To ensure a roof’s optimal performance, the contractor must install top-grade shingles correctly. However, an exceptional roofing system may still incur a truncated lifespan if ridges remain exposed. Likewise, if the contractor uses the wrong material or installation process to cover the ridges, the roofing system may experience issues, including moisture intrusion. Ridge cap shingles are important for a healthy roofing system.
Importance Of Ridge Cap Shingles
The area of the roof where two roof slopes intersect at a peak is called the roof ridge. Typically, this juncture is the highest point on a roof (i.e., the peak). Most homeowners call the ridge the “top of the roof.” Depending on its layout, a home may have multiple ridges.
1. Ridge Cap Shingles Reduce Premature Aging Of A Roof
Because of its location, a ridge may experience increased exposure to outside elements, including rain, snow, and wind. This added stress may result in premature degradation of the roofing materials at or adjacent to the ridge.
2. Ridge Cap Shingles Safeguard A Roof From External Forces
Ridge cap shingles offer a reinforcing layer of protection for the shingles covering a ridge. In effect, ridge cap shingles eliminate the underlying shingles’ direct contact with external forces. The objective is to ensure the roofing system has the best opportunity for a long lifespan.
3. Ridge Cap Shingles Provide Additional Curb Appeal
As an additional benefit, many homeowners believe that ridge cap shingles offer an added aesthetic quality. As a finishing touch, this feature enhances a home’s curb appeal by providing dimension and depth to accentuate the roof’s appearance.
Ridge Cap Shingles Are Better Than Standard Roofing Shingles
Many contractors use regular shingles to cap a residential home’s roof ridges. To save time or money, they cut standard shingles into the shape of ridge cap shingles. However, this shortcut method has drawbacks, and reputable roofing professionals do not recommend it.
1. Better Resist Wear & Tear
Generally, regular shingles are thinner than ridge cap shingles. Therefore, they face an increased risk of cracking or tearing when folded over the ridge. Ridge cap shingles do not incur this potential issue. Why? They are “prebent” with the objective of placement over a ridge.
2. Offer Enhanced Weatherproofing
Because ridge cap shingles are thicker than standard shingles, they can better safeguard against outside elements, including rain, wind, hail, and weathering. Additionally, their form fits snuggly over the ridge, enabling them to shed water and snowmelt efficiently and effectively.
3. Deliver Superior Fastening
Roofers also appreciate the value of added adhesion provided by ridge cap shingles. Regular shingles don’t share this degree of tackiness because they have a different primary purpose than to protect a ridge. Thus, ridge cap shingles can more easily withstand gale-force winds.
Hiring A Reputable Roofing Company
For homeowners in Indianapolis, IN, Moss Roofing provides exceptional results. We don’t cut corners. We follow all industry standards, including installing high-quality ridge cap shingles on ridges.
Contact Moss Roofing today to learn more about our roofing services or receive a free quote.
