QA

Question: How To Install Ridge Cap Shingles

Do you have to cut ridge cap shingles?

A ridge cap is used to cover and close the seam where two roof slopes meet to form a ridge or roof apex. 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.

Can you use regular shingles for ridge cap?

Overall, architectural shingles would work well as ridge caps since they are extremely resistant to almost every element of weather and can blend well with the other shingles of your roof.

What shingles do you use for ridge cap?

Three-tab shingles are easy to cut into strips to create a ridge cap, but now roofers and homeowners largely prefer laminated shingles. Rob Davidson, Vice-President of Residential Sales for IKO Canada, explains why: “When I started with IKO over 20 years ago, three-tab shingles were the most common shingle installed.

Should ridge vent go all the way across roof?

If you’re wondering whether a ridge vent should go all the way across a roof, it depends. You don’t want to cut ridge vents all the way to the edge, but you can install vent caps all the way to the edge. Ridge vents on metal roofs can be installed in a similar fashion.

Which way does a ridge cap go?

Generally on a north/south orientation, the south end of the ridge would be the place to start. On an east/west orientation, the east end will be the starting point. This is the point on the roof that you will attach the first ridge cap.

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.

How long should ridge cap nails be?

You need to use at least 2-inch-long nails for roof cap shingles installation. Why? The standard 1 and 1/4-inch nails are not long enough to penetrate through all the roofing material up near the ridge.

How many bundles of 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 many feet does a bundle of ridge cap shingles cover?

Each bundle has 45 caps (15 full sheets w/ 3 caps each) and when installed at 6-2/3″ exposure, that will cover a full 25 feet.

What’s the difference between ridge cap shingles and regular shingles?

Ridge cap shingles are specifically designed to fit the ridges of roofs. That’s why they are typically pre-bent and thicker than regular roof shingles, which tend to crack when folded over the ridge. Additionally, ridge cap shingles have more adhesion and a thicker nailing area when compared to regular shingles.

Do ridge vents leak?

With proper installation and care, ridge vents should not leak. However, improper installation leads to leaky vents. In some cases, installers will use the wrong nails or shorter nails to secure the vents to the structure. Another problem that can lead to leaking roof ridge vents involves sealant.

Does ridge vent need shingles?

Aluminum Ridge Vents – An aluminum ridge vent has a mushroom-shaped profile combined with a wide flange on both sides that sits on top of the roof shingles. The vent is the finished product and does not require additional asphalt shingle ridge caps to be installed over it.

Do you need gable vents with ridge vents?

Do Gable Vents Interfere With Ridge Vents? As popular as ridge vents are, they don’t work well with gable vents. That’s because gable vents are too close to ridge vents to move significantly cooler air. Gable and ridge vents both work ideally with soffit vents.

How much gap do you need for a ridge vent?

It is best to create a minimum of 1 inch of clearance on either side of the ridge board (ridgepole) to allow airflow through the opening and into the vent. If there is no ridge board present, as with some truss-framed roofs, the opening should be at least 1 inch from the ridge on both sides.

Should you see light through a ridge vent?

Yes, you should always see the light coming from the ridge vents when you look up at them from the side of the house. Light coming through the ridge vent can indicate that they are not clogged and that both air and light can freely travel through the ridge vent without becoming obstructed.

What is better ridge vent or roof vent?

Ridge Vents vs Box Vents. Continuous ridge vents are more effective because they are installed at the peak of a roof’s ridge, allowing for warm air to escape from the attic. It also works better because it creates a vacuum in your attic.

Can roofing nails be too long?

Yes, they can. If they are too long, they will protrude through the sheathing at the roof overhang and be visible.

Can I use screws for roof shingles?

You cannot use screws for roofing shingles, only roofing nails are approved fasteners. Screws leave small gaps in the material they are driven into, and this may be enough to allow for a leak.