The Importance of Ridge Caps on Your Roof

The Importance of Ridge Caps and Why They’re Usually the Culprit for Your Roof Issues

Ridge caps are not only an attractive finish to your roof, but they also serve an essential purpose. Ridge caps are the point at which the different parts of your roof meet at an upward angle. If your ridge cap has a ridge vent installed, it will also be an essential part of allowing your attic space to circulate air and help prevent your home from getting too hot.

Why is a ridge cap so important?

A ridge cap is vitally important to any well-done roofing project. Roofs that meet each other at a downward angle are called a valley. Or an upward angle is called a peak. Valleys have a lot of water that will run through them and must be sealed very well. But with peaks, you must use a particular piece called a ridge cap.

Asphalt shingles are capable of being bent and forming a ridge cap. But if you are using a tile roof, you will have to use specialized ridge cap tiles. Your ridge cap will not be hit with the most rain, but it is an essential component of your roofing. It will help ensure that the roof sheds the water down the sides and no moisture sneaks into your home from the uppermost seam.

What kind of problems will my ridge cap have?

Your ridge cap is prone to developing problems that will lead to your home having issues. This is partly because your ridge cap is the first part of your roof exposed to the elements. Excessive heat, sunshine, rain, and other weather can wear your ridge cap down and cause it to develop issues. 

Repointing: When the ridge cap becomes out of alignment, it will need repointing to put them back in line and properly seal them once again.

Rebedding: This is the process of recementing the ridge cap in place. This may have to be done during the repointing process or if there are broken ridge cap pieces. 

Moss and lichen: Moss and lichen are notorious for becoming overgrown on your roof, preventing water from shedding quickly and causing it to back up under your roofing and enter your home. 

Cracked ridge caps: These will begin to let water enter your home and will need to be replaced, repointed, and rebedded as soon as possible.

Roof sag: Roof sags are usually due to a framing malfunction under your roof. But a sagging roof can crack tiles or interrupt the water-shedding ability of your roof and end up causing water leaks in your home.

Roof leaks: Roof leaks are the result of all these problems. It is also a huge problem that will need to be addressed quickly before developing into worse problems, such as mould and mildew issues and structural damage.

In conclusion

Without a good ridge cap, you may begin to lose your roofing material from the top down and experience water infiltration into your home. Your ridge cap is one of the essential parts of your roof and therefore is vital that it stays maintained. If you have any questions about your ridge cap or its condition, contact the team at Roof Repairs Perth WA today.

We’ll get the job done right. The first time.