Silver Spring Roofing: Article About Understanding Ridge Shingle Installations

Shingles are meant to be overlapped along flat roof surfaces, but they do eventually meet at peaks. Silver Spring roofing professionals must cap this meeting point to prevent any moisture from infiltrating the attic below. This ridge takes the main force of rainstorms, so specialized shingle installations create a functional and aesthetically beautiful cap edging to the roof.

Contractors often turn to specialized ridge shingles when capping a peak. These customized shingles have a preformed curve that adheres closely to standard roof shapes. Although these materials may cost slightly more than standard shingles, ridge shingles reduce labor time on the job. Contractors don't have to fabricate caps but simply install these materials for a quick and beautiful roof installation.

Some homes have unique architecture that makes standard ridge shingles impossible to use appropriately. The standard curve may not conform well to the peak, for example, making installation even time-consuming. Contractors turn to basic shingles in these cases. They will take a three-tab shingle and cut it into three pieces at the cutout areas. Shingles retain their original strength even when cut. Professionals bend and attach the newly fabricated ridge shingles to the home.

This customization process is well suited to installations with unique shingle coloring, such as blue or tan.

Contractors use standardized nails for basic roofing installations, but ridge sections must have longer nails. These fasteners must pierce through at least two shingle layers, so professionals will measure their installation area to ensure a solid connection. The nails can't be too long, however, or they will interfere with the adjacent sloped roof surface. Experienced contractors know when they are using the right fastener because there is no physical obstacle to each driven nail.

To ensure a leak-free roof, ridge shingles are usually added in layers. These peaks must endure high winds, rain and other weathering elements. Layering them with strong shingles and fasteners allows water to flow unimpeded down the two roof sides. If one layer does fail, the roof still has one or two more shingle layers to protect the home. Roofers will examine these areas during future preventive maintenance appointments for any issues.

Every roof peak must have a cap, but valleys employ a different strategy. Homeowners shouldn't look for stacked shingles in these areas because flashing is normally installed as an alternative. If roofers do add layered shingles in valleys, homeowners should discuss their concerns with the contractor. This stacking strategy isn't a normal occurrence for most installations.