Inspect & Maintain Your Ridge Caps

Ridge caps and roofs are a match made in heaven. Ridge caps are a crucial piece of any roofing system. They serve as a protective barrier against the elements and from our experience, are also the usual suspect for most leaks we see in Perth roofs. Thus, some regular maintenance is essential to ensure that ridge caps continue to perform their functions effectively and to extend the life of the roof. (And to save you a bunch of headache and $$$ later down the line)

For all information provided in this article, please take the utmost care and safety. As dealing with anything roof-related can always be a potential safety hazard.

The first step in maintaining ridge caps is to inspect the ridge caps themselves. Usually twice a year, or after any major storms (only if safe to do so). Be on the lookout for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or leaks. During your inspection, pay close attention to the following areas:

1. Seams and Joints: Ensure the seams and joints between the ridge cap pieces have no signs of separation, cracking, or missing caulk. If there are any gaps or leaks, they should be sealed as soon as possible to prevent water from entering the roof.
   
2. Nails and Screws: This is another little detail which can potentially cause a lot of damage, so keep an eye out for this. Double check that all the nails and screws used to secure the ridge cap are tight and secure. Be on the lookout for any that have come loose or are missing. Replace any damaged or missing fasteners to ensure a secure connection.
   
3. Rust and Corrosion: Look for any signs of rust or corrosion on your ridge caps. If rust or corrosion is present, remove it by sanding, wire brushing, or using a chemical cleaner. Depending on your level of skills, tools, and type of material your ridge cap and roof is made of.

If you notice any damage or wear and tear during your inspection, it’s important to address it promptly to prevent further damage or costly repairs down the line. Often, simple repairs such as resealing seams or replacing damaged fasteners, can be done with minimal effort and possibly DIY. More serious issues, such as corrosion or severe damage to the ridge cap material, professional help is recommended.

Bottom Line: Spotting these little issues before they become bigger issues later, will always ultimately benefit you and your roof.

Apart from inspections, it’s recommended you keep the ridge cap and surrounding area clean. This can help prevent the buildup of debris and potential blockages. Use a soft brush or blower to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the ridge cap and surrounding area.

Below are a few other steps you can take to extend the life of your ridge caps and keep your roof in good condition:

1. Keep Trees Trimmed: If you have trees that are growing close to your roof, make sure to keep them trimmed to prevent branches from damaging the ridge cap or blocking your roofing system.
   
2. Use High-Quality Materials: If you’re looking to DIY for the replacement or repair of your ridge caps, then use high-quality materials that are specifically designed for roofing. Keep an eye out for products that are weather-resistant, durable, and designed to provide long-lasting protection against the elements.
   
3. Contact a Professional: Most of the time, for roofing maintenance & repairs, it’s always the better option to consult a roofing professional. Not only is it the safer and more sensible option, but inexperienced workmanship can usually lead to more negatives than positives down the line.

In sum, proper maintenance of ridge caps is essential to ensure that they continue to perform their functions effectively and to extend the life of the roof. Regular inspections, when done safely, can help you prevent any potential leaking issues and prolong the lifespan of your roof. However, in the event issues are detected and repairs are necessary, it is always recommended to give a professional a call.

Give our team a call today for a personal inspection & quote.