Your roof is one of the most essential parts of your home, protecting you and your family from the elements year-round. But let’s face it, protection is not the only purpose of a roof. Over the years, a roof’s aesthetic appeal has also gained attention.
A plain and ordinary roof can be a bit boring to look at. What if there was a way to transform your roof from ordinary to extraordinary? The solution lies in the often-overlooked ridge cap shingles. These shingles not only provide an essential layer of protection for your roof, but they can also enhance the look and functionality of your home. In this blog post, we’ll explore how ridge cap shingles can transform your roof.
What Are Ridge Cap Shingles?
Ridge cap shingles are an important part of a roof’s construction, but many homeowners may not know what they are or how they differ from regular shingles. If you also find yourself in this category, don’t worry, we are here to help!
Ridge cap shingles are a roofing material that is designed to cover the ridge of a roof where two sloping sides meet. Unlike regular shingles, which cover most of a roof’s surface, ridge shingles are typically installed over a ridge vent or cap. They create a protective barrier that prevents water, debris, and pests from getting into your home.
Ridge cap shingles are made from a variety of materials, including asphalt, metal, and wood. Asphalt ridge cap shingles are the most common and are made from the same materials as regular shingles.
Benefits of Ridge Cap Shingles
Ridge cap shingles offer several benefits to homeowners that make them a valuable addition to any roofing project.
Your Roof Stays Protected
One of the most significant benefits of ridge cap shingles is their ability to protect the roof from the elements. They provide an additional layer of protection to the highest point of a roof where rain, snow, and debris are most likely to accumulate. By covering the ridge, ridge cap shingles help prevent water from penetrating the roof and causing damage to the underlying materials.
Helps Against Roof Leaks
Ridge cap shingles also help prevent leaks and damage to the roof. By covering the peak of the roof, they create a barrier that prevents water from seeping into the roof structure and causing damage to the underlying materials. This helps extend the lifespan of the roof and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Shingle Ridge Caps Can Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Roof
Another benefit of using ridge cap shingles is that they can add to the overall curb appeal of a home. Ridge cap shingles are available in various colors and styles, allowing homeowners to choose a design that complements the rest of their home’s exterior. You can match these shingles with the asphalt shingles already installed on your roof. Or, if you want your home to stand out, you can use a different shingle color for the ridge.
By adding a finishing touch to the roofline, ridge cap shingles help enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home and make it stand out in the neighborhood.
Longer Lifespan
Ridge cap shingles can significantly increase a roof’s lifespan by protecting against wear and tear over time. These shingles are specifically designed to cover the peak of the roof and protect it from the elements.
Best Hip and Ridge Shingles on the Market
If you’re planning to install ridge cap shingles on your roof, choosing the right brand is essential to ensure quality and durability. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which brands to trust. In this section, we’ll explore some of the best hip and ridge shingle brands available today.
GAF Hip And Ridge Shingles
GAF is a leading brand in the roofing industry and offers a wide range of ridge cap shingles designed to provide excellent protection and durability. Their products are known for their exceptional quality and come in various styles and colors to suit any home’s design.
TimberCrest® Premium SBS-Modified ridge cap shingles feature a unique rounded appearance and exceptional depth, offering a more striking visual effect than traditional 3-tab shingles. They also offer superior durability and protection, ensuring that your roof remains in top condition for years to come.
At SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors, we are proud installers of GAF products and have a GAF Master Elite certification. This means that our roofers have passed rigorous tests to be able to provide you with the best service.
Also Read: The Best GAF Shingles According To SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors
Owens Corning:
Owens Corning is a well-known roofing brand that offers a range of ridge cap shingles made from high-quality materials. Their DuraRidge® shingles are one of the popular shingle ridge caps.
These shingles feature the company’s patented SureNail® technology, providing superior durability and wind resistance. The shingles provide a seamless color that can match Owens Corning’s popular shingles lines such as TruDefinition®, Duration®, and Oakridge®.
IKO® Shingles
IKO has been in the business of manufacturing roofing shingles for more than 70 years. Started in 1951 as a paper company, it has now become a well-known name in the roofing industry. The IKO Ultra HP® is a high-quality ridge shingle alternative to cutting up regular roof shingles for ridge protection. These shingles feature a high-profile design that enhances the roofline by adding depth, dimension, and texture.
How To Install Ridge Cap Shingles on Your Roof
Installing ridge cap shingles is a critical part of any roofing project. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in the installation process:
Step #1: Gather the Materials
Before starting the installation process, gather all necessary materials, including ridge cap shingles, roofing nails of the appropriate length, adhesive, a utility knife, and the appropriate safety gear such as rubber gloves and shoes.
Step #2: Remove the Existing Shingles
After you have all the necessary materials, it is time to wear the safety gear and climb up on the roof. Before moving ahead, you need to remove the existing ridge cap shingles. Use a pry bar to lift the shingles up. Also, clean the roofing system so you have a level surface before you install the new ridge cap shingle. Ensure that the surface is clear of dust and debris.
Step #3: Install the Ridge Cap Shingles
On a clean roof, start installing the shingles along the ridge. First, cut the ridge cap shingles to the appropriate length using a utility knife. Next, apply a small amount of adhesive to the bottom of each ridge cap shingle.
Start with the far end of the roof’s ridge and place the first ridge cap shingle in place. Install the remaining ridge cap shingles in a staggered pattern, overlapping each shingle by at least 1 to 2 inches.
Tip: To ensure the best installation, begin at the ridge end opposite the direction in which the wind is blowing.
Step #4: Nail Down the Shingles
After placing the shingles, it is time to nail them down. Secure each ridge cap shingle in place using evenly spaced roofing nails.
It’s important to note that installing ridge cap shingles is challenging, especially for those without roofing experience. For this reason, it’s always recommended that you hire a professional roofing contractor to handle the installation process.
Tips for Homeowners Who Want To Install Ridge Cap Shingles Themselves:
- Always wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and non-slip shoes.
- Take your time and work carefully to ensure a secure and even installation.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and use the recommended tools and materials.
- Consider hiring a professional if you’re not confident in your abilities.
Best Ridge Cap Shingle Installation Service in Tampa
As mentioned before, any work involving your roof has a certain level of risk, especially when it involves starting at the highest point of your roofing system.
Due to the risks involved, it is highly advised that if you are one of those individuals without prior experience and expertise in roofing, then you should avoid attempting to install ridge cap shingles yourself. If you are in need of professional assistance with the installation of ridge cap shingles, SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors is here to help.
We install high-quality ridge cap shingles when you hire us for an asphalt shingle roof installation or replacement. If you’re missing shingles, or notice your ridge cap shingles have become damaged, we will also replace them for you.
Contact us today at (813) 400-3329 to schedule a meeting with one of our team members to learn more about the services we offer.