Ridge vent is the metal capping that sits across the roof line on many homes.  Ridge cap allows the hot air from your attic to escape; while allowing the cooler air from outside to be sucked back into the attic area by the intake vents.  This type of air circulation ensures that your attic stays dry, free from moisture; it stops your hot attic air from warping trusses, rotting of roof decking and damaging your insulation.  As well, it cuts down your air conditioning bills in hot summer months.  A ridge vent is typically the last structure that will ever be placed on your roof during a roofing installation;

Because the shingles are covering the inner roofing area where the fasteners of the ridge vent go; many times, these fasteners aren’t properly secure.  At anytime a strong gust of wind can sweep the ridge cap and lift it from the roof’s surface.  If this problem isn’t remedied quickly; rain, snow and even ice can cause your roof to leak along the ridge vent. 

Most professional roofing associations recommend that homeowners get their roofs inspected at least once per year; twice is even better.  This process can be done by the homeowner, but they should be relatively educated in what to look for while on the roof.  When looking for a potential ridge vent leak, go along the entire length of your ridge vent.  Slightly pull the ridge vent upward and look for the fasteners; you should be able to see the top of them.  If you find any that are loose or if your ridge vent seems to easily disconnect itself from the roof; you need to repair the problem immediately by replacing or re-screwing the ridge vent to the roof.  Most professionals recommend screwing the ridge vent to the roof; roofing nails are usually too short and will not hold well during a strong wind storm.  As well, homeowner’s may need to check for proper installation of their ridge vent.  Ridge vent fasteners should always be fastened into the rafters usually every 18 inches.  Seal all fasteners with a polyurethane sealant to prevent roof leakage.

If you feel that crawling around on your roof is a risky and perhaps dangerous job; you are exactly right.  There are professionals that will inspect your roof and look for a ridge vent leak for only a minimal cost.  These professionals will inspect various other common problems that may occur, as well.  They will look over all your metal flashing, the number one cause for roof leaks; as well, check shingle integrity.

Regardless of whom you choose to do your inspections or repair a damaging ridge vent leak; you must act quickly.  Water entering into your attic space from the ridge vent can cause mold, mildew, as well as, collapse a ceiling in no time.  A ridge vent that is properly installed will most likely never cause a homeowner any problem, however, those that are not can cause a huge problem if not repaired promptly.  Ridge vent leaks can dump huge amounts of water into the attic at one time; they can act as shovels on your rooftop if not properly and securely installed. 

If you are building a new home or renovating a roof, always talk with your roofing contractor about ridge vents and their installation practices.  As well, be sure to ask for warranties regarding workmanship on the entire installation; this includes the ridge vent.

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