A dry ridge system is the method of mechanically fixing ridge tiles to the ridge of a roof without the use of mortar.

Though there are a few different systems within dry fix itself, by far the most popular approach is with ridge roll ventilation. This method involves covering the roof batten with ridge ventilation roll and adhering it to the tile or slate. One by one, the ridge tiles are then installed over the ventilation cover to secure it in place and are laid across the apex of the roof using plastic unions, clips, clamps, screws and washers.

The unions secure the tiles together with a small expansion gap while the clamps are placed between tiles and screwed down into ridge board or batten. This provides a windproof fixing that will ensure no tiles come loose over time, accounting for natural expansion, contraction or any other type of roof movement. Fitting a dry fix system can be done regardless of what the weather is doing at the time.

Once fully installed, the top of the roof will look very similar from street level to how it would if bonded with mortar. However, unlike mortar bonded ridge tiles, a dry ridge system should not require regular (and often unsafe) trips up to the roof to assess and maintain loose or missing ridge tiles.

This makes dry fix systems a safer, less bothersome option that is cheaper too. Although the initial outlay on mortar costs less than a dry ridge kit, not having to worry about bad quality mortar mix or environmental movement will mean less maintenance over the years, making dry ridge the more affordable choice for most.

Many roofers still prefer to use mortar on their repair jobs and wherever they can, not only out of faith in the reliability of mortar, but out of reservations over dry fix systems, despite it being made code of practice by European Standards.

Advocates of dry fix will tell you how a mechanical fixing method has a lifespan superior to that of mortar bonded ridges, while those loyal to the sand/cement mix will suggest that it is the plastic dry ridge fixings that cannot be trusted.

This belief is predominantly based on opinion rather than factual case studies. As dry ridge systems are still relatively new, not enough time has passed for dry ridge to be properly assessed. Some sceptics still point to a supposed brittleness of plastic in the face of severe weather and the sun, however all good dry ridge systems will only use material that has been tested to ensure its fully UV resistant.