Installing Ridge Vents on your home

Basic "How To" and tips for sectional plastic ridge vent installation:

1. If you don't already have an existing ridge vent, the first step will be to remove the existing caps.
   Tips: Be sure the sectional ridge vents will provide enough coverage of the last shingle row. You may need to add a row of shingles.
2. Often times removing the last row of shingles provides a better view of your roof sheathing and makes sawing easier. Any nails in the way of the blade will also be visible.
3. Determine the length of cut you will need along the peak. Tip: Your cut does NOT have to be as long as the vents that your are intalling. It's better to error on the short side. Typical plastic ridge vent comes in four feet sections. Leave an equal amount of space remaining on each end of the roof for an appealing look.
   Tips: If there is a chimney on an end of your peak, allow at least a foot of space away from the chimney.
4. Measure downward from the peak of the roof 1 1/2 - 2 inches on each side and make marks. You'll have to decide how much of an opening is best suited for your roof. Snap a chalk line on each side between your marks.
5. Set your circular saw blade depth. Typical roof plywood is 1/2 inch or 3/4 inches thick. Sometimes plywood will be exposed so you can adjust your saw blade off that. Remember to allow for the thickness of any shingles you'll be cutting through if you haven't removed them from step #2.
6. Remove any nails that are holding down plywood that may get hit by the saw blade.
7. Drop your saw blade in at the beginning of your chalk line.
   Tips: Be extremely careful when walking especially around the extension cord. Safety is essential when using a circular saw on a pitch and installing ridge vents.
8. Remove excess roof material. Nail back down any plywood that may need tightening.
9. Recheck your marks and calculations for where to start your ridge vents.
   Tips: When interlocking pieces of your vent, you will lose roughly 1/4 inch per piece. See manufactures directions or layout two pieces and measure yourself
10. Make sure you start with the right end of your ridge vent as the next piece in line will need to interlock.
11. Using 3 inch roofing nails and the guide holes provided, start installing your ridge vent.
12. Cut your caps from a bundle of shingles.
13. Using 3 inch roofing nails, start capping your vents at the end facing away from the normal wind direction.
    Tips: This will keep the wind from getting under your caps and cracking or blowing them off.
14. At the last shingle you will need to cut a straight rectangle shingle. After nailing it in place caulk your nail heads with a silicon sealant.
15. Installing ridge vents can be done by most homeowners. Just follow these simple steps while putting plans and safety first!