Ridge Vents

How to Install a Ridge Vent

1. 1 Remove the Ridge Caps Using a Flat Pry Bar

   
   

   Measure down from the peak the width of the manufacturer’s recommended opening, and mark each end of the roof. Snap a chalk line between the marks. Repeat for the other side of the peak. Remove any nails in your path.

2. 2 Set the Blade Depth of a Circular Saw

   
   

   Set the blade depth of a circular saw to cut the sheathing but not the rafters. Cut along each chalk line, staying 12" from the edges of the roof. Remove the cut sheathing using a pry bar.

3. 3 Measure the Width of the Ridge Vent

   
   

   Measure down from the peak half the width of the ridge vent, and make a mark on both ends of the roof. Snap a line between the marks. Do this on both sides of the peak.

4. 4 Center the Ridge Vent Over the Peak

   
   

   Center the ridge vent over the peak, aligning the edges with the chalk lines. Install using roofing nails that are long enough to penetrate the roof sheathing.

   TIP: If a chimney extends through the peak, leave 12" of sheathing around the chimney.

   
   

5. 5 Butt Sections of Ridge Vents Together and Nail the Ends

   
   

   Install vents across the entire peak, including the 12" sections at each end of the roof that were not cut away.

6. 6 Place Ridge Cap Shingles Over the Ridge Vents

   
   

   Nail them with two 1 1⁄2" roofing nails per cap. Overlap the caps as you would on a normal ridge. If the caps you removed in step 1 are still in good shape, you can reuse them. Otherwise, use new ones.