Roof ridge caps play an essential role on the roof; thus, they’re exposed to adverse weather conditions.
These ridge caps wear and tear easily because they constantly protect your roof. When the ridge caps are worn out, there could be roof leaks and other issues.
You would have to spend more repairing the roof and other structures. Hence, replacing the roof ridge caps is essential as soon as damage is noticed.
The cost of replacing a roof ridge cap is about $475. However, the roof ridge cap replacement cost may vary depending on the roof size and damage the previous cap has caused. Plus, you need to consider the cost of labor and material before making a budget.
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How Much Does It Cost to Replace Ridge Caps?
It costs between $300 to $500 to replace roof ridge caps, depending on the person in charge.
A professional roofer would charge an average price of $475 to replace the ridge caps.
The roofer would consider many factors, such as the size of the roof ridge, type of ridge caps, and labor. After considering all these factors, the roofer would now give you the bill.
However, changing your roof ridge caps by yourself would not cost you so much. The total cost of changing roof ridge caps in a simple do-it-yourself project is between $150 to $240.
You spend less because you do not have to pay for labor, and the roofer would charge you some other factor.
However, it is best to always budget more because of unforeseen conditions. Additionally, it is best to leave roof cap replacement projects to professional roofers.
Any mistake could cause more damage to the roof, and you would have to spend more repairing or replacing the roof.
Sometimes, you may have to replace your roof ridge vent alongside the caps is essential. The two components are vital parts of the roof ridge and function effectively together.
Are Roof Ridge Caps Worth the Cost?
Roof ridge caps may look insignificant, but they are essential to any roof. Spending money to get roof ridge caps is worth the money and effort.
The ridge caps improve the lifespan of your roof and keep it durable and rigid.
Also, they are essential in making the roof withstand excessive exposure to extreme weather and natural elements.
The ridge line is the part of the roof that is more vulnerable to damage that can cause wear and tear.
The roof caps wear faster and need more replacements than any other roof area. Always replacing the ridge caps might cost a lot of effort and money.
However, it is worth it for the vital role it plays on your roof ridge. In addition, replacing roof ridge caps in recent times is now easier and faster.
The ridge caps are now prefabricated and simple to install. Therefore, you might not be putting too much effort and money into a replacement.
Although you should still place the same value on the ridge caps, they are just as beneficial as old types of roof ridge caps.
What is the Purpose of a Ridge Cap on a Roof?
The ridge cap shields the roof ridge line against moisture and debris that may enter under the roof through the ridge line.
The ridge line has just enough space for elements like ice, snow, rain, and pests to sneak into the roof.
However, the ridge cap covers this gap to prevent these elements from entering the roof. Additionally, ridge caps improve the air circulation inside the building.
The ridge cap ensures constant air exchange to balance the internal temperature in the building when it gets too hot.
Also, ridge caps help to reduce energy consumption in the building because of the effect it has on balancing the temperature inside the building.
Due to the constant air circulation in the building by the ridge cap, the interior doesn’t get too cold or warm as the seasons change.
As a result, the entire building maintains a steady room temperature during summer and winter.
Hence, it reduces the need for heaters and air conditioners, resulting in low energy consumption and bills in the building.
In addition, a ridge improves the roof’s lifespan by protecting it. It also prevents water and moisture from entering the lower structures of the roof and the building.
The entire structure below the roof becomes weaker if there is too much exposure to moisture.
Eventually, the walls would begin to crack, and the building might collapse. Hence, the ridge is not only protecting the roof but the entire building inclusive.
Although roof caps are important in roof and building construction, there are other disadvantages to having them on your roof. Here are some pros and cons of having ridge caps on the roof.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It balances the temperature inside the house. | It prevents proper ventilation inside some house structures. |
| It blends with the roof structure of the building. | It could cause leaks during heavy rainfall. |
| It protects the building against rodents. | Installing ridge caps for the first time is expensive. |
| It functions independently without extra support. | It could cause the house to get too warm during the extreme heat. |
| It reduces air pollution within the building. | It is unsuitable for flat roofs. |
| It improves the air quality within the building. |
How Do You Replace a Roof Ridge Cap?
Replacing a ridge cap is easy, but you must be careful with the entire process. You could cause damage to the roof if you do not get the methods right.
Therefore, it is best to let a professional roofer carry out the process to prevent complications.
Also, you should ensure to use high-quality materials to avoid issues. Apart from that, professional roofers would also be able to use the right tools and equipment.
You should follow the steps outlined below to replace a roof ridge cap.
- Remove the worn-out ridge caps neatly, one at a time.
- Position a new ridge cap on the roof peak. Then, use a piece of chalk to mark the two ends on the roof.
- Apply sealant tape one inch above both chalk lines.
- Set down the closure strips a quarter inch above both chalk lines.
- Apply another strip of sealant tape on top of the closure strips.
- Place the ridge cap and press it down firmly on the closures.
- Use some roofing nails or screws to fasten the ridge caps.
- Repeat and continue till you install all the other ridge caps.
- You should ensure the ridge caps overlap perfectly to hide the screws or nails.
- Trim any excess ridge cap to make the length blend with the roof.
Using the proper roofing hammer to drive the nails would be best. There is no need to use closure strips for roof caps without closures. Alternatively, you can use the method below:
- First, cut and bend the tiles to take the shape of the bend of the roof.
- Position the ridge cap properly and drive in the nails or screw.
- Next, apply some cement or mortar to hold the ridge caps firmly. Wait till the cement dries off completely.
- Next, apply some waterproof sealant to prevent water from seeping into the lower level.
- Next, apply some paint to coat and add shine to the ridge caps.
- Finally, trim any excess ridge cap according to the roof length.
Conclusion
In the end, roof ridge caps may be expensive, but it is best to install them to avoid creating a major issue for your roof.
Also, it would help to inspect your roof frequently to know when it needs new ridge caps. Finally, the level of wear out in your ridge caps would affect the life of your roof.
