By Mark J. Donovan
The aluminum ridge vent is an all-in-one type of ridge vent system that is
simply nailed into place over the ridge of the roof. Aluminum ridge vents
often wind up loosening up over time as the wind and weather tend to work the
nails loose.
Plastic ridge vents are more commonly used today. Plastic ridge vents are nailed
into place with 3 inch galvanized nails. Shingle tabs are then nailed into place
over the plastic ridge vent. When done properly only a couple of roofing nails
are visible at one end of the ridge vent. A dab of roofing sealant over the
nails ensures a dry attic.
The standard rule of thumb for the required amount of attic ventilation is 1:300
when using continuous venting systems such as ridge vent and continuous soffit
vent. What this specifically means is that for every 300 square feet of
insulated ceiling space with a vapor barrier there should be 1 square foot of
attic ventilation. If a vapor barrier is not used with the insulation, or if
non-continuous vents are used, that ratio drops to 1:150. The standard
ratio of roof ridge vent to soffit vent is 50/50, though some builders prefer a
ratio of 40/60 with 60% being soffit vent.
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