Ridge cap shingles: what they are, how many bundles a roof needs, and how they go on
Ridge cap shingles are made to bend over the hips and ridge, where two roof faces meet. A bundle covers about 20 to 33 linear feet depending on the product and its exposure; GAF's Seal-A-Ridge, for example, covers about 25 linear feet a bundle at a 6 2/3 inch exposure. Add up the hips and ridges, divide by the bundle's coverage, and round up.
Anthony Hicks30+ years in construction. Updated November 5, 2026.
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What ridge cap shingles are
Hip and ridge cap shingles cover the joints where two roof faces meet: the ridge along the top and the hips down the outside corners. They’re made of the same material as the shingles, bent or shaped to fold over the joint, in colors to match the field shingles (GAF). Before purpose-made caps, roofers cut up 3-tab shingles and bent them over the ridge; some still do.
The kinds
| Kind | What it is |
|---|---|
| Standard | Asphalt caps for a standard shingle roof |
| SBS-modified | Caps with a polymer that makes them more flexible, used where hail falls; not warranted against hail damage (GAF) |
| Shake-look | Folded caps that copy the look of wood shakes |
| Premium | Caps that match premium shingles’ dimensions and look |
GAF notes that caps cut from 3-tab shingles carry the 3-tab shingle’s warranty term, and often lower blow-off wind coverage than the field shingles, while its factory caps can carry the field shingles’ warranty.
How many bundles
A bundle covers about 20 to 33 linear feet, depending on the product and how far each piece is exposed; GAF’s Seal-A-Ridge has 45 pieces a bundle and covers about 25 linear feet at its 6 2/3 inch exposure (GAF). The bundle’s own label or data sheet gives its figure.
- Add up the hips and ridges in linear feet.
- Divide by the bundle’s coverage.
- Round up, and allow for the starter piece at each run.
| Roof | Hips and ridge | Bundles at 25 ft each |
|---|---|---|
| 42 ft gable ridge | 42 ft | 2 |
| Hip roof, 42 by 32 ft at 6:12 | 10 ft ridge + four 24 ft hips = 106 ft | 5 |
The hip roof guide works out hip lengths, and the roofing calculator gives the ridge and hips for a roof with the cap in its list.
How they go on
GAF’s general steps, with each product’s own instructions first:
- Separate the caps into pieces.
- Make a starter by cutting the exposed part off one cap.
- Start at the bottom of each hip, and on a ridge at the end opposite the prevailing wind. Nail the starter with two nails, 1 inch back from the cut end and 1/2 inch in from each side.
- Lap each cap over the last at the product’s exposure, two nails per piece, kept out of the sealant.
- In cold weather, warm the caps first so they don’t crack when bent.
On a roof with a ridge vent, the caps go over the vent; the ridge vent guide covers it.
Common questions
How many linear feet does a bundle of ridge cap cover?
About 20 to 33 linear feet, depending on the product and its exposure; GAF’s Seal-A-Ridge covers about 25 (GAF).
Can you use regular shingles for ridge cap?
Cut 3-tab shingles were the old way. GAF notes they carry the 3-tab’s shorter warranty term and often less wind coverage than purpose-made caps.
Do ridge caps go on hips too?
Yes. Hip and ridge caps cover both, starting at the bottom of each hip and working up.
Is ridge cap on a roof estimate?
Yes, a line of its own priced by the linear foot of hips and ridges.