Ridge caps are the most popular type of roofing that exists, and there is a reason for this: they provide a blend of practicality and aesthetics. Because of their design, ridge caps also offer more protection against snow and rain than low-profile roofs.
But whether or not one style is better than the other is often up for debate and can depend on various factors such as cost, coverage, ease of installation among other things.
To help you decide, we reviewed and compared the following styles:
- High profile ridge cap
- Low profile ridge cap
High Profile Ridge Cap
The high-profile roofing ridge cap is basically a type of roofing that consists of a front edge along with a lower slope, usually made from wood or slate. The front edge offers protection from the elements while the lower slope acts as an attractive accent for homeowners.
Pros: High-profile roofing can be made in any pitch and in virtually any type of material, including slate, wood shakes, and metal.
Cons: High-profile roofing construction is time-consuming and requires specialized equipment. However, it does cost more than low-profile roofing.
Related: What is a Ridge Vent: Everything there is to know.
Low Profile Ridge Cap
Roofing homes with low profile ridge caps normally consist of a flat surface that is constructed with minimal material compared to the front edge of the cap. This minimization allows for easier installation since there is less material to work with. The cap’s lower slope also gives the impression of an attractive design.
Pros: This type of roofing is easier to install and can be made from a variety of materials such as wood shakes, slate, fiber-cement, and metal.
Cons: Low-profile ridge caps aren’t as durable as their high-profile counterparts. Most manufacturers recommend that they be placed on the lowest part of your roof and in areas where there is minimal exposure to wind and snow.
Since both types of roofing have their pros and cons, it’s ultimately up to you to decide which one works best for your home.
What is the purpose of ridge cap?
Ridge caps provide a protective layer on the roof of a home providing some extra protection from wind and snow.
This is the metal plate on the roof of a home extending from side to side of the house, at a 45-degree angle from the main direction of the roof. The ridge cap has a front edge that protects from wind and rain. It has a rear edge, usually made from wood or slate, which provides aesthetic appeal to your home.
What is the purpose of the ridge cap?
The purpose of a roof ridge cap is to seal out wind and water from damaging your roof shingles. In most cases, you will want to install a low-profile roof, meaning that the front edge of the ridge cap is flat with no slope at all. A high-profile roof will have a slope from front to back.
Conclusion
What is the purpose of the ridge cap? The purpose of a ridge cap is to seal out wind and water from damaging your roof shingles. In most cases, you will want to install a low-profile roof, meaning that the front edge of the ridge cap is flat with no slope at all. A high-profile roof will have a slope from front to back.
High Profile Ridge Cap vs Low Profile
Both these types of roofing have their pros and cons so it’s ultimately up to you to decide which one works best for your home. Ridge caps are the most popular type of roofing that exists, and there is a reason for this: they provide a blend of practicality and aesthetics.