Local Roof Repair Contractor Ratings: Comprehensive Unveiling
December 5, 2024
Do Ridge Vents Leak? Reasons Why You Want to Hire Expert Roofers!
Does ridge vents leak? Well, that’s a good question! And the answer is it depends. Whether or not your roof ridge vents leak depends on a number of factors, including what condition they are in, how they were installed, how well they were installed, and the weather, just to name a few. We have got a lot of useful information in this article if you are looking into which type of roof ventilation system is right for your home or business.
We will also be giving you real life examples of what to look for if you believe that your roof ridge vent may have been installed incorrectly, plus an architectural test video on the roof ridge vent, and a list of roof ridge vent pros and cons, so stick around, and let’s get you up to speed!
Do Ridge Vents Leak? Check Out this Video by Air Vent Inc!
In this video, a company called Architectural Testing Labs conducted rain infiltration tests on a variety of roof ridge vent styles. The tests were conducted on roof ridge vent that was installed on a 4:12 pitch roof, using the manufacturers installation instructions.
As you can see in the video, some roof ridge vents sustained the testing, and some roof ridge vents styles let in some water. This is just one of the many reasons why it pays to hire a qualified and experienced roofing contractor to install your ridge vent.
Sellers Roofing Company is local owned and operated, and we know exactly what we are dealing with when fighting against Minnesota weather! Call us any time for a free expert opinion and free estimates to find out the best roof ventilation system options for your home!
Why You Want the Pros to Install Your Roof Ridge Vents
This is a video by some fellow roofing contractors out of Texas showing some problems with roof ridge vent leakage on a roof that they got a call in which the ridge vent has been installed incorrectly.
As you can see in the video, there are nails that weren’t properly set upon install or that have worked their way out, ( both signs of an inexperienced ridge vent install in the first place…) plus areas with dips and sags, flat areas, and areas where the ridge vent is not meeting the roof.
Do Ridge Vents Leak? - Common Reasons the Ridge Vents Fail
According to this roof ridge vent inspection article article on inspectopedia.com, some of the most common reasons roof ridge vent fail and start to leak is improper installation. In many cases, the 2-3 inch gap on each side of the top of the ridge was improperly cut, or there is felt or shingles blocking the holes; in some cases, as seen in the first video above, there was just an inferior brand of ridge vent installed on the roof.
Sellers Roofing Company installs only the highest quality roofing materials! If you believe that your roof ridge vent was improperly installed, or you believe that there may be water leaking into your attic when it rains, or improper ventilation due to your ridge vent being installed incorrectly, just click any of the buttons on our website, or call us at (651)703-2336 and we will be happy to come inspect your roof and give you our best recommendations on what to do about it!
Roof Ridge Vent Pros and Cons
There are a number of roof ridge vent pros and cons that come along with them. Just like any other style roof ventilation system, they have their advantages and their downfalls. If you want to be absolutely positive that you are choosing the best roof ventilation system for your home, it’s always better to get a professional roofing contractor to inspect your home and recommend the best option for you.
Roof Ridge Vent Pros
Having roof ridge vent installed by a professional assists in balancing out the movement of hot and cold air through the attic. The underside of your roofing system has everything to do with the life of your asphalt shingles. When hot air rises, when roof ridge vents are installed correctly, the hot air can leave the home easily, balancing out the temperatures in the attic, preventing premature shingle failure.
Throughout the colder months, roof ridge vents allow the weight of the cold air to counteract with the warmer air inside, keeping it from escaping. This controls your home and attic temperatures and reduces the cost of your utility bills!
Possum, squirrels, raccoons, mice, and rats all like to get into your home if they can find a way in. In older-style roof vents, you need to install traps or screens to prevent these pesky rodents from moving in and nesting in your attic. Roof ridge vents make it highly unlikely for rodents, birds, and other pests to find a way into your home.
Roof ridge vents give your roofing system a smooth, finished off look that is visibly attractive and adds aesthetic appeal from ground level. The pitch of your roof will remain unchanged by the design element of roof ridge vent, but your home will be able to achieve higher energy efficiency and a healthier airflow while looking magnificent from the street!
The wind that blows over your roof naturally will draw any hot, moist air out of your attic when roof ridge vents get installed by a professional. The natural flow of air pulls air in through your eaves, causing natural air exchange as inside the attic as air passes up through the ridge underneath the ridge cap to escape back into the atmosphere.
This improves air quality in the home, prolongs the life of your roof, and prevents problems that can occur from poor air exchange in the attic such as mold, mildew, and bacteria, premature shingle deterioration, and more!
Did you know that the quality of air inside your home can to 5x to 100 x worse than the air outside? It’s true… The average people spend around 90% of their time inside every day. Nearly 2/3 of that time is in their own home.
Indoor air pollution is rated as one of the five most hazardous environmental factors that people face today. Roof ridge vents improve the quality of your indoor air by providing constant fresh air exchange, reducing the risk of many pollution-related symptoms, like coughing and sinus infections!
Roof Ridge Vent Cons
The efficiency of ridge vents depends upon the energy-efficient nature of the home. Roof ridge vents require air movement coming in toward the vents to deliver the correct air exchange for your home. Some older houses will still require the older-style roof vents to provide the ventilation levels that they need for optimal air exchange.
If your home is in an area that is in a known path of storms with high winds, the rain could potentially blow in right in through the ridge vent. The only way to prevent the issue is to go with another style roof vent in this case.
Roof ridge vents are a more costly roof ventilation system than some other traditional roof vent methods. Anticipate your roof ridge vent installation to run around $500 or more on average if nothing else on the rest of the roof has to be touched.
Roof ridge vents and other roof vent types work more favorably in colder climates. This is just a known fact. The colder the climate, the better your attic can benefit from roof ventilation. If you live in a cooler climate like here in Minneapolis, you are in the clear here, just make sure you have rigid insulation in position to limit condensation from building up on your roof’s surface. The insulation creates a thermal barrier that works to prevent moisture damages from affecting the home.
FAQ’s
How we
can help you?
How can I prevent ridge vent leaks by scheduling regular roof inspections?
Regular roof inspections are essential in preventing ridge vent leaks. By scheduling an annual roof inspection with a trusted Albany roofing contractor like Infinite Roofing, you can effectively identify and address any potential issues with your ridge vents before they become major problems.During these inspections, the professional roofing contractor will thoroughly assess the condition of your ridge vents, as well as other crucial components such as shingles and flashing. They will have the expertise to spot early signs of wear, damage, or any other underlying issues that could lead to leaks in the future.By letting the professionals do their job, you can have peace of mind knowing that your ridge vents are in optimal condition and that any potential problems will be detected early on. In doing so, you can proactively take the necessary steps to resolve those issues and prevent any leaks from occurring.Don't wait until a small ridge vent issue turns into a significant problem. Take the proactive approach by scheduling regular roof inspections with Infinite Roofing. Their expertise and thorough evaluation will ensure that your ridge vents and entire roofing system remain in great shape, free from any potential leaks.
Is crawling around on my roof to inspect ridge vents a risky job?
Inspecting ridge vents on a roof by crawling around can indeed be considered a risky and potentially dangerous task. It is crucial to prioritize safety when it comes to any activities involving heights and being on a roof. Therefore, it is advisable to consider hiring professionals who specialize in roof inspections for this specific purpose. These experts possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and equipment to conduct a thorough examination of the ridge vents and address any potential leak or common issues that may arise. Not only will this approach ensure the safety of individuals, but it will also provide a more reliable and comprehensive inspection of the roof overall.
Do Ridge Vents Leak? - Final Thoughts
To summarize, roof ridge vents can play an important role in the ventilation of your attic, and the overall health of your home in terms of having an ample amount of fresh air exchange. They cost a little bit more than traditional roof vents, but they pay off in the long run by offering a more even level of fresh air exchange, looking better aesthetically, and keeping rodents and other pests out of the house without having to take other preventative measures.
If you are unsure of which route to take with choosing your roof ventilation system, just give us a call at (651)703-2336 or click the button below to schedule your free roof inspection and estimate!
We hope that this has answered your question, “Do ridge vents leak?”
Take care!
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