Purpose: The ridge cap covers the joint where two roof planes meet at the peak, providing a watertight seal and finishing touch to the roof.
- Prepare the Ridge Cap:
- Ensure you have the correct ridge cap for your roofing material and sufficient length to cover the entire roof ridge.
- Cut the ridge cap to length if necessary.
- Position the Ridge Cap:
- Place the ridge cap along the peak of the roof, ensuring it is centered and evenly covers both sides of the roof.
- The ridge cap should overlap the top edges of the roofing sheets by at least 2-4 inches on each side.
- Secure the Ridge Cap:
- Fasten the ridge cap to the roof using screws or nails with rubber washers, spaced about 12-24 inches apart.
- Ensure the fasteners penetrate through the cap and into the roof sheeting and purlins below for a secure hold.
- Seal Joints:
- Apply a bead of silicone sealant or roofing adhesive along the edges and overlaps of the ridge cap to ensure a watertight seal.
- Pay special attention to areas where multiple sections of the ridge cap meet or where the cap meets any roof penetrations.
- Check for Gaps and Leaks:
- Inspect the ridge cap and roof sheeting for any gaps, misalignments, or potential leak points.
- Make any necessary adjustments or add additional sealant to ensure the roof is completely sealed against weather.
- Final Inspection:
- Conduct a thorough inspection of the entire roof, checking that all sheets are securely fastened and that the ridge cap is properly installed.
- Ensure all fasteners are tight but not over-tightened, and that all overlaps are consistent and sealed.
By following these detailed steps for installing roof sheeting and the ridge cap, you can ensure that your pole barn roof is properly constructed and weatherproof. Proper roofing installation is essential to protect the interior of the building from the elements and to ensure the longevity of the structure.