What Is The Purpose Of Ridge Cap Shingles?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Because ridge-cap shingles cover the peak of the roof, where two angles meet, they play a critical role in

keeping rain and melting snow from leaking into the house

. And because ridge-cap shingles are bent over the roof, they can deteriorate quicker than the rest of the roof surface.

Are ridge cap shingles different?

Ridge cap shingles are like regular shingles in that they use the same material and offer the same look in terms of color; but they

are different in

that they are specially designed to cover the ridges of the roof, which are high-stress areas that need more protection, unlike with metal roofing.

What is ridge cap shingles?

Because ridge-cap shingles cover the peak of the roof, where two angles meet, they play a critical role in

keeping rain and melting snow from leaking into the house

. And because ridge-cap shingles are bent over the roof, they can deteriorate quicker than the rest of the roof surface.

Do you have to use ridge cap shingles?

Roofs that do not have two or more decks meeting to form a ridge or hip

do not require a ridge cap

. Most shingle roofs have a ridge cap made of overlapping shingle tabs cut from roofing shingles.

What are ridge caps?

What Is a Ridge Cap? Ridge cap is

a special shingle that was designed for the harsh wind that hits the ridge of a roof

. A ridge cap will not only be thicker than a regular shingle, they are also pre-bent. A cheap roofer will try and use 3-tab shingles which will crack over time due to the bend.

How many shingles do I need for a ridge cap?

You can cap about

35 lin. ft. of

ridge or hips with each bundle of three-tab shingles that come three bundles to the square. You can also salvage waste shingle pieces and portions of damaged shingles for use as caps.

How much does it cost to replace ridge cap shingles?

Repairs to roof ridge capping averages

$250 to $750

, depending on the amount of damage. Ridge capping are the triangular tiles that run along where two sections come together. You can usually spot ridge capping along these edges because it looks different than the rest of the shingles.

Can you use 3 tab shingles for ridge cap?

The ridge cap, the course of shingles on the very ridge of the roof, can be made from available

3-tab shingles

. Two simple cuts create three pieces that can be used to finish the shingle project.

What is the difference between ridge cap and ridge vent?

The

ridge cap will fit right on top of the ridge vent

. … These vents are designed to allow prefabricated ridge caps to fit snugly over them. Ridge vents are designed to prevent water from getting into your home through the vent.

Are ridge vents worth it?

In addition to allowing air to circulate, a ridge vent on your roof

prolongs the life of your roof

. It also helps to moderate the overall temperature of your home, increasing your energy efficiency. For these, and other, reasons, roof ridge vents are considered an essential part of most modern roof design.

How does ridge cap work?

First, hot air naturally rises and exits out the ridge vent, pulling in cool air from below. Second, positive airflow across the ridge of the house creates a “

venturi effect

”, or a negative pressure, which pulls air out of the ridge vent and brings in cool air from the soffits below.

How much does a ridge cap cost?

Exact rates depend on the type, size, and number of units you choose to install. Ridge vents cost

$2 to $3 per linear foot

. Roof vents come in a variety of styles and range from $10 to $500 each. Ridge models run the length of a roof’s peak and allow warm, moist air to escape.

How are ridge caps calculated?

To find the length of ridge capping required to cover one hip, measure the distance from the ridge line to the fascia on the roof plan (here 4000mm) and the gutter overhang and multiply by the Hip Length Roof Slope Factor for 30 degrees.

Multiply by 4

.

How many feet will a bundle of ridge cap cover?

Seal-A-Ridge Charcoal Hip and Ridge Cap Roofing Shingles (

25 lin. ft. per Bundle

) (45-Pieces)

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.