Aluminum vs. Steel: Which Ridge Cap is Best for Your Pole Barn?

When building or renovating a pole barn, every component plays a crucial role in its functionality and longevity.

The ridge cap is a vital, yet often overlooked, part of your post-frame building. This feature sits along the peak of the metal roof. It prevents water from entering and supports pole barn ventilation.

You’ll find two main building materials for ridge caps: aluminum and steel. Despite serving the same purpose, their performance under real-world conditions can vary significantly. This blog will explain their differences and demonstrate why steel is better for your post-frame building.

How Do Ridge Caps Affect Pole Barn Structural Integrity?

Believe it or not, your pole barn’s structural integrity relies on its ridge cap. This component plays a surprisingly critical role, doing more than covering the gap between metal roofing panels.

• Weather Protection: Your ridge cap stops debris and the elements from entering your post-frame building.
  
  
• Essential for Air Quality: Ridge caps enable your pole barn to breathe by releasing warm air. Proper airflow prevents condensation, leading to mold, mildew, and rotted lumber.

In short, the ridge cap shields your post-frame building and stored belongings from moisture damage.

Given its importance, the building material you choose for your ridge cap directly impacts how well it safeguards your pole barn. As mentioned above, the post-frame construction industry uses two types of ridge caps: aluminum and steel.

Aluminum

First, an aluminum ridge cap features a vented design with a solid gasket. Aluminum alloys are lighter and resistant to red rust. However, its natural softness is a weakness when exposed to the elements.

Aluminum ridge caps are highly susceptible to bending, denting, or puncturing from storm damage. These flaws create gaps in the weather barrier and expose your pole barn to water intrusion and pests.

Moreover, aluminum expands and contracts with temperature changes, causing seal breakage at overlapping points and fastener holes. Over time, the solid foam gasket shrinks and disintegrates, creating openings for metal roof leaks.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Corrosion resistance
• Lower initial cost

Cons:

• Prone to damage
• Compromised seal
• Shorter lifecycle

Steel

Second, a steel ridge cap has a solid design with a vented gasket. Steel offers greater strength and rigidity. This durable building material withstands harsh impacts and ensures a watertight seal for your pole barn roof.

Its resistance to bends, dents, and punctures safeguards your trusses and sheathing materials from moisture damage. Choosing a steel ridge cap for your post-frame building provides peace of mind.

Pros:

• Exceptional durability
• Reliable weather protection
• Enhanced structural integrity

Cons:

• Higher initial cost

Aluminum vs. Steel: Which Ridge Cap is Best for Your Pole Barn?

As a trusted post-frame builder, we believe in putting building materials to the test. We performed rigorous tests to show the performance difference between aluminum and steel ridge caps. These trials simulate the challenging, real-world conditions your pole barn could face.

In our upcoming video, get a firsthand look at the results of our blown-in and melted ice tests.

• Blown-In Debris Test: We subjected the aluminum and steel ridge cap to wind-driven elements.
  
  
• Freeze-Thaw Cycle Test: We measure the effects of ice buildup and resulting water on your post-frame building.

Spoiler Alert: Our results show that steel is the best choice for weatherproofing. The full testing video will be available soon.  Subscribe to the Post-Frame Channel on YouTube and hit the like button to get notified when it drops!

How to Replace a Pole Barn Ridge Cap in 6 Easy Steps

Replacing a worn or damaged ridge cap is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your post-frame building.

While experienced DIYers may attempt this pole barn repair and renovation project, a watertight seal demands precision. Mistakes can create more problems than they solve.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps involved in a proper steel ridge cap installation.

Step 1: Remove the Old Ridge Cap

Carefully unscrew and remove the old ridge cap. Avoid damaging the surrounding metal roofing panels. Handle carefully, especially if the old component is rusty or brittle, as it could crumble during removal.

Step 2: Clean the Area Thoroughly

After detaching the existing ridge cap, thoroughly clean the entire area. Clear leftover gasket material, loose fasteners, dirt, leaves, and other debris. A prepped surface allows the new gasket and caulking to adhere properly, ensuring a watertight seal.

Step 3: Seal Existing Fastener Holes

Before installing the new steel ridge cap, apply a high-quality caulk or sealant to the existing fastener holes. This step prevents leaks through these old penetrations, safeguarding your post-frame building from moisture damage.

Step 4: Prepare the New Ridge Cap

Lay out the new steel ridge cap in sections. Prep and apply the new foam closure on the underside of each piece. This gasket material creates a tight seal against the metal roofing panels and prevents water from entering.

Step 5: Install the New Ridge Cap

Start at one end of your pole barn roof and secure the new steel ridge cap sections. Center and straighten each piece as you go down the ridge. If the sections aren’t properly aligned, the component will look crooked, affecting its appearance and performance.

Step 6: Secure the Overlapping Sections

As you install the new ridge cap, overlap the previous section according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. At every overlap, drive screws through both layers at the raised rib of the metal roofing panels. Fastening through the rib ensures a secure fit.

Proper steel ridge cap installation is paramount for your post-frame building’s structural integrity and weather resistance. Are you unsure about tackling this pole barn repair and renovation project? We recommend contacting an experienced post-frame builder.

Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Pole Barn?

Steel ridge caps offer superior long-term value and durability compared to aluminum. Aluminum may cost less, but steel provides unmatched strength and resilience for protecting your pole barn from the elements.

Don’t compromise on the structural integrity of your post-frame building. Select the building material proven to withstand the toughest conditions.

Are you ready to upgrade your pole barn? Click here to request a free quote from our Repair and Renovation Specialists. And best of all, it doesn’t matter who built the original structure!

Do you have more questions about pole barn repairs and renovations not covered in this article? If you need help designing and planning, please contact FBi Buildings at 800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you’re ready for a price, click here to request a quote, and a Customer Engagement Team member will help you determine the next steps.