Do Ridge Vents Leak?
Does ridge vents leak? Well, that’s a good question! And the answer is, that 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!
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 – New Brighton 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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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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