# Dry-Fix Ridge System

> A dry-fix system secures ridge, hip or verge tiles with mechanical fixings, seals and ventilated rolls instead of mortar.

- URL: https://roof.wiki/dry-fix-ridge-system/
- Topic: Installation & Methods
- Also known as: dry ridge; dry verge; mortarless ridge
- Regions: Europe, Global
- First published: 2026-11-02 · Last reviewed: 2026-11-02
- Cite as: "Dry-Fix Ridge System." roof.wiki. https://roof.wiki/dry-fix-ridge-system/

## Key facts

- **UK product standard:** BS 8612:2018
- **Typical parts:** Ridge batten brackets, ventilated roll, clips, end caps
- **Advantage:** Mechanical fixing plus ventilation without mortar

A **dry-fix system** is a set of components that mechanically secures ridge, hip or verge tiles without wet mortar. Typical kits include a ridge batten bracket, a flexible ventilated roll or seal that bridges the gap between the tiles and the ridge, clips or screws to hold each ridge tile, and end caps. Dry verges replace mortar at gable edges with clip-together plastic or metal units fixed to the batten ends.

## Why dry-fix is used

Mortar bedding is traditional on tiled roofs in many countries, but mortar cracks and erodes over time, and loose ridge tiles are a frequent storm-damage repair. In the UK, BS 5534 no longer allows mortar to be relied on as the only fixing, and ridge and hip tiles must be mechanically fixed regardless of whether mortar is used. Dry-fix systems meet this requirement without mortar and usually also provide ridge ventilation.

## Standard

**BS 8612:2018** sets requirements for dry-fixed ridge, hip and verge systems for slating and tiling, including fixing and ventilation performance. It was introduced after some verge products were found to give too little mechanical restraint.

## Installation outline

1. Fix ridge batten brackets to the rafters or trusses and fit the ridge batten at the correct height.
2. Cut the top course of tiles so they meet the ridge line and fix them mechanically.
3. Lay the ridge roll along the batten, dressing its adhesive edges onto the tiles on both sides.
4. Fix each ridge tile to the batten with the screw or clip supplied, joining tiles with the system's union pieces.
5. Fit end caps at gables and junction pieces where hips meet the ridge.

## Mortar alternatives

Mortar is still allowed alongside mechanical fixings in the UK and remains common practice in many other regions. Heritage roofs may keep mortar bedding for appearance, with concealed mechanical fixings added to meet current standards.

## Sources

1. What are the fixing requirements of BS 5534? — Marley. https://www.marley.co.uk/blog/what-are-the-fixing-requirements-of-bs-5534
2. What is BS 5534? — Marley. https://www.marley.co.uk/Blog/What-is-BS-5534