There are many areas of a roof that can leave homeowners perplexed, and the ridge vent is no exception. This article will help fill you in on the purpose that this contraption actually serves, as well as how to fix it if it should happen to malfunction. Read on to learn more about this important part of your roofing system.
There are many areas of a Columbus roofing system that can leave homeowners dazed and confused. The ridge vent is no exception. Oftentimes, homeowners are clueless as to what purpose this contraption actually serves, as well as how to fix it if it malfunctions. But don’t worry. This article will help fill you in. Read on to learn about this important part of your Columbus roofing system.
What in the world is a ridge vent?
A ridge vent is a metal vent strip/capping that is positioned at the peak of your Columbus roofing system. A hole is cut two to three inches across your roof in order to expose the underlying attic, and the vent straddles over this. The ridge vent ensures that your attic’s hot air can be released, while cooler air from outside the Columbus roofing system replaces it by entering the intake vents and seeping into the attic. The exchange must be continuous in order to work properly. This seemingly simple air exchange has a host of important benefits for your home. For instance, it results in a moisture-free attic. It also prevents scorching attic air from warping trusses, damaging insulation and rotting roof decking on your Columbus roofing system. Lastly, a ridge vent saves you money by diminishing your reliance on air conditioning in the summertime.
What can go wrong with a ridge vent?
Your Columbus roofing system should be inspected once or twice a year; but oftentimes, even if the homeowner does this, the ridge vent is overlooked. As a result, it is all too common for homeowners to experience a leaky ridge vent. This can happen if the fasteners holding the ridge vent in shape are not secured properly—say, if a strong gust of wind unfastens them. In this case, rain, snow and ice can leak through the ridge vent and damage your Columbus roofing system.
My ridge vent is bent out of shape. Now what?
If you discover that your ridge vent is not properly secured to your Columbus roofing system, you must take action to correct it as soon as possible to avoid damage to your roof. In order to repair the contraption, you will need to screw the ridge vent into your Columbus roofing system more securely. Do not use roofing nails, as they are too short and will not hold up during intense weather periods. Also make sure that the fasteners on your ridge vent are secured into the Columbus roofing system’s rafters every 18 inches.
In addition to securing the ridge vent with screws, you should also use polyurethane sealant to seal the vent’s fasteners, which will help prevent roof leakage. If you don’t want to tackle the job of inspecting and/or repairing your own roof vents, do not hesitate to call in a professional Columbus roofing contractor. It is always better to be safe than sorry. For a low cost, a professional Columbus roofing contractor can make sure that the job gets done right, and they can also make sure that there are no other problems regarding your Columbus roofing system.
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