Struggling with installing hip and ridge shingles - any tips?

That “rollercoaster ridge” feeling is way too familiar. I’ve spent hours trying to get things to look right, only to realize the old rafters have a mind of their own. Honestly, it’s easy to get discouraged, but you’re spot on - taking the extra time up front really does pay off. I used to think shimming was just for pros, but after chasing leaks for a whole winter, I’m a believer. Chalk lines have saved my sanity more than once too. It’s not about perfection with these old houses - it’s about making it work and knowing you did your best.

It’s not about perfection with these old houses - it’s about making it work and knowing you did your best.

That really hits home. I’ve dealt with some funky ridges where nothing lined up, no matter how many chalk lines I snapped. Honestly, sometimes you just have to accept a little “character” in the roofline. Shimming helped me a ton too, especially on those dips where the ridge just wanted to wander. I’ve found that using flexible ridge shingles (the kind that bend easier) can help hide some of the unevenness. Not perfect, but definitely keeps the leaks out and looks decent from the street.

Man, I hear you on the “character” thing. My place is a 1920s bungalow and I swear the roofline has more waves than the local pool. I used to stress about every little dip or spot where things didn’t line up, but after a while you just realize - nobody’s climbing up there with a level except you. From the street? Looks fine. From the neighbor’s window? Still fine. Only my own perfectionist brain notices.

I tried those flexible ridge shingles too, and honestly, they’re a lifesaver for weird angles and bumps. The first time I did it, I was fighting with those stiff ones and cursing whoever invented them. Switched to the bendy kind and suddenly it was like, “Oh, this is what sanity feels like.” Shimming is another trick I wish I’d learned sooner - just enough to even things out without making it obvious.

One thing I’ll say though: don’t get too carried away hiding every imperfection. Sometimes if you try to force everything straight, it just draws more attention to the weird spots. A little wobble here and there just adds to the old-house charm (or at least that’s what I tell myself when I’m done).

And leaks... yeah, that’s where I draw the line. As long as water stays out and nothing’s blowing off in a storm, I call it a win. Perfection is overrated anyway - especially when you’re working with lumber that’s older than your grandparents.

If anyone ever figures out how to make these old ridges perfectly straight without tearing off half the roof, let me know. Until then, I’ll be over here embracing “good enough” and hoping nobody brings binoculars to my block.

don’t get too carried away hiding every imperfection. Sometimes if you try to force everything straight, it just draws more attention to the weird spots.

I get where you’re coming from, but sometimes a little extra effort pays off - especially on those really visible ridges. I’ve found that snapping a chalk line and following it, even when the old wood’s wonky, can help keep things looking intentional instead of accidental. If you shim, just don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with a ridge that’s more rollercoaster than roofline. I’m not saying chase perfection, but a bit of planning up front saves headaches later - especially if your roof gets a lot of sun and shadows that highlight every bump.

If you shim, just don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with a ridge that’s more rollercoaster than roofline.

That’s the truth. I’ve seen some ridges so wavy they could make you seasick from the street. Honestly, a little “character” is fine, but if the sun hits it just right, every bump and dip shows up like a neon sign. I usually tell folks: aim for straight-ish, but don’t stress every tiny dip unless you want to drive yourself nuts. Perfection’s overrated - unless you’re selling to an architect.