The Anatomy of a Roof: How to Prevent Leaky Ridge Gaps

Enterprise Roofing can help you maintain ridge vent, which is imperative to the heating and cooling of your home

Roof care and maintenance can be a daunting part of home ownership. At Enterprise Roofing, not only do we repair your roof and prevent future damage, we also help you learn about your roof and how to best care for it. Today, we’ll talk about ridge vents as we explore the anatomy of your roof and what can prevent roof leaks down the road.

What are Ridge Vents and Ridge Caps?

• A ridge vent is metal capping that lays on top the peak line of homes with a sloped roof.
• A ridge cap allows the hot air from your attic to escape, letting cooler air from outside be cycled back into the attic via intake vents.

Together, the ridge vent and ridge cap create an exchange system that minimizes the moisture in your attic. This protects against rotting, warping, damage to the insulation and high air conditioning bills in the summer.

If you have a sloped roof, it’s important that your ridge vent system works properly. To have a healthy roof and consequently, a healthy home, it’s essential to have the  circulation of both cool and warm air. Unfortunately, homeowners find themselves with a faulty ventilation system. A primary reason for inefficient ridge vent systems is improper installation. When shingles are laid atop ridge vents, they should be overlapping. Unfortunately, it’s common for contractors to simply line the shingles next to each other. Another common misstep is when shingles aren’t securely fastened; in this case, a small gust of wind can knock them off. In both of these scenarios, the vent becomes open to the elements and is more vulnerable.

The best way to ensure your ridge vent is working properly is to have it checked at least once a year (if not twice), especially before the harsh Ohio winter hits. If you choose to do this on your own, you should:

• Make sure fasteners along the vent are not loose.
• Confirm that the ridge fasteners are fastened to rafters every 16 to 24 inches.
• Check that all fasteners are sealed to prevent leakage.

If you feel comfortable walking along your roof, take precautions and have someone with you. To avoid the risks of fall and injury, an Enterprise Roofing specialist is happy to come inspect your roof for you. As the premier roofing contractor in the Miami Valley Region, Enterprise Roofing believes you are entitled to living in a safe home at a fair cost. If it’s time to inspect your ridge vent, call us at 937-298-8664.