CSLB C-39 Roofing ContractorSteep-Slope RoofingMedium
A roofer is installing hip and ridge cap shingles over asphalt shingle roofing. What is the correct nailing practice for these cap shingles?
- ADrive nails high enough on each cap so they are concealed by the overlapping cap shingle
- BDrive one nail centered in the middle of each cap shingle
- CDrive nails low near the exposed edge so they are visible and easy to inspect
- DDrive nails through the ridge vent material only, avoiding the cap shingle entirely
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Drive nails high enough on each cap so they are concealed by the overlapping cap shingle
Ridge and hip cap shingles must be nailed high enough on each piece that the fasteners are covered and concealed by the overlapping cap shingle above, preventing exposed nail heads that could allow water intrusion.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A single center nail does not provide adequate wind resistance for cap shingles.
- C. Low nailing near the exposed edge leaves fasteners uncovered and prone to leaks.
- D. Ridge caps must be nailed directly, not bypassed in favor of vent material only.
Ridge Cap Nailing
The practice of positioning fasteners on hip and ridge cap shingles so they remain concealed beneath the next overlapping cap.
- Nails placed high enough to be covered by next cap
- Typically two nails per cap shingle
- Exposed nail heads are a common cause of ridge leaks
Memory trick: Nail it high so it stays dry.