How to Make a Roof Cap Piece

A roof cap is the part that covers the peak of a roof where the shingles from each side meet. If the roof cap is omitted, this will allow water under the shingles, cause leaks in the building and destroy the roofing materials. Making a cap for a shingle roof can be done with basic tools and materials. For a metal roof, the process requires special tools and methods to ensure a proper fit and seal, which goes beyond a do-it-yourself project. Tile roofing requires specially formed tiles to make the roof cap, which are purchased along with the roofing tiles.

Tab shingles
Utility knife
2-inch nails
Hammer
Roofing cement

Instructions

- 1
  Cut three tab shingles into three equal parts. Use a utility knife to cut the shingles so that each of the new pieces has a tab attached.
- 2
  Align the non-tab end of a shingle with the end of the roof ridge lengthwise. Center the cut shingle on the ridge of the roof so the tab faces away from the edge then bend down the sides. Use 2-inch nails at each corner to secure the shingle in place.
- 3
  Place the next shingle so that it overlaps the tab of the first shingle. Place the non-tab edge at the point where the first tab joins the main part of the shingle. Attach the second shingle in place with a 2-inch nail at each corner. The cut shingles should overlap the rows of shingles on each side of the ridge slightly to cover the roof.
- 4
  Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for the opposite edge of the roof ridge. Use a utility knife to cut off excess shingles at the end points.
- 5
  Apply a small amount of roofing cement or tar to each of the nail holes in the roof cap.

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