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Figuring out the best way to install CertainTeed ridge accessories neatly
Just finished putting up shingles on my garage roof, and now I'm tackling the hip and ridge caps. I went with CertainTeed accessories because, well, seemed like a good idea at the time, lol. Anyway, here's how I've been doing it:
First, I marked a straight chalk line along the hips and ridges to keep things aligned. Then I started from the bottom edge of each hip and worked my way up, overlapping each piece by about 6 inches or so. Used roofing nails about an inch back from the edges - seems sturdy enough. At the very top ridge intersection, I trimmed pieces carefully to make sure everything fit snugly without looking messy.
It turned out decent enough, but honestly it took me forever to get it looking neat. Had to redo a few spots because they looked wonky from the ground. Wondering if there's some trick or shortcut you guys know that makes this easier or quicker...or just less frustrating?
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3 replies
One thing I’d double-check before blaming your eyeballs: did you follow the CertainTeed instructions for that specific ridge accessory’s exposure, nail placement, and hip-to-ridge sequence? A general 6-inch overlap can be off depending on the product, and the intersection is usually where the prescribed sequencing really matters. The manufacturer’s diagram may also show a cleaner way to start and finish the hips so the pieces don’t wander. Which CertainTeed accessory did you use?
Use the installation instructions for the exact CertainTeed hip-and-ridge accessory rather than a generic 6-inch overlap. Their accessories don’t all use the same exposure, nail location, or hip-to-ridge sequencing, so a standard overlap can leave the layout short or unnecessarily bulky.
The bundle label or installation diagram should show which hip pieces go on first and how to trim the final ridge intersection. That sequence matters more than making the intersection look tidy by eye, since the wrong piece order can create a wonky look even with a straight chalk line.
The sequence in the CertainTeed diagram should control the layout, but I’d qualify the idea that the intersection’s appearance is the main issue. A clean-looking trim can still be wrong if it cuts away too much weather coverage or leaves a nail head exposed.
At the final hip-to-ridge joint, check that the upper piece still overlaps the lower one in the intended water-shedding direction, that the fasteners remain covered by the next piece, and that no cut edge creates a channel for runoff. It’s worth viewing it from the ground, but also inspect it close up before sealing anything.