Ridge Cap
Specially shaped shingles installed along the peak (ridge) of a roof where two slopes meet. Provides waterproofing and a finished appearance at the highest point.
Specially shaped shingles installed along the peak (ridge) of a roof where two slopes meet. Provides waterproofing and a finished appearance at the highest point.
Why Ridge Cap Matters for Insurance Claims
Ridge cap shingles are among the most vulnerable components during wind events because they sit at the roof peak with maximum wind exposure. Missing or damaged ridge caps are a frequent finding on storm damage inspections. Because they are measured separately from field shingles and have their own line item in Xactimate, leaving them out of an estimate means underpaying the claim. Adjusters should measure all ridges and hips and include ridge cap as a dedicated line item.
Ridge Cap in Xactimate Estimates
Ridge cap appears under the RFG trade category in Xactimate and is measured in linear feet. The measurement should include every ridge line and hip line on the roof. Hip roofs require significantly more ridge cap than simple gable roofs because each hip line adds length. Make sure the ridge cap product specified in the estimate matches the manufacturer of the field shingles, since mixing brands can void warranty coverage.
Ridge Cap and Ventilation
On homes with ridge vents, the ridge cap shingles are installed over the vent to provide both ventilation and weather protection. When ridge cap blows off a vented ridge, the exposed opening allows rain directly into the attic. Emergency tarping of a damaged ridge vent area is a common temporary repair that should be documented and billed separately from the permanent ridge cap replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Ridge cap has its own selector code and is measured in linear feet, separate from the field shingles. It should appear as a distinct line item covering the length of all ridges and hips on the roof.
While this was common practice in the past, most manufacturers now produce dedicated ridge cap products. Using cut field shingles can void the warranty and may not meet code. Insurance estimates should specify manufactured ridge cap.
Ridge caps sit at the highest point of the roof and are directly exposed to wind from all directions. They are often the first roofing component to blow off in a storm, and missing ridge caps allow water to enter through the ridge.
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