Ridge Vent

Difficulty:: 4 - Depending on roof height, pitch and comfort in working on roof.
Estimated Time:: 4-6 hours
Recommended # of People:: 2

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Attic ventilation is an aspect of your home that most people overlook. We all know that heat rises, so hot, moist summer air stays trapped at the ridge of your roof. An overheated attic can cause premature shingle damage as well as possible structural damage to your roof sheathing and framing. Installing a ridge vent in concert with soffit and gable vents will allow air flow into your attic, which in turn will lower your summer cooling bills as well as eliminate ice damming problems during those snowy winter months

Tools & Materials

Tape Measure
Circular saw
Chalk Line
Hammer
Pry bar
Extension Ladder
Roofing Nails

Steps

1 – Remove existing ridge cap and last course of shingles. Snap a chalkline 1 1/2 inches, follow manufacturers suggestion, from the peak on both sides of ridge, stopping 12 inches from either end of roof.
Set your circular saw to a depth to cut through the sheathing, but not the framing. Make your cuts.

2 – Replace any shingles up to the hole cut for the vent as needed, making sure you leave slot uncovered.

3 – Install the ridge vent centered over the peak of your roof. All ridge vents are different, so follow manufacturers instructions on how there specific product is to be installed.

4 – Cut and install ridge cap on ridge vent as any other roof. Use nails supplied by the manufacturer, usually 2 1/2 inch roofing nails. Do not drive nails tight and pinch your ridge vent.

**** Remember, safety first. Tie off ladder so it does not slide. Wear adequate fall protection. ****

Watch this video from GAF for additional tips on installing their “Cobra” ridge vent