How to Add a Roof Ridge Vent to an Existing Roof

A ridge vent covers the gap between two sides of a roof and is part of a house's ventilation system. The vent sits atop the peak (highest point of the roof) and allows warm air that enters the attic though soffit vents to exit. The ridge vent also keeps water from entering the gap between the two sides of the roofing. A ridge vent is made of lightweight, flexible vinyl and is available in different colors to match your shingles.

Things You'll Need

Chalk line
Tape measure
Circular Saw

Nail gun
Roofing nails
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Snap a chalk line along the length of the roof, 1 inch from the peak on each side. Start the strip 6 inches from the end of the roof, and end it 6 inches from the opposite end of the roof. Cut along the strip with a circular saw, and discard the strip.
- 2
  Center the ridge vent over the opening; the ridge vent should be flat and flush with the edge of the roof.
- 3
  Unroll the ridge vent along the roof, nailing it into place using the marked nail holes. For vents with interlocking tabs, connect the tabs according the manufacturer's instructions. If you reach the opposite end of the roof and have more vent than roof, cut the vent with a utility knife so that the vent is flush with the end of the roof.

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