How to Install a Tile Roof Ridge Vent

Roof ridge vents are fitted along the peak of your roof, replacing single ridge tiles. You can choose ridge vents to harmonize nicely with the style of your roof and siding. Though it is true that it is simpler to install a ridge vent before shingling, you can retrofit it onto an already shingled roof. 

Step 1 – Safety First 

Make sure the ladder you are using is secure at the top and the bottom. Be cautious around power or any other wires. Make sure the weather is cooperative; you don’t want it to be a wet or cold day. Don’t start when the morning dew is still on the roof. Wear rubber soled, non-skid tread shoes so that you don’t slip while on your roof. Lastly, keep a bucket or special area of the roof for loose nails and other things you need to discard. That way, you won’t step on them and fall. 

Step 2 – Measure Insulation 

Because installing a ridge vent without first attaining proper attic insulation is not recommended, measure the thickness of your attic floor insulation. If the attic is finished, measure wall and ceiling insulation. Then, check with your hardware supplier to ascertain whether or not you need to add more. 

Step 3 – Discard of Roofing

Tear off your roofing or cut back shingles. Be careful to only remove the vent manufacturer recommended amount, which is generally 6 inches of the end of your ridge or a foot from the chimney, if you have one, or roof intersection. Use a utility knife to cut away the felt paper. Pull out staples and roofing nails. 

Step 4 – Chalk Lines 

Snap a chalk line on either side of the ridge. The vent instructions included by the manufacturer will indicate how far from the peak the line should be. Generally it’ll be 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size on each side. 

Step 5 – Cut 

Use your circular saw to cut the sheathing. Be sure not to cut the rafters. Cease cutting about 12 inches from the end of the ridge or use the manufacturer recommended measurements. Finish the cut with your hammer and chisel. 

Step 6 – Put in Roofing

Add roofing up to your cut vent hole. The venting may come in two forms: in pieces or in a continuous strip. If it is a continuous strip, cut it into two and work from each end toward the middle. Keep the pieces stretched taut so that they aren’t in danger of sagging. 

Step 7 – Nail 

There are nail holes provided (about every 12 inches) so put in nails, making sure they enter the sheathing as well. 

Step 8 – Cut Away Underside

Cut the underside of this sort of vent so that it seals at the end. Other kinds of vents have rake vent caps. Just be sure that yours is sealing against the roof on either side. 

Step 9 – Cut Ridge Caps 

Cut ridge caps as you would for any roof. Put each into place so that it wraps the ridge vent. Use a 5 inch reveal on the ridge caps. 

Step 10 – Nail 

Use long roofing nails, such as 2 inch nails, to completely enter the sheathing. Make sure you put them in so that they are flush and not indented.