A Simple Guide To Roof Ridges For Homeowners (2024)

02 Sep.,2024

 

A Simple Guide To Roof Ridges For Homeowners ()

In the overall construction of a home, roof ridges might seem like a small detail, but they are essential to preserving the structural integrity of your roof. Realizing the value of a roof ridge as a homeowner will enable you to take better care of your home and prolong its lifespan. 

SANGOBUILD are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Luckily, we&#;ve created this brief guide so you can learn what you need to know about roof ridges in order to keep your roof and home in good condition.

What Is A Roof Ridge?

An essential part of the roof&#;s structure is the ridge, which is the highest point where two roof slopes come together to form a peak. This horizontal line connects the two sloping sides and runs the length of the roof, playing a pivotal role in the overall integrity and functionality of the roofing system. It&#;s often covered by ridge caps to protect it from rain and snow. 

A roof ridge serves three main purposes: 

  • It protects the roof from water damage 
  • Offers structural support 
  • Completes the roof&#;s appearance

In addition, ridge caps, which cover the peak of the roof, are essential in keeping water away from the point where the two sides of the roof meet, preventing leaks, and improving the roof&#;s overall appearance.

Types Of Roof Ridges

Now that you know what a roof ridge is, as a homeowner, it is also essential that you know its components. Here&#;s a breakdown on different types of roof ridges:

  1. Ridge Beam: In traditional house construction, the ridge beam plays a vital role where sloping rafters converge at a horizontal line. It provides stability by transferring weight down to walls and creates the perfect amount of attic space for ventilation needs.
  2. Ridge Board: Unlike a ridge beam, the ridge board offers quicker installation but is structurally less robust. It requires gentler slopes and may need additional support such as purlin braces. Despite this, it provides similar benefits but with a smaller amount of attic space.
  3. Trusses: These are prefabricated triangular frames utilized in newer homes for their expedited installation and potential cost savings. However, they may not possess the same structural strength as ridge beams or boards. 

Why Is A Roof Ridge Important?

1. Water Damage Protection:

The primary role of a roof ridge is to safeguard against water damage. Ridge caps cover the ridge and vents, guiding water away from the junction and away from the home. This preventive measure helps stop leaks and potential structural harm caused by moisture seeping into the roof cavity.

2. Structural Support and Weight Distribution:

The roof ridge provides structural support by evenly distributing the weight of the roofing material across the roof. This prevents sagging or collapse under the weight of the roofing material, ensuring the stability and durability of the roof&#;s structure.

3. Ventilation and Energy Efficiency:

Besides offering structural support, a roof ridge contributes to ventilation within the attic space. Adequate ventilation facilitated by ridge vents allows for air circulation, preventing moisture accumulation and prolonging the roofing system&#;s lifespan. You can also purchase certain ridge caps made of reflective materials, which can help reflect sunlight, reduce roof heat absorption, and enhance energy efficiency.

5. Aesthetics and Finish:

Beyond its functional role, a roof ridge significantly enhances a building&#;s overall appearance. Ridge caps provide the roof with a refined, polished look, contributing to the structure&#;s aesthetic appeal. Available in various colors to complement the home&#;s style, they serve as a visually pleasing finishing touch to the roof.

What Are The Common Issues With Roof Ridges?

  1. Leaks: When the roof ridge is constructed, a gap naturally occurs that can be utilized for ventilation. However, without the proper protection, this gap can cause leaks. 
  2. Cracks: Natural expansion and contraction of the roof can cause cracks, leading to loose tiles and potential water leaks, rot, and ceiling damage.

Maintenance Tips for Roof Ridges

1. Practice Regular Inspections: 

Conducting periodic external and internal inspections is crucial to identify any issues such as missing shingles, cracked bridging, or leaks. Inspections should be scheduled after winter or at least once every 12 months to catch potential problems early.

2. Replace Damaged Shingles or Roofing Material: 

Regularly replacing cracked, damaged, or missing shingles along the ridge is essential for maintaining the integrity of the roof and preventing water intake. This proactive approach helps reduce potential leaks and structural damage.

3. Check For Weatherproofing

Make sure the ridge cap shingles are sufficiently sealed to keep out water and shield the inside of the building and roof. Over time, check the condition of the sealant as it may become loose or damaged, and sealant re-application may be necessary.

4. Clean Ridge Cap Shingles: 

Keep ridge cap shingles clean and debris-free. Remove moss or mold growth to prevent moisture retention and damage.

5. Ensure Proper Ventilation: 

Good ventilation helps prevent moisture accumulation under the roof, which can affect the roof&#;s structure, including the ridges. Make sure your attic and roof are well-ventilated to reduce the risk of moisture-related issues.

How To Install A Roof Ridge Vent

  1. Prepare the Roof: Remove existing material or older ridge vents if needed. Ensure the roof deck allows for an opening at the top near the ridge board.
  2. Position the Ridge Vent: Place the ridge vent along the roof&#;s peak, and align it properly for optimal airflow.
  3. Secure the Ridge Vent: Nail one side first, then the other, using the correct roofing nails. This maintains straight lines and ensures a secure attachment.
  4. Cover the Ridge Vent: Use ridge cap shingles to cover the ridge vent and ensure the surrounding shingles blend with the rest of the roof. Apply roofing adhesive as needed for secure placement.
  5. Check for Proper Installation: Ensure the ridge vent is securely attached and properly sealed to prevent leaks. Double-check alignment and integrity for effective ventilation.
  6. Safety Precautions: Always use a safety harness and ladder. Exercise caution to prevent accidents during installation.

Are There Any Regulations Or Codes Regarding Roof Ridge Construction?

Rules and codes, like the International Residential Code (IRC), specify how roof ridges should be constructed, making a distinction between ridge boards and ridge beams. If continuous ties are not present, IRC requires that ridge beams be used instead of ridge boards with a pitch of less than 3:12 (25% slope). 

Engineers also need to design ridge beams to guarantee that they can adequately support the weight of the roofing material. These rules are essential for protecting the structural integrity of the roof&#;s framing structure, averting possible problems that might result in expensive insurance claims or poor construction. To prevent misunderstandings and flaws in roof framing construction, contractors and building officials must comprehend and abide by these codes.

Ensure Quality Roof Ridge Construction With The Experts At Miller Roofing and Renovations

Even though they may not be the most visually appealing feature of your home, roof ridges are essential to its security and safety. Knowing how they operate and taking good care of them can help shield your house from harm and restore your faith in its sturdiness. 

At Miller Roofing and Renovations, we are experts in providing exceptional roofing services that are designed to preserve the longevity and structural integrity of your roof. You can rely on us to handle all of your roof&#;s maintenance needs because of our knowledgeable roofers and commitment to fine craftsmanship. Select Miller Roofing and Renovations for dependable roofing solutions. Give us a call today at (901) 457- to learn more. 

Should You Install Ridge Vents? ( Guide)

  1. Home
  2. Reviews
  3. Roofing

Should You Install Ridge Vents? ( Guide)

By Amanda Lutz

Contact us to discuss your requirements of roof tile ridges. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days

Get Estimate

Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days

Ridge vents help release hot air in summer and keep attic spaces cold in winter. They&#;re a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to increase energy efficiency, especially those installing a new roof. We&#;ve explained the benefits, drawbacks, and cost factors below.

What Is a Ridge Vent?

Ridge vents are made by cutting a slot out of a length of roof sheathing, which is then covered with fibrous material and a cap. They&#;re typically installed on the peak of the roof because the ridge line is often where warm air collects, but there are also off-ridge vents. Ridge vents come with or without baffles. Their exact configuration varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. These provide a vital function in increasing energy efficiency for many homes, regardless of the type of roof.

Baffle vs. Without Baffle

A baffle is an addition to a ridge vent. It helps redirect wind over the vent to create a vacuum effect that pulls air out of an attic instead of relying on basic convection forces. Ridge vents without baffles sometimes rely more on the wind&#;s orientation to create ventilation, and off-ridge vents without baffles can easily leak. This leads to water damage. Baffles also help deflect wind-driven rain, snow, insects, and pests.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Roof Ridge Vents

Roof ridge vents come with many benefits for proper ventilation of an attic space. Let&#;s explore the pros and cons of this facet of a roofing system.

&#; Help attics stay cool in winter to prevent the formation of ice dams from melting and refreezing snow
&#; Increase energy efficiency by helping homes stay cool in summer
&#; Reduce the chance of mold development by ventilating and circulating warm air, reducing moisture buildup

&#; Risk of water intrusion without baffles
&#; Some older homes were not built with ridge vents

How Much Venting Do You Need for Your Attic?

Residential building codes often cite the 300:1 rule for calculating the venting space needed for an attic. This rule says that for every 300 square feet of attic space, you need 1 square foot of ventilation space. Roofing professionals will perform calculations, but proactive homeowners can calculate the vent amount needed by doing the following:

  1. Calculate the attic&#;s square footage.
  2. Divide this number by 300 to figure out how many square feet of vents are needed.
  3. Multiply the square feet of vents by 144 to convert square feet into square inches, which is how vents are measured.
  4. Divide the square inches of required ventilation by the square inches of each vent.
  5. Divide the number of vents by two to determine how many intake vents and exhaust vents are needed (1:1 ratio).
  6. Round any decimal places up to a whole number.

Cost

The average cost of ridge vent installation for homeowners is $425, according to HomeAdvisor. You can expect to pay $2 to $3 per linear foot for ridge vent installation, with fluctuations based on style. Popular brands include GAF and Owens Corning. Major cost factors include the following:

  • Amount of vents required
  • Attic square footage
  • Material type
  • Vent style

You can spend as little as $300 on some ridge vents, making them a worthy investment for any homeowner looking to extend their roof&#;s life span and increase energy efficiency.

Other Types of Roof Vents

A ridge vent is a kind of dry vent, but there are other types of vents, too. Here are alternative options: 

  • Cupola vent: Sits on a roof&#;s ridge that uses passive breezes to ventilate hot air, which works with most roof styles.
  • Drip edge vent: Sits underneath the overhang of a roof between shingles and a gutter.
  • Electric attic vents: Uses a motor to ventilate air. These are not energy-efficient and often not recommended as a long-term option.
  • Soffit vents: Static vents that sit under your roof&#;s eaves. These are often combined with other forms of ventilation because they aren&#;t efficient or adequate on their own.

Other styles exist, but ridge vents with baffles typically provide the most consistent and efficient ventilation as a standalone option.

Should You Install Roof Ridge Vents?

Some homeowners may hesitate to install ridge vents if they don&#;t know what signs to look for. Attic ventilation isn&#;t only important in summer. Here are some indications it&#;s a worthy investment:

  • Ice dam formation on your roof
  • Signs of energy inefficiency, such as high heating or cooling bills
  • Unusual or unexpected structural damage to the roof after a storm
  • Very hot attic

Any of these factors, or a combination of them, are a sign that ridge vents are a good option for your home&#;s long-term value and structural health. Proper ventilation combined with an effective insulation system will counter many of these common issues.

Our Recommendation

Ridge vents are a solid option for those in the tropics as much as those living in snow country. Homeowners looking to increase their home&#;s energy efficiency and life span should consider installing a ridge vent. Homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $550 for new ridge vent installation, but get quotes from several contractors to find the best option.

Compare Quotes from Roofing Specialists

Just answer a few questions, and we&#;ll take care of the rest!

Get Free Estimates

Ridge Vent FAQ

Which is better, a ridge vent or roof vent?

There are many different types of roof vents other than ridge vents, such as cupola vents, soffit vents, turbines, and more. Ridge vents with baffles provide proper ventilation with minimal risk of leaks or pest intrusion. The kind of ventilation your roof has typically depends on your home&#;s style, age, and the local climate.

What is the temperature range for ridge vents?

Some roofing contractors recommend that proper ventilation will keep an attic within 15 and 20 degrees of the temperature outside. This means if it&#;s 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the attic u003ca href=uhttps://www.roofingcontractor.com/articles/-how-hot-is-too-hot-in-the-atticu target=u_blanku rel=unoreferrer noopeneruu003eshouldn&#;t be more than 100 degreesu003c/au003e. Excessive heat in the attic may mean your ventilation system is malfunctioning or faulty.

What is the primary function of ridge vents?

Ridge vents provide proper ventilation for attics by removing hot air to keep homes cool in summer and attics cold in winter. They increase energy efficiency by reducing cooling costs and protecting the roof from ice dam formation. Baffles prevent leaks and pest intrusion while enhancing the vacuum effect of low pressure over a vent, which removes more air from the attic than convection alone.

Want more information on stone coated steel tiles? Feel free to contact us.