How to Replace Ridge-Cap Shingles

Because ridge-cap shingles cover the peak of the roof, where two angles meet, they play a critical role in keeping rain and melting snow from leaking into the house. And because ridge-cap shingles are bent over the roof, they can deteriorate quicker than the rest of the roof surface. The good news is that they can be replaced without having to replace the entire roof. Inspect the roof and the ridge caps for damage once a year. If you need to replace some of the caps, here's how to do it:

1. Cut and bend a shingle to conform to the shape of the peak of the roof.
2. Hammer a roofing nail on each side of the shingle, five inches from the bottom edges and one inch from the side edge.
3. Overlap the shingles to cover the nails on the side edges, and use roofing cement to cover the nail heads on the shingle at the end of the roof.