Yes, roof ridge caps are a necessary part of your roof system. Your roof ridge cap is at the peak of your roof, where two slopes of your roof meet. Roof ridge caps seal the seam and help protect your roof from water and debris, and because they’re pre-bent and thicker, they’re more suited to the job than regular roof shingles, which can break when bent.

No, you can’t use your home’s square footage. You have to calculate your roof’s square footage, and then you may have to convert your square footage measurement to correspond with how the roofing material is measured. For instance, some roofing is sold in “squares,” which equals the total square footage of the roof divided by 100. Shingles are sold in bundles that may not correspond to the number of squares you need. Metal roofing is sold as sheets, so determine the amount of square feet each panel will cover and then divide the total square footage by the coverage area.

Generally, hailstones that are one inch in diameter or larger can cause significant damage to a roof. However, smaller hail can also cause damage, particularly when accompanied by strong winds, if it strikes an aging or poorly maintained roof, or if hailstorms are frequent in your area. Hail that is ¼ inch (pea-sized) or smaller poses a minimal risk of immediate, permanent damage, but cumulative impacts can cause deterioration over time. The extent of the damage also depends on the roofing material; hail-resistant tiles like slate or certain types of asphalt shingles can withstand impacts better than other materials. If you are concerned about potential damage after a storm, it is always a good idea to have a professional roofer conduct an inspection.

The terms “roof sealant” and “roof coating” are used interchangeably to describe the rubber, silicone, polyurethane, or acrylic product applied to the roof’s surface for waterproofing and UV protection. Products like roof caulk can also be called “roof sealant,” but the term is more commonly used for the protective coating.