The Benefits of Dry Verge Systems

Dry verge systems provide a weatherproof finish suitable for various roofing projects. Offering longer-lasting performance, these systems are less prone to cracking and crumbling than traditional mortar-bedded verges. 

Without the need for mortar, dry verges can be easier to install, making them a popular alternative by streamlining the installation process.

Available in a variety of colours, dry verges can complement diverse roofing styles and designs while accommodating different budgets and timelines.

• Provides a seamless, continuous edge along the entire verge to aid with weather protection.
• Ensures consistent appearance and strong defence against water ingress.
• Suitable for high-wind areas where full-edge coverage minimises the risk of tile uplift.

• Consists of individual units applied to each end roof tile in the course of the verge, offering flexibility and easy replacement if needed.
• Provides versatility to fit various tile profiles.
• Recommended for projects requiring adaptability, such as retrofit installations.

Continuous systems cover the entire roof edge seamlessly, while individual systems use separate capping units for each end tile in the course, allowing flexibility and easy component replacement.

DryVerge are designed with a lip at the bottom to expel water away from the wall and stop it from tracking to the wall minimising the risk of Gable wall staining. However, it is important to follow fixing instructions. As with any product, incorrectly following instructions can compromise performance.

Yes, you can, all mortar must be removed first, exposing the timber battens. The system does require a timber batten to overhang the gable wall by 35mm. This does require the need to remove tiles and lengthen the tiling battens. Alternatively, another option is to fix a length of timber batten into the ends of the existing tiling battens parallel to the verge, ensuring this width of timber overhangs the gable wall by 35mm.

Yes, you can, all mortar must be removed first, exposing the timber battens. The system does require a timber batten to overhang the gable wall by 35mm. This does require the need to remove tiles and lengthen the tiling battens. Alternatively, another option is to fix a length of timber batten into the ends of the existing tiling battens parallel to the verge, ensuring this width of timber overhangs the gable wall by 35mm.

Dry verge is not mandatory, however, it is encouraged and is increasingly the choice of housebuilders across the UK. The use of traditional mortar-bedded verges is still acceptable, however, BS5534 removed any fixing status of mortar meaning all verges must also use a mechanical fixing such as a verge clip. Due to being so highly dependent on the quality of the workmanship, the industry is increasingly moving to more reliable dry solutions as alternatives.

Dry verges can help roofers face common challenges such as water penetration, wind uplift and overall durability of the roof. But we do recognise there can be some aspects to the dry verge systems that can make it not as compatible to your roofing projects, such as the following:

• Like any proprietary product, dry verges can fail if the installation instructions are not properly followed. Where dry verges have failed, it is possible that battens are not the correct length and do not oversail the gable wall by the correct amount (this is usually due to them being installed as a retrofit in replacement of an existing Mortar-bedded verge). This results in screws not being adequate lengths and achieving enough purchase into the timber. In some instances, units are simply nailed into place; it is important to know that a nail will not adequately fix an end grain of timber without an additional proprietary batten end clip. 
• Without proper installation, additional failures such as the units not interlocking properly, could pose a risk. Further failures result from the Eaves course / first starter unit not being installed with a Gable end pack or starter unit inadequately fixed. In some instances, a screw is placed through this first unit which may not achieve enough fixing penetration or resistance into timber or more commonly the brickwork resulting in the first unit failing in high winds.

A dry verge system uses interlocking capping units to protect roof edges, providing durability against wind uplift and water ingress. Each dry verge unit plays a crucial role in enhancing weather resistance and ensuring aesthetic appeal. Proper installation and compliance with British Standard BS8612 are essential to maximise the performance and longevity of these systems. It’s a low-maintenance, reliable alternative to mortar, ideal for UK weather.