Dry Edging vs Wet Mortar

Posted by: naim_nymph on 19 September 2015

Any builders, roofers, architects, surveyors like to lend me their advice, experiences, opinions please....?

 

Presently having roof repairs done;

the lads are doing a good job repairing a leaky roof, replacing guttering, repairing a chimney stack and fitting a new pot.

While up there with scaffolding all around, the opportunity of having a routine overhaul of the ridges, edges, valleys, is being undertaken.

 

I'm happy the way things are going but the only niggle on my mind is the application of a modern plastic dry edging system. The house is only parted fitted with the stuff so far, it looks neat from a distance but i think that's because it's new [and from a distance].

The fascia boards are wood with wood-stain, which go with the style of house, but the new dry edging is interfacing with the wood fascia and barge boards which makes me wonder if this will trap moisture and cause the wood to rot...?

 

The house and fascia boards are 26 years old and in fine condition except in need of a fresh coat or three of wood-stain. The south side wood has (over a 26 year period) warped in the sun and is being replaced with new wood freshly wood stained to match the rest of the house.

 

I have a horrible feeling the new plastic dry edging will also warp on the sunny side, and the black colour with fade or discolour...?

 

I can understand how a plastic system of edging may work well with a new build house that has upvc eaves too, but does it make sense on an existing house that is heavily styled in wood and mock tudor styling?

 

Dry Edging 

Ease of fitting any time of year, quick to fit, good choice of colours, looks neat, don't need painting,

may assist roof ventilation.

May blow away in a gust of wind if not fitted securely,

or worse may remain and look like cheap plastic tack.

May discolour, warp, or look odd after a decade or less.

 

Wet Mortar

Traditional way of edging tiles, nice natural material look, can last a quarter of a century before needing attention. 

Can crack, fall out, look a mess, especially if not applied correctly.

 

 

Please feel free to discuss and give advice, opinions etc : )

 

Debs 

Posted on: 19 September 2015 by Cbr600

Debs,

I dont think the trapping of moisture is a big concern. The roof would normally be a ventilated arrangement and free flow air should prevent this.

Modern dry systems are beneficial for installers, but your image is a long term matter, so ease of install should not be a factor.

IMO the overriding thing is the correct appearance for the house style, and traditional would work best.

Are the builders using a colour dye to the mortar to end in with the house colour

 

Posted on: 19 September 2015 by naim_nymph

At the moment they haven't mixed any mortar, and the only place they intend to use it is in the valleys besides the dormer windows, and on chimney breast.

 

They have started fitting dry edging which is black. only one sides done so far, the roofers are now off for the weekend... and watching the rugga no doubt.

 

When i look at the new dry edging they have fitted so far, admittedly it looks 'okay', and neat, but i find myself missing the look of the mortar under overlapping tiles, so i by far prefer a traditional look.

If i can't make my mind up by Monday, i'm committed to having the dry edging, and they have started already so if i find more and more to dislike about it by way of design or style, i will need to instruct my roofer guys to take off the edging bits they've done so far, and start again with mortar instead : /

 

Debs