How To Install Roof Shingle Ridge Capping
A roof ridge is where two opposing planes of a roof meet. Specifically, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association, the ridge is the “highest point on a roof, represented by a horizontal line where two roof areas intersect, running the length of the area.”
Whatever the material you’re using, be it tin or tile or asphalt roof shingles, you’ll apply some sort of capping to the roof ridge.
This is both a functional and aesthetic choice – functionally, it helps maintain the watertight nature of the roof. Aesthetically, it creates clean lines along your ridges, rather than seams.
Ridge capping is usually fairly noticeable on a house made of tin or tile. On asphalt roof shingles, however, the effect is much more subtle.
This helps create a seamless, flowing appearance to the roof that isn’t matched by any other roofing material.
The profile is lower, and the capping material better blends into the rest of the roof.
Let’s see how they’re installed.
Installing Roof Shingle Ridge Capping
One of the nicest features of asphalt roof shingles are the clean, straight lines you get when they’re finished.
The goal of your ridge capping is partially to maintain these lines and not ruin that aesthetic.
At the same time, they need to be functional. They have to help keep the roof watertight, and allow for adequate roof ventilation. Without these features, the capping isn’t just pointless – it’s a detriment to the integrity and functionality of your roof.
To begin installing, measure and snap chalk lines. These should allow for the capping to evenly wrap over both sides of the ridge.
Then begin nailing in each ridge cap, using the chalk line.
You’ll want to use longer nails for the capping than with the regular shingles. This is to allow for the extra height of the ridge vents. We suggest using 45mm nails to account for the vent height.
Continue capping along the length of the ridge, being careful not to seal the vent and prevent adequate ventilation.
Ridge Capping on Dormer Windows and L Bends
When you have dormer windows or L-bends on your roof, you need to prepare your ridge caps properly before you can apply them.
For dormer windows, cap the window box until there’s one tile distance to the roof ridge line. You’ll need several cap pieces to properly cover this intersection and maintain water resistance.
The first cap piece that goes across the intersection will need to have a “V” shape cut out that will sit over the dormer window’s ridge.
Next, lay a roof cap piece over the dormer window ridge. Cut a slit in the headlap just long enough for the cap to be folded over the dormer ridge and for the upper corners to be pressed flat against the main roof.
You’ll need to then repeat this process 2-3 times to ensure adequate coverage and a flat profile.
L-shape roofs follow a similar pattern of overlapping caps with cuts and slits to allow coverage on the intersections.
Once the intersection is complete, you can continue capping the rest of the ridge as normal until you reach the ends.
Asphalt Roof Shingles – Your Next Roofing Material
When installed properly, asphalt roof shingles create a unique, attractive look to your roof. The material is sturdy, provides great insulation, and is perfect to withstand the harshest Australian climates.
Asphalt roof shingles are the perfect way to complement an American-style home, such as Hamptons or Cape Cod-styles.
Many developers think these houses use tile roofs, but this isn’t the case. While tile can create a decent proxy of roof shingles, nothing beats the genuine article.
We stock GAF asphalt roof shingles to supply to builders in Australia. GAF is the leading supplier of asphalt roof shingles in America.
You can find their product proudly displayed on more roofs in the USA than there are houses in Australia.
Since asphalt roof shingles are less common in Australia, we’ve been putting together these article series on their proper installation. From the plywood base structure to the final ridge cap, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
Want to find out more on how to install asphalt roof shingles on your roof? Read the rest of our article series here.
Want to order GAF products? Request a Free Quote here.
