When it comes to roofing, the ridge cap is often overlooked despite its critical role in ensuring the roof’s longevity. The ridge cap protects the highest points of the roof—its ridges and hips—by sealing them against the elements. Installing the ridge cap correctly is essential to prevent leaks, protect underlying materials, and maintain the structural integrity of the roof. In this post, we’ll dive into how to properly install an asphalt shingle roof ridge cap and highlight the differences between ridge cap shingles and regular shingles.
What is a Ridge Cap?
The ridge cap covers the peak of the roof, where two sloping sides meet. This area is especially vulnerable to wind, rain, and snow, making it essential to ensure that it’s properly sealed and protected. The ridge cap is also a key component of your roof’s ventilation system, allowing hot, humid air to escape from the attic while preventing water from getting in.
Ridge Cap Shingles vs. Regular Shingles
While both ridge cap shingles and regular shingles are made from asphalt, they serve different purposes and are designed differently.
Ridge Cap Shingles:
- Shape: Ridge cap shingles are specifically designed to fit over the roof’s peak. They come in pre-cut, tapered shapes that are thicker and more durable at the edges to protect the vulnerable ridge line.
- Flexibility: They are often more flexible than regular shingles to allow for easy bending over the peak without cracking or breaking.
- Thickness: Ridge cap shingles are typically thicker to provide additional protection and withstand the harsh conditions that the roof ridge endures.
- Reinforcement: Many ridge cap shingles come with enhanced reinforcement for added wind resistance, which is crucial for the topmost part of the roof.
Regular Shingles:
- Shape: Regular shingles are rectangular and designed to be installed flat along the main sections of the roof.
- Less Flexibility: They are not designed to bend or flex, which is why using regular shingles on a ridge can lead to cracking over time.
- Uniform Thickness: Regular shingles are generally thinner and uniform in thickness throughout, offering less protection when installed on a roof ridge.
- Primary Use: Regular shingles are mainly used to protect the larger, flatter areas of the roof from rain and sun exposure.
Installing the Ridge Cap Shingles
Proper installation of ridge cap shingles is key to ensuring the roof’s longevity. Here’s how to install them:
- Start at the End: Begin by installing the ridge cap at the end of the roof opposite the direction of prevailing winds. This way, the edges of the ridge caps overlap in a way that provides maximum wind resistance.
- Use Starter Ridge Cap: Place the first ridge cap shingle, known as the starter, at the end of the ridge. Ensure that the adhesive side is facing down, and nail it securely into place with roofing nails.
- Overlap the Shingles: As you move along the ridge, place each ridge cap shingle over the preceding one, overlapping them by at least half an inch to provide a watertight seal. This staggered overlap ensures rainwater is directed away from the roof, not under the shingles.
- Secure with Nails: Drive roofing nails into each side of the ridge cap shingle. Be sure to place the nails below the adhesive strip, ensuring that they are properly sealed. Nails should be placed securely into the wood decking beneath the shingle for maximum hold.
- Cut to Fit (If Necessary): At the end of the ridge, the final ridge cap shingle may need to be trimmed to fit. Use a utility knife to cut the shingle to the correct size and shape, ensuring it still overlaps the previous cap sufficiently.
- Seal the Edges: Apply roofing sealant to the exposed nail heads on the final shingle to ensure there are no potential water entry points.
- Ventilation (Optional): If you’re installing a ridge vent, make sure to install the vent system first, then place the ridge cap shingles over the vent material. The ridge cap must still overlap as usual but accommodate the ventilation slots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Regular Shingles for the Ridge Cap: Some roofers may try to save time or money by using regular shingles on the ridge cap. However, regular shingles lack the necessary flexibility and durability to withstand the stress placed on this high-wear area. Over time, regular shingles will likely crack or peel away from the ridge, leading to leaks.
- Improper Overlapping: Failing to properly overlap the ridge cap shingles can lead to water seeping under the shingles, increasing the risk of leaks.
- Incorrect Nailing: Driving nails too close to the edge or missing the underlying decking can result in loose shingles, reducing the roof’s wind resistance and potentially causing damage in a storm.
Conclusion
The ridge cap is a vital part of your roofing system, and installing it correctly ensures your roof remains durable and weather-resistant. While ridge cap shingles may resemble regular shingles in appearance, their design is crucial for withstanding the elements at the roof’s most vulnerable point. Investing the time and effort to properly install ridge cap shingles will save you from potential problems and extend the life of your roof.
If you’re planning a roof replacement or repair, make sure you use the right materials, and consider hiring a professional to ensure the job is done correctly. A properly installed ridge cap is key to a well-protected home.
