the bedding is sound. Monier’s flexible pointing data sheet says the bedding must be free of holes and defects, surfaces must be clean, and ridge tile edges must be free of powdery mortar before pointing goes on.
How often should a tiled roof be checked?
Monier, a roof tile maker, suggests having a qualified roofing professional inspect the roof, ideally every five years, to pick up early signs of wear.
Why use flexible pointing instead of cement?
Monier says its flexible pointing, unlike brittle cement mortar, stays flexible after curing so it can move with the roof without cracking. It recommends modern flexible compounds for bedding and pointing repairs.
Is the inspection free?
Inspections are free for home owners, with no obligation. Inspections and reports for strata buildings are charged. We confirm the fee when you send the job.
What warranty do you give?
5 years on repointing, 2 years on general workmanship. See our warranty terms for details.
Sources
Checked 1 November 2026. Rules and policies change, so check the source for the current position.
- Roof cleaning and maintenance (Monier (CSR))
- Flexible pointing technical data sheet (v05FP) (Monier (CSR))
- Roof DIY and trade accessories: flexible pointing (Monier (CSR))
- Installation of roof tiles (AS 2050:2018), summary (Housing Industry Association (HIA))
- ABCB Housing Provisions, Part 7.3 Roof tiles and shingles (Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB))
- CPCCRT3004 Repair and renovate tile roofs (unit of competency) (training.gov.au (Australian Government))