How do I Install Ridge Cap on my Structure?

08/30/2016 · HT032

The ridge cap will sit on the peak of your garage roof and hide the gap where the roof panels meet at the center. Because the roof panel ribs will hold the cap up slightly, VersaTube includes butyl caulk strips that will close the gaps between the ribs to prevent water and air intrusion into your garage.

Install the butyl strips and ridge cap by following these steps:

• • Measure the width of your ridge cap and then mark your roof at the front gable where the outside edges of the ridge cap will sit. Make sure your tape measure is lined up so the center of the measurement is at the very peak of the roof – if your cap is 14 inches wide, the 7 inch point will be at the roof’s peak.

• • Repeat your measurement and marks at the back gable and then run a chalk line from the front to the back of the roof at each mark and snap a line. When finished, there should be two chalk lines that run the length of the roof.

• • Install the butyl caulk filler strips along each line keeping them about 1/8 inch above the line. The strips are notched so they fit over each roof panel rib snugly and the ends interlock where splices must be made. The adhesive on the strips should keep them in place when the protective tape is removed.

• • When the strips have been installed along both lines, begin installing the ridge cap by working from the back of the building to the front. The cap should extend out past the gable trim about an inch and overlaps should be about three inches. Where overlaps are located a flat piece of butyl caulk should be installed on the top of the bottom piece of trim before the top piece is put in place.

• • Secure the ridge cap with color coordinated screws with rubber washers drilled into the roof panel ribs on both sides of the trim near the bottom edge – a fastener every other rib should suffice.

When the ridge cap has been secured, all that remains it to install the eave filler strips inside your garage – they are placed behind the eave trim and between the primary framing members. Your VersaTube instructions will have an illustration that shows exactly how it’s done.

Well, that’s it – stand back and take a look at what your hard work has accomplished.