Ridge cap shingles are special shingles that provide added protection to the most vulnerable part of your home’s exterior– the roof ridge (peak). You can install new ridge caps on an existing roof to make it more secure and aesthetically pleasing. If you are wondering what type of ridge capping you need, this article will be a helpful guide.
At Sol Vista Roofing, we try our best to keep you informed about the correct roofing methods and appropriate materials to use on your home. By the end of this article, you’ll learn the following:
- Whether you need ridge cap shingles
- How ridge cap shingles are different from regular shingles
- Different types of roof ridge capping
Ridge cap shingles are not made for every type of roof, so the first thing you need to do is find out whether you need them, or not.
Are Ridge Cap Shingles Necessary For Your Home?
Most U.S. homes are covered with asphalt or architectural shingles, and these roofing systems already have ridge cap shingles in place. Ridge cap shingles have been around for decades to provide extra protection against the elements and pests, and seal out moisture from getting to your attic from the roof ridge. Here are the top reasons why all shingled roofs need special ridge cap shingles:
To Protect The Home From Water, Wind & Hail Damage
Hail and wind damage is one of the most common reasons for insurance claims in the US, as it causes significant damage to the roof. You need ridge cap shingles if you have a pitched roof, especially a gable or hipped roof. These roofs have a gap along the ridge line, which must be covered by a more sturdy, and durable material than regular shingles. Typical shingle material will be blown away in the wind, or break due to hail impacts if this gap isn’t covered by proper caps. This will cause the roof ridge to be prone to leaks, algae, mold, and damage to your attic and rafters in many other ways.
Keep Pests And Rodents Away From The Attic
You need ridge cap shingles if you want to protect your home from damage caused by pests and rodents. They can enter the attic through vents, cuts, holes, and roof ridge gaps, so the roof ridge capping materials need to be 100% efficient. These pests will eat the wood underneath your shingles, which can cause significant damage to your home’s structure if left unchecked. Rodents can also gnaw through electrical wiring, which could lead to fires or other hazards occurring inside your home.
Create A Seamless Look With Matching Ridge Cap Shingles
Roof ridge shingles come in many different textures and colors, but their purpose is the same: to protect your roof while providing a seamless and appealing look along the ridge. These caps help protect your roof from wind, water, and hail damage, so you must choose one that matches both your other roofing materials and the roof’s pitch (how steep the slope is).
Recently, someone asked us these questions when we were repairing hail damage on their roof: ‘Can you use regular shingles for ridge caps?’, ‘Is a new product really necessary?’, and, ‘What’s the difference?’ If you are also looking for answers, here’s a detailed explanation:
How Are Ridge Cap Shingles Different?
Most homeowners ask their roofing contractor: can you use architectural shingles for ridge capping? The answer is no. Unfortunately, regular roofing shingles are not made to cover the roof ridge.
- Ridge cap shingles are specially manufactured with different materials and profiles that make them sturdier than regular asphalt or architectural shingles. This is because ridge caps need to withstand the wind and rain more readily. Because of this, they may also carry a higher price tag because of their construction.
- If you have multiple peaks or a hipped roof, you will also need to install ridge caps on the roof hips, as they have the same structure as the ridge.
- Proper ridge capping also helps you with roof insurance claims as it helps your insurance company to understand that you took care of your roof by using the right materials.
If you want to improve your home’s protection with ridge cap shingles, here are some popular options to choose from:
Types Of Ridge Cap Shingles
There are many types of roof ridge caps on the market, including shingles, metal capping rolls, and tiles. Ridge cap shingles are the most affordable and popular choice for homes. These shingles are mainly used on residential roofs that are covered with architectural asphalt shingles.
Architectural Shingle Ridge Cap
If you have an architectural shingle roof and are considering a ridge cap, there are some things to consider before making a final decision. The main thing you should know is that the color of your ridge cap shingles can make or break the aesthetics of your roof. You may choose a color for your ridge caps that you think looks great on paper but could end up not matching your roof or home’s exterior. We recommend consulting a reliable local roofing contractor to help you look for the best options for your home.
Cedar Shingle Ridge Cap
A cedar shingle ridge cap is a blend of beauty and safety. It is suitable for traditional-style homes or cabins with an earthy aesthetic. Ridge caps made of cedar have a longer lifespan and better durability than other materials. They are made with natural wood that’s fortified with compounds that resist water, pests, and algae. Cedar shingle ridge caps are also easier on your wallet when compared to other luxurious roof ridge capping materials like slate and tile.
Vented Ridge Cap Shingles
Vented roof ridge shingles are a good choice for homes in colder regions. They have small holes for air circulation. Attic ventilation is important to help prevent ice damming and water leaks. Ice dams form when the snow melts on your roof, then refreezes before it drains off the edge of your roof. However, vented ridge cap shingles are not recommended for roofs in areas that receive hurricane-force winds as they can become clogged with flying debris. Wind-driven rain can also slip through vented ridge cap shingles.
Expert Recommended Ridge Cap Shingles
Over the years, we have followed the leading roofing manufacturers and discovered that Owens Corning products and contractor training programs exceed many industrial quality standards. Here’s a top recommendation from the Sol Vista Roofing experts: Owens Corning DuraRidge® Hip & Ridge Shingles.
Many homeowners also use metal ridge caps on shingle roofs. Whichever ridge capping style you choose, make sure it meets local building codes and that you hire a trustworthy roofing contractor for your home improvement project.
We hope you now understand how roof ridge shingles will help you and your home. Ridge caps are essential components of residential roofs. They look pleasing, are easy to install, and can save you money in the long run by protecting your home from severe damage.
If you are looking for ridge cap shingle installation in Denver, Colorado, we can help you.
Discuss Ridge Capping With Our Experts
Home improvement projects include using the best materials and installation techniques available to you. When you’re looking to improve your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is choosing a good quality roofing contractor.
At Sol Vista Roofing, we’ve been improving homes in Denver, Aurora, and the nearby areas of Colorado for years. We are a part of the Denver community and want to do our best to help homeowners protect their families and properties in the easiest way possible!
We have a skilled and accomplished team who are Owens Corning preferred roofing contractors. This means we are insured, bonded, and trained in top-quality workmanship and customer service, so you can rest well knowing that your home is in safe hands and your investment is going to be successful!
If you want trustworthy residential roofing services such as ridge cap installation, contact us at (720) 712-3516. We will be happy to help you with our complimentary services, such as a free consultation, roof inspection, and estimate.
