Vented Ridge, a Roofer’s Opinion

Vented ridge is not the best idea in rural Nebraska.  In 29 years, we have replaced thousands of feet of ridge vent with slant backs and/or power vents  Why?  Because they are problematic.

Wind-driven rain and snow is going to find its way into your roof through vented ridge.  Does it look sharp?  . . . yes.

We cannot argue that it looks great.  But the headache is often not worth it.

LEAKS

When moisture does find its way into an attic there are so many problems and added costs: wet insulation, deteriorating OSB and plywood, mold growth, bad smells and the loss of energy efficiency.

Vented ridge with gable vents is its own unique disaster . . .

Gable vents are less effective as most of the air flow is along the floor of the attic. This leaves pockets of dead air with much of the attic unvented.

AIRFLOW

With no ridge vent, but eaves and gable vents the wind flowing perpendicular to the ridge will create air flow along the floor of the attic but leave hot dead air in the roof peak. When the wind is perpendicular to the gable, the cooler outside air enters the gable vent and drops to the floor of the attic before rising to exit at the other end, again leaving zones of dead air.

What is the answer?  If you insist on vented ridge then combining soffit vents will produce the best airflow.

To recap, if you have vented ridge, then gable vents should be removed or sealed.

PESTS

Any opening in your roof is a potential doorway, but vented ridge is its own beast for bugs and other unwanted visitors. A cut at the wrong place, gaps from loose fasteners, damaged mesh, or fallen end-blockers can all let pests in.  Once they’ve come in, they won’t want to leave.

AGING

Some ridge vent is compromised of plastic.  Over time, small cracks form leading to leaking problems and/or potential pest infestation. 

High quality vented ridge has specific areas to fasten down.  Less expensive vented ridge is composed of honey-combed plastic and when it is nailed the plastic gets compressed which can create a wave-like appearance and reduces its ability to perform.

WIND

Vented ridge is fastened with longer than typical fasteners.  But high winds can caused havoc on your ridge cap and vented ridge.

PROFESSIONAL APPLICATION

Every roof is different and a professional roofer should evaluate proper ventilation measures.  If you are concerned about ventilation, give us a call and we are happy to evaluate your specific roof at no charge.

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This blog is NOT legal advice.  It is not insurance policy advice.  You should consult and attorney and/or a licensed insurance agent for your specific situation.