Ridge Vent Installation Instructions

Ridge vents are an effective and attractive way to vent a roof. They come in two varieties--corrugated plastic vents designed to be covered with asphalt shingles, and metal vents that need no additional covering. Metal vents are available in pre-cut lengths, while plastic vents come in rolls or pre-cut lengths. A slot is cut in the roof sheathing, and the vent is nailed in place over the slot. The net free area of your vent (the area of the slot) should equal 1/300 the attic floor area, for attics with a vapor barrier. For attics without a vapor barrier, the ratio is 1/150. In the case of plastic vents, cap shingles cover the vent to complete the installation.

Measuring tape
Chalk line
Circular saw with carbide blade
Hammer
Roofing nails
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the ridge shingles if installing the vent on an existing roof.
- 2
  Measure 1 inch down from the peak of the roof, on each side, using your measuriing tape. Use the chalk line to snap a line from end to end. If the roof has a ridge beam, measure 1¾ inch down from the peak.
- 3
  Cut along the line with the circular saw, stopping 6 inches from each gable end or intersection. Make the cut just deep enough to cut through the roof sheathing, without cutting the roof framing. Remove the waste material.
- 4
  Bend the ridge vent over the peak of the roof, and nail in place with roofing nails. Put one nail on each side, at each end, and then space the nails every 2 feet along the length of the vent. Cut the vent to length, using the utility knife.
- 5
  Place the supplied foam plugs at gable ends, and nail them in place with roofing nails.
- 6
  Cover the ridge vent with shingles as appropriate.

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