Roof Re-Battened and Felted with a Dry Ridge Kit in Macclesfield
When a tiled roof starts leaking, lifting in high winds, or showing its age, patch repairs only go so far. At Apex Roofing and Guttering, we recently completed a full roof refurbishment in Macclesfield, including new treated battens, breathable felt and a modern dry ridge system.
This type of job goes deeper than a quick fix. Instead of just swapping a few broken tiles, we strip the roof back, replace the key components underneath and install a dry ridge kit that gives long-term protection and improves ventilation along the ridge line.
What We Did on This Roof in Macclesfield
On this property, the existing roof was showing classic signs of age: slipped tiles, perished felt and loose, cracked mortar along the ridge. Our team carried out the following work:
- Full Strip of the Roof Area – Carefully removing existing tiles and setting aside any that could be reused.
- Old Felt and Battens Removed – Taking out the rotten or weakened materials that can no longer support the roof properly.
- New Treated Battens Installed – Fitting correctly spaced, treated battens to current standards for strength and durability.
- Breathable Roofing Felt Laid – Installing modern breathable membrane to improve weather protection and reduce condensation.
- Tiles Re-Fitted or Replaced – Reusing sound tiles where possible and replacing any that were cracked, broken or missing.
- Dry Ridge Kit Fitted – Installing a dry ridge system to securely fix ridge tiles without traditional mortar.
The end result is a roof that not only looks cleaner and more uniform but is also better protected against wind, rain and future movement.
Benefits of a Dry Ridge System
Traditional mortar ridges crack and loosen over time, especially with frost and strong winds. A dry ridge system uses mechanical fixings and ventilated ridge rolls instead of wet mortar. This offers several advantages:
- Improved Wind Resistance – Ridge tiles are mechanically fixed, making them more secure in bad weather.
- No Cracking Mortar – No cement joints to crack, fall out or need constant repointing.
- Better Ventilation – The system allows controlled airflow along the ridge, helping reduce condensation in the roof space.
- Lower Maintenance – Once correctly installed, dry ridge systems need far less ongoing maintenance.
Why Re-Batten and Re-Felt Instead of Patching?
When leaks start appearing in more than one area, or when you can see sagging, loose tiles and brittle underlay, patching usually just delays the bigger job. Re-battening and re-felting gives you:
- A fresh, solid base for tiles to sit on.
- Modern breathable felt for better weather protection.
- A chance to correct any historic faults or poor workmanship.
- Peace of mind that the roof structure has been properly renewed.
For homeowners in Macclesfield, this approach often works out better value in the long run than constantly paying for smaller, repeated repairs.
Roofing Services Across Macclesfield
Apex Roofing and Guttering provides roof repairs, re-roofing, dry ridge and dry verge installations throughout Macclesfield and the surrounding areas. Whether you have a single section failing or a whole roof that needs attention, we can inspect, advise and quote with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my felt and battens need replacing?
Common signs include slipped tiles, visible sagging, repeated leaks in different places, or evidence of rotten timber when tiles are lifted. During a roof inspection, we can check the condition of the felt and battens and give honest advice on whether a full renewal is needed.
Is a dry ridge better than a traditional mortar ridge?
For most modern roofs, yes. Dry ridge systems are mechanically fixed, ventilated and far less likely to fail in high winds. Mortar can still be used in some cases, but it will normally require more maintenance over time.
Will you reuse my existing tiles?
Where tiles are in good condition and still in production, we will reuse as many as possible to keep the overall look consistent and control costs. Any broken, damaged or unsuitable tiles are replaced.
How long does a job like this take?
Time depends on the size and complexity of the roof. A typical semi-detached property can often be stripped, re-battened, re-felted and fitted with a dry ridge system within a few days, subject to weather conditions.
Do you work all year round?
Yes, we work throughout the year, but some aspects of roofing are weather dependent. Heavy rain or strong winds can affect how and when certain stages are carried out. We always prioritise making the property watertight.
Are you insured and qualified?
Yes, our roofers are experienced and fully insured. We follow current roofing standards and use quality materials from trusted suppliers.
Can you check the rest of my roof at the same time?
We always assess the overall condition of the roof while we are on site. If we spot other issues, such as damaged leadwork, loose verges or blocked gutters, we will let you know and offer options to deal with them.
Request a Roofing Quote in Macclesfield
If your roof in Macclesfield is leaking, showing signs of age or you are interested in upgrading to a dry ridge system, contact Apex Roofing and Guttering. We can inspect your roof, explain what is required and provide a clear, written quotation with no pressure.
