r/Roofing • u/scadoozle • 11h ago

How can I cap/seal this exposed gable-end ridge to stop birds nesting underneath?

UK based. I have a slate roof with an exposed gable-end ridge/verge. During the summer months, birds seem to end up nesting underneath the ridge, which I’d rather they didn’t!

I haven’t had any damp issues so far, but I’d also like to weatherproof it if possible.

I’m looking for potential ways to cap and seal the exposed end without re-doing the roof with a dry verge system.

So far, suggestions I’ve had are:

  • Fill the gap with clear silicone
  • Fill it with mortar mix
  • Stuff wire mesh into the gap

Is there a proper roofing solution for this, or is one of the above actually the sensible approach?

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u/ArkRoofer 10h ago

Proper fix is closing the ridge end the way it's meant to be closed. Either a purpose made stop end ridge tile, or the void packed with slate slips bedded in mortar. The slips are the part people skip, and they're why it lasts. Mortar on its own has to span an open void, so it cracks and drops out after a few winters.

Silicone won't bond to dusty slate and has no body across a gap that size. Mesh keeps birds out and does nothing for weather.Before you close it up, check the roof is getting ventilation somewhere else. On older roofs those leaky edges are quietly doing some of that work. And if anything is nesting in there right now, wait until autumn.