How Much Does Roof Ridge Cap Replacement or Repair Cost? [2024 Data]

Roof Ridge Cap Replacement and Repair Cost Factors

Here’s a look at the different factors that go into your final roof ridge cap price.

Roof Ridge Size

Roof ridge cap repair costs between $6 and $10 per linear foot, with an average of around $8. The longer your roof ridge cap, the more you can expect to pay for the entire project. A standard gable roof with a single ridge spanning the length of your home will have a ridge around 60 feet long, which puts the average cost at $475. Longer homes and those with multiple ridges will drive up your total.

Type of Ridge Cap

When choosing your ridge cap options, you can choose from different closures. The two most common closures are solid and vented.

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Vented ridge closures have an anti-water and anti-pest barrier. The vents also allow hot air from your house to escape and keep your attic cooler. These are more complex and require additional materials and labor to repair and replace. Vented ridge cap replacement averages between $10 and $14 per linear foot, for an average total of around $720.

A solid ridge cap just consists of special shingles that fold over the ridge and protect the seam between the two roof slopes. These are more affordable and more common, with an average total replacement cost of $475.

Labor

Labor makes up between 60% and 80% of the project total, so you can expect to pay between $280 and $380 on labor alone. Labor costs can increase if you have a more complex roof design with multiple ridges that meet at angles. They can also go up if your ridge cap repair also demands replacing shingles that butt up against the ridge on either side.

Materials

You can choose from different material types for solid roof ridge caps, including galvalume steel, galvanized steel, polycarbonate, and standard asphalt shingles.

Galvalume steel roof ridge caps cost $3.50 to $7.50 per linear foot and are ideal for metal roofs. This material has a zinc and aluminum coating that makes it very durable. You should avoid using it in coastal areas, however. Galvanized steel is another good option for metal roofs because it’s corrosion-resistant. It’s also a more affordable choice at around $2.50 per linear foot.

Polycarbonate is very strong and easy to work with because it’s flexible. This option costs $6 to $7 per linear foot, making it the most expensive option.

Most roofing manufacturers make special roof ridge cap shingles that bend over the ridge and blend in seamlessly with the shingles below. These are the most common type of roof ridge material, and they’re also the most affordable at between $2 and $4 per linear foot.

Roof Design and Complexity

Your roof design will play a role in the cost to repair or replace a ridge cap. If you have a simple gable roof with a single ridge, you can go based on the typical costs per linear foot for your preferred ridge cap material. If you have a hip roof or an L-shaped property with multiple ridges, your costs will increase due to the added labor.

Roof Inspection Costs 

A roof inspection costs between $125 and $350 on average. It’s a great idea to schedule an inspection if you’ve noticed roof damage, mold in your attics, water spots on your ceilings, or damaged gutters. After an inspection, a roofer will be able to let you know if your roof ridge cap needs any attention.

Roof Ridge Cap Repair by Type of Issue

The type of issue you’re experiencing with your roof ridge can play a role in your repair costs and could necessitate replacement, which would add material costs to your total. Damaged ridge caps, including broken or missing shingles, ongoing leaks, or cracked roof ridge vents will often be more expensive than cleaning out a clogged ridge cap vent or dealing with condensation caused by ventilation problems.

Roof Ridge Cap Replacement vs. Repair

In many cases, roof ridge cap repair costs will be close to replacement costs because labor makes up the majority of the total, and the labor required for both is similar in scope. Repairs can be a bit more affordable because you might save on material costs over a replacement.

New materials for a ridge cap sit between $1.20 and $4 per linear foot—this is about how much you’ll save going with a repair vs. replacement. For a 10-foot section that needs repair, that’s a total difference of between $12 and $40.

Since roof ridge caps see a lot of wear and tear and constant exposure to the elements, paying a bit more for a replacement if you have an issue is often worth it, as it should last longer, and the added cost is minimal.

Replacing or Repairing a Roof Ridge Cap Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

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Repairing or replacing your home's roof ridge cap is possible as a DIY project, and since labor accounts for the majority of roof ridge cap repair costs, you’ll save a decent amount of money—between $3.60 and $8 per linear foot, or a total of between $280 and $380.

However, it’s a good idea to hire a pro for this repair for a few reasons. Most importantly, working on a roof is dangerous, and you put yourself at risk of severe injury if you do the work yourself.

Even if you have the proper safety equipment, it’s easy to make mistakes throughout the process, and even minor problems with your ridge cap can lead to serious property damage. Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, and an error could lead to expensive water damage, mold growth, pest infestation, and other issues that will likely end up being more expensive to repair than hiring a local roof repair company in the first place.

3 Ways to Save on Roof Ridge Cap Replacements and Repairs

There are a few ways to save on your roof ridge cap replacement costs. For one, you should get a few quotes from highly-reviewed roofers in your area. You can then compare quotes and decide which professional provides the best value for your money.

If you don’t have an active roof ridge leak and are instead doing the replacement proactively or for aesthetic reasons, you can save money by scheduling the work during the off-season. The off-season for roofing work is late winter or spring, and most professionals will charge a bit less during this time due to lower demand.

Finally, you could save on roof ridge cap replacement by choosing a more affordable roof ridge material. Going with simple roof ridge asphalt shingles to match your roof can cost less than half what you’d pay for a vented roof ridge. Just be sure to speak with a professional roofer to decide which option is best for your climate.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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