Ridge Cap Calculator
Calculates specialized asphalt hip and ridge cap shingle bundles (typically 25 to 33 linear feet of coverage per bundle) and formed metal ridge caps for all horizontal ridges and diagonal hip lines.
Formula
Total Linear Ft = (Ridge + Hips) × (1 + Waste %); Bundles = Ceil(Total Linear Ft ÷ Coverage)
1. Total Net Linear Ft = Horizontal Ridge Length + Diagonal Hip Length 2. Gross Linear Ft with Waste = Total Net Linear Ft × (1 + Waste %) 3. Bundles / Pieces = Ceil(Gross Linear Ft ÷ Coverage per Unit (25 ft or 33 ft))
Inputs
- Main Horizontal Ridge Length
- Diagonal Hip Ridge Length (Total for all hips)
- Ridge Cap Style
Worked example
Capping 75 linear feet of roof peak with high-profile architectural ridge shingles.
Outcome: Total net length is 75 linear ft. Adding 10% overlap waste equals 82.5 linear ft. Dividing by 25 ft per bundle gives 3.3 bundles, rounding up to 4 full bundles of ridge cap shingles.
Can I cut standard 3-tab shingles into ridge caps?
Yes, traditional 3-tab shingles can be cut into 3 individual 12"x12" pieces for ridge caps. However, most modern shingle warranties require factory-manufactured matching hip & ridge shingles to maintain 130 MPH wind ratings.