In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics and purposes of the ridge vent on a roof. Responsible for helping ventilate the attic and roof setup, roof ridge vents are very important and considered an integral part of a roofing system.
At Whitaker Roofing, we’re happy to offer a wide range of roofing services to clients around Salt Lake City, including roof repairs, roof installations and many others. Today’s part two of our series will go over the mechanisms by which roof ridge vents work, how they’re typically installed, and a few areas of troubleshooting to keep in mind moving forward.
Roof Ridge Vent Mechanisms
So how does a roof ridge vent allow for ventilation and cooling of the attic space? The answer lies in the concept of convection. The warm air inside the attic will rise up to meet the ridge vent, which is typically at a higher elevation most other parts of the roof.
The external environment around the roof is usually cooler than that within attics during summer months. This means that the air outside will begin to push inwards, by way of convection, replacing the warmer air that’s already been expelled at the ridge vent. This process creates a constant stream of cooler external air that’ll replace hotter internal attic air, helping keep your attic temperature at an ideal level during summer months.
Installation of Roof Ridge Vents
In the vast majority of cases, roof ridge vents will be installed as part of the standard installation process for the entire roof. This will involve a ridge cap, or metal strip running along the entire length of the roof at the very highest point.
This metal cap is usually cut to fit and slotted in place, then fastened with nails. Professional roofers will also ensure that there’s an adequate gap between the vent cap and all other sections of the roofing material, allowing the air to move in and out with ease.
Roof Ridge Vent Troubleshooting
If you’re having issues with your attic getting too hot during summer months, then it could be a sign that something’s not quite right with your roof ridge vent setup. The first thing to check is whether or not there are any obstructions blocking the vent. It could be that debris has blown in and is preventing air from entering or exiting, in which case it’ll need to be cleared away.
Another thing to keep an eye on is the condition of your ridge cap itself. If there’s any damage to it or the nails are loose, then this can also affect how much air can pass through it. If this is the case, then we advise that you contact a professional roofer at Whitaker Roofing to inspect your ridge vent and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
At Whitaker Roofing, our highly trained and experienced roofers are always happy to help you with any repairs and maintenance that your roof may need. We pride ourselves on offering an unbeatable quality of workmanship, without compromising on competitive prices and excellent customer service. So if you’re in Salt Lake City or the surrounding area and you need any roofing services, don’t hesitate to contact us!