Whether you’re building a steel roof or working on an existing structure, you will most likely need some form of metal ridge cap. This piece, in conjunction with closure strips and sealant, protects the ridge seam from water infiltration while maintaining the crisp angles of a metal roof’s peak.
A ridge metal is typically constructed from galvanized or galvalume steel sheeting, but other types of metal roofing and shingles can also use the product. You can purchase the product prefabricated or cut to length for installation on site. Several different gauges are available and the thickness can vary as well. The type of paint finish will also affect price.
When comparing galvanized and galvalume options, it is important to understand the difference between fixed points and cleats and hooks. Fixed points are fasteners that secure the metal to the substrate and do not accommodate thermal movement in the way cleats and hooks do. Examples of fixed points include fasteners near the ridge of standing-seam panels and the outlet for downspouts in built-in gutter systems.
If you are interested in a more luxurious look, granite ridge is an option. This product uses a ceramic-coated stone granule finish that is installed over a basecoat and aluminum-zinc alloy coated steel. It has a high end appearance and is often used for residential applications, but can be utilized for light commercial purposes as well. It is Florida and Miami-Dade Hurricane Zone approved, has an interlocking design and carries a 50 year limited warranty.
The first step in installing a https://steelridgemetal.com/sunsky/ is to mark the pitch of your roof. This can be done by lining up a speed square to the roof’s peak and marking a line with a protractor. This is the angle at which your ridge will be cut. You can then make the appropriate adjustments to your tools before cutting the ridge.
After the ridge is cut to length, you should install closure strips along its entire length. These strips are designed to fit closely over the ribs of the roof panels. They are joined together end to end, and secured with a strip of sealant tape. If there is a paper backing on the closure strips, you can remove it and run another strip of sealant over the top of them.
You can then lay the ridge cap over the closure strips and secure it with screws. There are specific details for how to do this depending on the roof you are installing, so consult the instructions that come with the ridge cap.
Once the ridge is installed, it should be inspected for any areas where it does not meet up with the eave walls. This is an easy fix. Simply push up on the ridge cap and a small gap should be revealed. Once the gap is corrected, it is a good idea to place caulk along the inside of the ridge, to prevent water from seeping into the wall.