- 1). IInstall your final shingle course at the ridge of the roof. The final shingles will reach beyond the ridgeline. If you are using asphalt shingles, you can simply fold them over and nail them into place. However, wooden shingles must be cut with a circular saw so they rest flush with the roof ridge. Bring the adjoining section of wooden shingles over the ridgeline and cut them flush with the faces of the shingle course they meet up with.
- 2). Check the fit of your ridge cap shingle. An asphalt ridge cap is basically a reinforced shingle that is made to cover both sides of the roof ridge without splitting. A wooden ridge cap shingle is comprised of two shingles joined together at the proper angle to rest over the roof's ridgeline. Set your ridge cap shingle in place and ensure it covers the exposed nails fastening the highest shingle course in place. If the ridge cap shingle doesn't cover the nails, you will need to affix another course of shingles to the roof before proceeding.
- 3). Once you've ensured your ridge cap will cover the exposed nails, run a guide line from one corner of the roof ridge to the other. Snap a chalk line and refer to it as you lay your ridge caps in place. This will help to keep everything nice and straight.
- 4). Position your first ridge cap and fasten it in place. The end of the first ridge cap shingle should line up with the outside edge of your regular roofing shingles. Nail the ridge cap in place with two roofing nails driven approximately one inch from each of the shingle's edges, and approximately one inch behind the portion of the shingle that will remain exposed after the next ridge cap shingle is installed. The amount of ridge cap you should leave exposed will vary depending on the specific size and type of shingles you are using. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you are leaving the proper shingle exposure.
- 5). Measure off the amount of shingle to leave exposed and mark it with a pencil. Install your next ridge cap with the end lining up with the marked exposure line. Again, fasten it in place with two nails driven beyond the exposed portion of the ridge cap's face.
- 6). Continue this pattern until you have covered the entire ridgeline with the ridge cap units. Cut the final shingle to size. You can use a utility knife to cut asphalt shingles; for wood you will want to use your circular saw, or a jig saw if you're more comfortable with that. You will notice that the last two nails are the only nails that will be left exposed. Cover these two exposed nails with roofing sealant to prevent water from leaking in. Use your caulking gun to apply the sealant.
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