What Are Ridge Cap Shingles & Why Are They Important?

Ridge cap shingles are specially made shingles that are thicker and pre-bent in order to be installed over and provide protection to the ridge of the roof. A roof ridge is the peak of your roof where the sloping sides meet. Normally, this part of the roof isn’t covered, so ridge cap shingles offer protection and prevent water damage, making them a crucial part of any home. 

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we always aim to provide you with useful information related to roofing so that you have accurate knowledge while considering a roof installation or replacement for your building.

This guide will cover ridge cap shingles, what they’re made of, their role and the benefits they provide to your roofing system, and more. 

What Are Ridge Cap Shingles Made Of?

Ridge cap shingles are available in various materials to match the rest of your roof. You can find asphalt, metal, or composite ridge cap shingles, and make a choice depending on your preference. 

What Is Important About Ridge Cap Shingles?

Ridge cap shingles play an important role in protecting your roof. Their main job is to act as a shield against bad weather and prevent rain, snow, and wind from damaging your home. 

Ridge cap shingles can also be fitted over ridge vents in order to help air flow through your attic, which stops mold from growing. These are tougher than regular shingles, so they last longer and keep your roof in good shape. The ridge cap also keeps out pests and debris that could harm your roof over time.

What Are The Consequences Of Improperly Installed Ridge Cap Shingles?

When ridge cap shingles aren't installed correctly, they can lead to several issues. Strong winds may easily lift up ridge cap shingles that aren’t installed properly allowing water to seep in and cause interior damage to your home. Since most ridge caps cover ridge vent systems, improper installation also affects the home’s ability to properly ventilate the hot, damp air in the attic. This could potentially lead to roof damage and increase your energy bills. 

Misaligned ridge caps can also detract from your home's curb appeal. If these problems aren't addressed promptly, they can escalate, resulting in costly repairs. This is why it's crucial to have a professional install your roof ridge cap shingles and inspect them regularly. Proper care of your ridge cap helps maintain the overall health of your roof and home.

How To Choose The Right Ridge Cap Shingles For Your Roof

In order to choose the right ridge cap shingles for your roof, you need to take certain factors into consideration:

1. Match Your Roofing Material

Make sure the ridge cap shingles coordinate with the main shingle color on your roof. They should also be made of similar materials to ensure they have a good fit and look.

2. Check For Weather Protection

Pick ridge cap shingles that can withstand your local weather. They should resist rain, wind, and sun damage to keep your roof safe for a long time. Luckily, many shingle manufacturing brands offer these features in their products, you just need to find the right one for your roof. 

3. Consider The Look

Choose ridge cap shingles that make your roof look nice. They should fit the style of your house and improve its appearance. 

4. Check The Warranties

Choose ridge cap shingles that will last a long time. Check the manufacturer's warranty to see how many years they're expected to last and what's covered if there are problems.

An Overview On Ridge Cap Shingle Installation

While learning how to install ridge cap shingles might seem easy enough, it’s a job best left to the professionals. As we advised above, an improper installation can lead to many issues that further damage your roofing system. 

Below is a brief overview of the shingle installation process:

👉Tools and Materials

• Ladder
• Hammer
• Roofing nails
• Roofing cement
• Chalk line
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Ridge cap shingles

👉Process

#1 Safety

Before you begin, make sure to take all necessary safety precautions. It’s important to wear a hard hat, safety glasses, and gloves. You should also have a person on the ground to help you with the installation.

#2 Measure And Cut The Ridge Cap Shingles

The ridge cap shingles should be cut to the length of the roof ridge. You can use a chalk line to mark the ridge and then measure the distance from the ridge to the eaves.

#3 Snap A Chalk Line

Once you have measured the ridge, snap a chalk line down the center of the ridge. This will help you to keep the shingles straight.

#4 Install The First Ridge Cap Shingle

Place the first ridge cap shingle over the ridge, with the exposed tab facing up. Nail the shingle down with two roofing nails, one on each side.

#5 Install The Remaining Ridge Cap Shingles

Continue to install the remaining ridge cap shingles, overlapping each shingle by about 1 inch. Nail each shingle down with two roofing nails.

#6 Seal The Ridge Cap Shingles

Once all of the ridge cap shingles are in place, seal the seams between the shingles with roofing cement. This will help prevent water from leaking into the roof.

#7 Clean up 

Once complete, remove any debris from the roof and dispose of it properly.

Additional Tips

1. It is important to install the ridge cap shingles in the correct direction. The exposed tab should face up, and the nails should be driven into the unexposed tab.

2. If you are replacing old ridge cap shingles, be sure to remove all of the old shingles before installing the new ones.

3. Be sure to inspect your ridge cap shingles regularly for any damage. If you find any damage, be sure to repair it immediately.

How Much Do Ridge Cap Shingles Cost?

Replacing your roof's ridge cap shingles generally costs between $4 and $7 per square foot, but the final cost depends on a few things, including the size and layout of your roof, the type of shingles you choose, removal of existing shingles and the cost of labor in your area. 

On average, most homeowners spend an average of $650 and $850 to replace their ridge cap shingles. However, if you only need to replace a small area, the cost could be as low as $150. 

To get the most accurate estimate, it's best to contact local roofing contractors. They can inspect your roof and provide a more realistic cost estimate.

Call McClellands Contracting And Proper Ridge Cap Shingle Installation In Pittsburgh, PA

If you are looking for durable shingle installation in Pittsburgh, PA, then we are here to assist you. Our team at McClellands Contracting and Roofing aims to provide you with top-quality roofing services in Pennsylvania. 

Whether you are looking for a roof installation, minor repairs, or a complete roof replacement, we have the experts who can handle it all. To know more about our services feel free to contact us at (412) 353-5660.