Ridge Cap Shingles: Types, Coverage, Installation
Ridge cap shingles cover the peaks and hips of a roof, where two slopes meet. They are folded over the ridge and nailed so each cap overlaps the one before it, sealing the joint against water and wind. Most roofs today use pre-made hip and ridge shingles, which are thicker and pre-bent for a finished look. On 3-tab roofs, caps can be cut from regular shingles, with each 3-tab shingle yielding three caps.
Asphalt tonnage calculator →Types
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Pre-made hip and ridge | Thicker, pre-scored; matches architectural shingles |
| High-profile ridge caps | Taller, decorative look |
| Cut from 3-tab | Economical; each shingle makes 3 caps |
Architectural shingles cannot be cut into caps because their layers do not fold cleanly, so pre-made caps are used.
Coverage
Coverage depends on product and exposure:
| Cap source | Typical exposure | Approx. coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-made caps | About 5 to 8 in | Often 20 to 35 linear ft per bundle |
| 3-tab cut caps | About 5 in | 1 shingle covers about 15 in of ridge |
Measure total ridge and hip length, then divide by the bundle’s listed linear coverage.
Installation steps
- Install ridge vent, if used, along the ridge opening.
- Start at the end opposite the prevailing wind, so laps face away from the wind.
- Bend each cap over the ridge, centered.
- Nail at the specified location, usually about 1 inch from each edge and above the exposure line, using longer nails if over a ridge vent.
- Overlap each cap so nails are covered by the next.
- Finish the last cap with exposed nails sealed with roofing cement. See asphalt roof cement.
Hips
Hips are capped from the bottom up, so each cap sheds water over the one below. Where hips meet a ridge, a specially cut or folded cap covers the intersection.
Ridge vents
Ridge vents allow attic air to escape along the peak. Caps are nailed through the vent into the deck. Follow vent manufacturer instructions for nail length and spacing.
Cold weather
In cold weather, caps can crack when bent. Warm them before installation, and handle them carefully.
Ordering
Order ridge caps separately from field shingles. See how many bundles of shingles in a square for field shingle math, and how to measure a roof in squares.
Matching color and style
Pre-made ridge caps are made to match specific shingle lines and colors. Order them from the same manufacturer and color as the field shingles, since slight color differences are noticeable along a ridge line.
Bottom line
Ridge cap shingles seal roof peaks and hips. Use pre-made caps on architectural roofs or cut 3-tab shingles into three caps each, start opposite the prevailing wind, overlap to cover nails, and order by linear feet of ridge and hip.
Questions people ask
Can I cut architectural shingles for ridge caps?
No, use pre-made hip and ridge shingles.
How many ridge caps per 3-tab shingle?
Three.
How much does a bundle of ridge caps cover?
Often 20 to 35 linear feet, depending on the product.
Which direction should ridge caps face?
Start at the end opposite the prevailing wind.
Related guides
- Starter Strip Shingles: Why and How to Install
- Architectural vs 3-Tab Shingles: Cost, Life, Wind
- How Many Bundles of Shingles Are in a Square?
- How to Measure a Roof in Squares: Pitch Factor Math
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