A-Z Roofing Terminology

Mortar is a mix of cement and sand traditionally used to secure roof ridge tiles and other features. However, one of the biggest problems with mortar is that it can be damaged by rain and frost before it has time to set. Since the revision of BS 5534 British Standard for Slating and Tiling in 2014 mortar alone cannot not be used to fix tiles on a roof – the tiles must also be mechanically fixed in addition to the mortar. Since this change, dry fix systems have increased in popularity, offering an alternative to traditional mortar. Slang terms for mortar include compo, cement, darbo, gobbo or muck.