How to Put Ridge Caps & Vents on Your Roof

Choose the type of your ridge ventilation elements. Note that ridges and vents can be plastic or metal, so make sure to pick the right material for your roof. The elements should be compatible with your roofing material.

Climb on the roof using firm and safe ladders mounted on the edge of the roof.

Prepare the ridge of your roof for installation. Remove the old cap shingles with a claw hammer and a flat pry tool. Clear the area and make sure that there is no debris around the area where you will be working.

Mark the edges of the opening that you will cut. Check the installation instructions of the cap and vent materials that you are going to use. Draw two lines on both sides of the roof ridge using a chalk.

Adjust the depth of the cutter on the circular blade tool. The blade needs to cut through the shingles and the sheathing, but should not reach the rafters.

Cut a hole along the length of the ridge using the circular saw. The hole should be big enough for you to install the caps and vents. The width of the hole would depend on the product you are using. Always stop cutting some 12 inches away from the chimney or an intersecting roof as the roof may collapse. Use a chisel to remove the last 12 inches of sheathing on the areas you stopped cutting.

Install the ridge vent and cap element onto the roof. Place the ridge strips into the narrow hole that you cut. Slide the vent into the opening.

Attach the vent on the ridge using nails recommended by the manufacturer. Make sure to nail every section of the vent. If the vent and cap element runs into a chimney, secure it to the chimney's side with some roofing cement.

Cover the vent with new shingles to finish the look and make the vent element almost invisible.