How to Install Shingle Caps on Hip Roofs
Consistency plus accurate placement provides the route to success for capping hip roofs. Shingle caps install on the raised hip line where two roofs join on a downward slope. The capping procedure provides the dual purpose of creating a defined roof line with the ability to shed water effectively. To maintain the longevity of your roofing system, match the style and material of hip caps to the field shingles on your roof. In this respect, you reduce the potential for roofing repair work where installing an inferior product causes your hip caps to decay at a faster rate than the rest of the roof. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Complete the installation of all field shingles before capping your roof hips. Snap a chalk line along the hip, 6 inches below the joint, on to the shingles on one side of the slope.
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Cover the end of the hip ridge at the eave or lowest edge of the roof with a hip cap. Align the side edge of the cap with the chalk line. Fasten a galvanized roofing nail on each side of the cap, halfway along the hip cap and 2 inches up from the side edge.
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Place your next cap over the first to create the exposure measurement applicable to your hip-cap manufacturer's instructions. A 5-inch exposure is the standard measurement for asphalt-shingle caps. Check that the side edge of the hip cap aligns with the chalk line. Fasten the cap in the same way as you did before.
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Work methodically up the hip, installing each shingle cap in the same way. Fasten the last hip cap with four nails, using one nail inset by 1 to 2 inches from each corner. Repeat the installation procedure for all hips on your roof.
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Tips & Warnings
Shape the front edge of the first installed hip cap with a razor knife to match the line of eave edge shingles.
Cover exposed nail heads on the final hip cap with roofing cement to improve water tightness.
Ensure your roofing manufacturer recommends the type of shingle hip cap that you install to avoid invalidating the roofing warranty.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
