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Roofingaka: roof ridgeaka: ridge lineaka: apex

Ridge

In Plain English

The peak or top line of a sloped roof where two slopes meet — the highest point of the roof.

Definition

The horizontal line at the apex of a peaked roof where two sloping roof surfaces meet. The ridge is the highest point of the roof and runs parallel to the eave. Ridge caps (shingles, tiles, or metal) cover the joint at the apex and must be properly installed to prevent water and wind infiltration. Ridge vents along the ridge allow hot air to escape from the attic.

Why It Matters in Bidding

The ridge is a focal point of a roofing takeoff because ridge caps, ridge vents, and flashing are priced per linear foot and represent specialty material distinct from field shingles. Estimators must measure ridge length accurately and confirm whether ventilation is required, since ridge vent assemblies and matching cap shingles carry higher unit costs and affect both material and labor.

Example

Doing a re-roof takeoff, the estimator scales 96 linear feet of ridge, then prices ridge-cap shingles and continuous ridge vent separately from the field area because their per-foot cost and installation labor differ.

Related Terms

PitchValleyShingleEave

Frequently Asked Questions

Estimators scale the horizontal ridge lines off the roof plan or measure them in takeoff software, then total the linear feet. Ridge length determines ridge-cap and ridge-vent quantities, which are priced per foot separately from the field roofing because their material and labor rates are higher.
A ridge is the horizontal line at the roof peak where two slopes meet, while a hip is the sloped external angle where two roof planes intersect descending to the eave. Both need cap material, but they are measured separately and a hip roof generates more cap footage than a simple gable.
Ridge vents add a ventilation assembly along the peak that costs more per foot than plain ridge caps and may require cutting the deck. If the spec or code calls for attic ventilation, omitting the ridge-vent assembly from the takeoff understates both material and labor on the bid.

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