Ridge Vents

Complete your ventilation with peak performance

Properly installed ridge vents provide air flow through your attic allowing for temperatures to balance between the attic interior and the outside environment.

There can be typical signs of houses in need of ridge vents. A roof and home with poor air-flow can have a significant number of nail pops under shingles usually caused by extreme heat and humidity inside and out. Homes without ridge vents can have interior windows steamed up as moisture builds on window panes. Snow and ice accumulation along eaves and gutters can be a result of uneven temperatures between the interior and exterior. In the attic you may see mold and moisture and plywood that has swelled.

Installing a continuous vent along the peak of your roof is an easier method than installing several vents throughout your roof. You will only need to cut one opening at the roof peak as opposed to cutting several openings for roof louvers or turbines. This will also reduce your home's exposure to leaks and will provide a more appealing look. Most ridge vents are hardly noticeable to onlookers on the ground and are often a feature looked for by home buyers. Don't mix ridge vent with louvers or turbines as usually one will overtake most of the circulation and venting causing dead spots of heat and moisture.

Choices for Ridge Vents

There are several types of ridge vent available. Each one has different advantages and drawbacks. Synthetic roll types may be the easiest to install, but aren't known for the best airflow. Leaks are possible if the shingles covering the vent crack. Roll types are probably best suited for a more steep peak as they mold more easily to your peak. Plastic or PVC segmented ridge vent can be more laborious to install, but provides plenty of air-flow and offers a more aesthetic appeal. Plastic ridge vent may not be the best choice for steep pitched peaks as molding it and installing it becomes more difficult. Galvanized and aluminum ridge vents may be cheap and easy to install, but lack eye-appeal and are prone to coming loose from nail pops and weathering.

Whichever style you choose, the most important factor is that you are allowing your home to breathe. Properly installed ridge vents will provide years of service to your house, attic and roof.