Another shed question: This time, the roof - Ridge cap?

[Martinjmpr]

Well, I started building the shed last weekend. Took my entire weekend up and I'm still not 100% done. But here's another question for the group:

First off, for reference, the shed we got is just like this one except the link goes to an 8 x 10 (80 square foot) and ours is an 8 x 8. Otherwise identical though.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Heartland-V...-ft/1000075279

Anyway, I got the structure together and the shed comes with 4 OSB boards for the roofing underlayment (or whatever that's called - the roof base.) Shingles will then get put on this.

But when I put the boards up, there is still a small gap at the very top where the left and right sides meet. Now I realize this will be covered by shingles but it still bothers me. Is there some kind of "ridge cap" that I can or should put up there, just to make sure it doesn't leak? I'm thinking if I can get some really thin sheet metal - maybe tin? I don't know - and nail it in to the roof boards so it covers this gap, and then just nail the shingles right over the top of this. Would that make sense? Is there any good reason NOT to do this?

It's just that building this shed was a total PITA for me (never done a shed before, hopefully will never do one again) and I don't want to ever have to re-do it, nor do I want to have to worry about our stuff inside getting damaged by weather.

Thanks in advance!

[Martinjmpr]

I'll see if I can attach pictures from my phone



The gap in question is at the top of the ridge where the OSB boards meet. I tried to get it as close as I could but there's still a variable gap in there. Probably varies from 1/2" - 1" at the widest point.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wulf202]

Don't worry about a gap of 2" or less.

[Martinjmpr]

Don't worry about a gap of 2" or less.

So just shingles will protect that adequately?

[clodhopper]

You could add 2x4 blocking underneath to fill it up, but I wouldn't be concerned. Tar paper and shingle up. When you get to the ridge, each side will probably lap over, then the cap will be a third layer of shingle, which ends up pretty stout. It isn't like you will be stepping on the ridge.

[Wulf202]

So just shingles will protect that adequately?

What clod hopper said.

The tar paper should overlap then your shingle runs will overlap. Then your cap of shingles on top of that. But it looks like a kit and they might not have sent tar paper?

You can usually find partial rolls on Craigslist for cheap. Or if you want to come up this way I'd give you enough.

[Fentonite]

If your kit didn't include tar paper, I have a roll of roof underlayment you can have. It's leftover from my roof replacement. I don't know much about it, but it seems much more substantial than typical tar or felt roofing paper. It's not enough to do your entire roof, but certainly enough for the ridge. I think it's similar to this:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Cor...AA10/205664211

[Martinjmpr]

If your kit didn't include tar paper, I have a roll of roof underlayment you can have. It's leftover from my roof replacement. I don't know much about it, but it seems much more substantial than typical tar or felt roofing paper. It's not enough to do your entire roof, but certainly enough for the ridge. I think it's similar to this:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Cor...AA10/205664211

Kit did not include tar paper. Can I just staple on the tar paper or does it get glued or something? Just want to make sure staples don't make the paper useless by putting holes in it.

I'll take you up on your offer - where can we meet? I'm in the Columbine area but can meet tomorrow sometime if you're available.

[Fentonite]

Sent you a pm.

[clodhopper]

Staples. Shingle nails are going to go through it anyway. Per its name, impregnated with tar, will seal up around staples/nails with the sunshine heat.

While tar paper is pretty standard for roofing, I don't think I would worry too much skipping it on a shed. It isn't like you are keeping high value items in there.