Roof repair and replacement is an excellent way to improve your home’s security, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. If you are in the process of upgrading your roof, you should check whether your current roof has ridge caps. This is a crucial component of your roof and can add value to your home.
At Sol Vista Roofing, we help property owners learn more about their homes and commercial building so they can make informed decisions. This article will explain the function, benefits, and types of ridge caps available on the market, allowing you to choose the best ridge cap according to your needs and budget.
To understand ridge caps better, let’s begin by learning what a roof ridge is.
What Is A Roof Ridge?
A roof ridge is the horizontal peak of a roof. It is the highest area where the two sides of your roof meet. There’s a gap at the roof ridge because the wood and underlayment sheets end at this point, and this area is particularly vulnerable, exposing the rafters, trusses, and attic. This is where ridge caps come in.
What Are Ridge Caps?
Ridge caps are a special type of capping that cover the roof ridge completely. Ridge caps come in different shapes and dimensions depending on your roofing system and aesthetic needs. You can get these caps in desired colors and patterns to match other components on your roof, such as shingles or metal flashing.
Why Do You Need Ridge Caps?
If you are wondering whether you can cover the roof ridge with regular shingles, the answer is no. A roof ridge needs extra protection to withstand strong winds and heavy snow loads. When you cover it with standard shingles, they easily tear off and blow away with high winds.
Ridge caps are a vital component of any roofing system. They are thicker and have a customized shape to fit the roof ridge perfectly. They help to ensure that your roof is fully covered and protected, significantly reducing the risk of leaks, roof damage, and attic deterioration. Ridge caps are made from asphalt shingles or thick metal sheets that are pre-bent to cover the opening.
Protect The Roof And Attic From Wind Damage
The topmost peak of the roof is also the most vulnerable area. It’s susceptible to wind damage, especially in high-wind weather conditions of hurricanes and tornados. This area of the roof is subjected to extreme stress because of it’s high elevation, and the roofing materials used on this part tend to be easily damaged by strong winds.
To give you an idea of what we’re talking about, an average shingle can withstand a 50-mile-per-hour wind gust before beginning to tear off. The strongest winds will tear through even asphalt shingles designed for high-wind environments, so imagine what damage could be done if there was no extra protection at the roof’s peak. If you already have ridge caps and are still concerned about the damage that could be done by high winds, you can use hurricane clips to help.
Avoid Roof Leaks, Mold, And Algae
The ridge cap prevents water from entering the attic through the top of your roof. This keeps moisture from building up inside the walls and ceiling of your home. Without ridge caps, moisture will lead to mold growth or rotting wood that causes structural damage to the framework of your home.
Prevent Heat Build-Up In Your Home
Ridge caps block sunlight from heating your attic and inner roofing layers. This means that heat will not accumulate in the wood, attic, and upper rooms if you have a ridge cap, keeping your home cooler during summer. As ridge caps reduce heat build-up inside the home, they protect it from fire hazards and save you money on cooling bills.
Aid In Roof And Attic Ventilation
In addition to protecting your roof and attic, ridge caps accommodate ridge vents. Ridge vents are the most common type of roof vents that help ventilate your attic space. Ridge vents are exhaust vents that allow warm air out of the attic. These vents are installed directly below the ridge caps, where the hot air quickly rises and escapes. These vents also keep your attic dry and cool, which is necessary for the overall home ventilation system.
Don’t Need Maintenance Like Regular Shingles
The great thing about these caps is that they’re easy to maintain and don’t require much to keep them in good condition. They are made of durable materials, so you don’t have to worry about damage caused by the elements or the material withering away over time. Ridge caps are inexpensive, so you will only have to spend a little on getting new ones, or replacing the old capping.
Improve Your Home’s Aesthetics
Another advantage of ridge caps is that they can improve your home’s aesthetics. They’re available in different colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can choose one that best matches the rest of your roof and exterior. The beauty of ridge caps is that they’re easy to install and don’t disturb other materials on your roof.
Types Of Ridge Caps
Ridge caps are prefabricated in a factory, and roofers may or may not need to cut them during the installation process. They’re installed quickly using nails and screws that fit snugly over the ridge of the roof. Below are the most popular materials and styles of ridge caps.
Metal Ridge Cap Rolls
Metal ridge caps are often made from galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper. The metal cap rolls come in a continuous length with decorative edges that can be cut to fit the pitch of your roof. They are commonly used on all kinds of roof pitches and have a life expectancy of 50 years or more. When exposed to the elements, these metals do not rust or rot like untreated steel, iron, and wood.
Shingle Ridge Caps
Special shingle ridge caps are designed to blend in with your roofing shingles. They come in many colors to match your home’s exterior and are thicker than regular shingles. Many of these special ridge caps have a round or pointed pattern that adds a unique flair and extra backing to your roof ridge.
Vented Ridge Caps
This type of ridge cap comes with an attached ventilation strip. The vent strip is made from vinyl or metal and is installed on the roof’s peak, allowing air to escape from the attic space. This type of ridge cap is handy and an economical choice for homeowners who don’t want to buy separate ridge vents for their roof.
Ridge caps must be installed precisely to perform well for years to come. Professional roofing contractors can help you find the ideal ridge caps for both your roof and your budget.
Discuss Your Roofing Needs With The Experts
If you need new ridge caps or a roof replacement service, there are many factors you need to consider. It’s always best to consult a local roofing contractor who knows what material is available and will sustain the weather in your area.
If you live in Denver, Colorado, or the surrounding area, we can help you with ridge capping or any other residential roofing project you may have. Our experts have been improving homes for years, and we work with the most sturdy materials that will last for decades!
We hope this article has answered your questions regarding ridge caps and why they’re essential for your home. If you need more information on ridge caps and other components of residential roofs, call us at (720) 712-3516. We can help you with a free consultation and estimate.
