How to Lay Roof Sheathing for Ridge Vents

Ridge vents allow air that becomes warmed in the attic space of a house to escape at the ridge or peak of the roof. Cool air, flowing in through vents in the soffits, replaces this air and helps keep the attic space cool, reducing air conditioning costs and improving the comfort of the home. Builders make allowances for the vent space when installing the roof sheathing.

Roof sheathing
8d nails
Circular saw
Ridge vent

Instructions

- 1
  Install the sheathing to the lower portions of the roof in the normal manner. Installation of roof sheathing starts at the bottom or eaves of the home and advances up the roof. Cut the sheathing to size with a circular saw and nail the sheathing to the rafters using 8d nails.
- 2
  Cut the pieces of sheathing that go along the peak of the roof to size with a circular saw. These pieces should end about 3/8 inch below the peak. Optionally, lay the sheathing in place with the upper edge flush with the peak. Use a circular saw, with the blade set to the same depth as the roof sheathing, to cut along a line 3/8 inch from the peak. Remove the material to clear the opening.
- 3
  Nail the top roof sheathing in place using 8d nails.

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