How Many Bundles of Ridge Cap Shingles Do I Need?
Hip and ridge shingles finish the peaks of a roof, and they are sold by the linear feet each bundle covers. A roof with 40 ft of ridge needs 2 bundles at 25 linear ft per bundle with 5% for cuts, or 2 at 33 ft. The ridge cap calculator does the division for any length and bundle size.
Bundles by ridge length
With 5% extra. Add the hips to the ridge before you look up the count:
| Ridge and hips | 25 ft bundles | 33 ft bundles |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | 1 | 1 |
| 30 ft | 2 | 1 |
| 40 ft | 2 | 2 |
| 60 ft | 3 | 2 |
| 80 ft | 4 | 3 |
| 100 ft | 5 | 4 |
| 150 ft | 7 | 5 |
Roofs with hips
A hip roof has hips as well as a short ridge, and the hips are longer than they look from the ground, because they run along the slope.
| Roof | Total length | 25 ft bundles | 33 ft bundles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 ft ridge, 0 ft hips | 30 ft | 2 | 1 |
| 30 ft ridge, 40 ft hips | 70 ft | 3 | 3 |
| 40 ft ridge, 60 ft hips | 100 ft | 5 | 4 |
| 40 ft ridge, 120 ft hips | 160 ft | 7 | 6 |
Reading the bundle coverage
The coverage is printed on the wrapper as linear feet per bundle. Coverage differs between makers and between product lines, so use the number from the product you will buy, and enter it in the calculator. A bundle of ridge cap is much smaller than a bundle of shingles, and it does not cover the same area.
Ridge vent
If the roof has a ridge vent, the cap goes over the vent. Choose a cap that the vent maker says suits the vent, and use the longer nails it asks for. The vent also needs its own length, which you can size with the attic ventilation calculator.
Measuring and fitting
- Measure each ridge along its length, and each hip along the slope, and add them up.
- A hip on a 6/12 roof is about 6% longer than its own horizontal run, and more on a steeper roof.
- Start at the end that faces away from the prevailing wind, so the joints face away from it.
- Buy ridge cap in the same color and batch as the shingles, and keep a spare bundle for repairs.
- Nail it high enough on the cap that the nails are covered by the next piece.
Use the roofing calculator for the shingles and the drip edge calculator for the edges. Coverage figures are typical: your product's wrapper rules.
Frequently asked questions
How many bundles of ridge cap do I need?
Divide the ridge and hip length, plus 5% for cuts, by the feet a bundle covers. 40 ft takes 2 bundles at 25 linear ft.
How many feet does a bundle of ridge cap cover?
It depends on the product. Some cover 25 linear feet and some 33. The wrapper says.
Do hips count the same as the ridge?
Yes, add them in, but measure along the slope of the hip, which is longer than its horizontal run.
Can I use ordinary shingles for the ridge?
Three-tab shingles can be cut into caps, but purpose-made hip and ridge shingles are thicker and bend over the peak without cracking. Follow the maker's instructions.
How much extra should I buy?
About 5% on a simple roof and 10% where there are many hips and ends.
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and follow local building codes for anything structural.
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