Ridge Vent: width of cut

judym · 10-15-2006, 07:18 PM

A contractor just installed ridge venting. Looking in the attic, I can see a very wide cut where the peak of the roof is and it seems to be extreme. How wide open is the roof supposed to be at the peak for ridge venting?
Also, about one month ago, we had a very bad rain storm with lots of wind, rain, and even some microbursts (mini-tornados). We noticed that rain was coming in through the kitchen ceiling from the attic trap door. I suspect that it was coming through the ridge vent opening. Any ideas?
Thank you.

AaronB · 10-15-2006, 07:31 PM

1 3/4" if you have a 2x ridge board
1" if you do not have a ridge board

Would have to see the leak area in relation to the roof layout, then we could start.

judym · 10-15-2006, 07:44 PM

Thank you for responding. Great idea about the pix. It'll take a couple of days but i'll post them.
Thanks again.

mdshunk · 10-15-2006, 11:54 PM

In fairness, if it was "raining sideways" as they sometimes say, it would seem like rain would come in there, regardless of the width of cut. Particularly an alumimium ridge vent. Perhaps not so much will a roll vent product, like Cobra vent.

747 · 10-16-2006, 04:43 AM

I was told by the guys at both forums if your going with a ridge vent its not the time to be frugal with your money. Get a high quality one.

MJW · 10-16-2006, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronB

1 3/4" if you have a 2x ridge board
1" if you do not have a ridge board

Exactly!
I see way too many framers cut the hole too big. Some are up to 6 inches across and it's hard to get good nailing.

Do you have a low pitched roof?

judym · 10-29-2006, 02:52 PM

Any opinions you want to provide are welcome. Your comments will help me to get contractor to fix what's wrong. I hope the pix come through.
thank you for responding.
judy

MJW · 10-29-2006, 04:31 PM

Yes, some of the boards should have been replaced. The space busted open for the venting doesn't really look too big from the pictures.

Did you get someone reputable? Did you pay a decent amount?

With that pitch, I don't see how a ridge vent could leak. If it is leaking there is something that is not seen in these pictures.

inspects · 10-29-2006, 10:08 PM

By the looks of the rafters starting to spread at the ridge, collar ties would certainly help.

747 · 10-30-2006, 03:50 PM

I'm sorry to say who ever cut that ridge vent in did a piss poor job.

steg32168 · 10-30-2006, 07:30 PM

Man, I agree!! If you can, I would get your contractor to get back up there and get back to work!! That or talk to your lawyer!!! I would also check to see if the ridge vent is over lapped properly. Mine was butted with those styrofoam inserts and after awhile the styrofoam degrades and ,like you said, microburst showed me the problem!! I meshed and mudded the joints until its time for a new roof!! But I wouldn't do that with a new roof!! Good Luck !!!!!

Dave
steg32168

judym · 11-06-2006, 09:09 PM

Thanks everyone for your helpful responses.
I used a contractor who has done work for family members and did a good job. I don't know what happened this time, but his laborers' workmanship was poor. I think we canr resolve this but who knows. In any case, it was good to get opinions. At least I know others feel this is a poor job.
Happy Thanksgiving!

kkhome · 09-09-2012, 03:20 AM

Howdy,
I think I cut my ridge opening a little bit too big. Is there a way to make the opening smaller short of replacing the boards. This is a new toolshed in progress and does not have roofing shingles or felt paper installed.

So far, I have the roof boarded and the ridge vent opening cut (in various sizes) from 1.25" to 3" on each side - newbie mistake.

Any advice is very much appreciated.

Thanks

10-15-2006, 07:18 PM	#1
judym Newbie Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 4	Ridge Vent: width of cut A contractor just installed ridge venting. Looking in the attic, I can see a very wide cut where the peak of the roof is and it seems to be extreme. How wide open is the roof supposed to be at the peak for ridge venting? Also, about one month ago, we had a very bad rain storm with lots of wind, rain, and even some microbursts (mini-tornados). We noticed that rain was coming in through the kitchen ceiling from the attic trap door. I suspect that it was coming through the ridge vent opening. Any ideas? Thank you.

10-15-2006, 07:31 PM	#2
AaronB Commercial Roofing Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 927	Ridge Vent: width of cut 1 3/4" if you have a 2x ridge board 1" if you do not have a ridge board Would have to see the leak area in relation to the roof layout, then we could start. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Free inspection within 12 miles Seamless Polyurea Roofing Membranes for Metal Roofing, Roof Leak Repair, Seamless Commercial Spray Foam Insulation, Seamless Commercial Roofing, SPF Roofing, Industrial Insulation, Our trucks are red but our roofing is GREEN!

10-15-2006, 07:44 PM	#3
judym Newbie Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 4	Ridge Vent: width of cut Thank you for responding. Great idea about the pix. It'll take a couple of days but i'll post them. Thanks again.

10-15-2006, 11:54 PM	#4
mdshunk World famous jerk. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: central PA Posts: 440	Ridge Vent: width of cut In fairness, if it was "raining sideways" as they sometimes say, it would seem like rain would come in there, regardless of the width of cut. Particularly an alumimium ridge vent. Perhaps not so much will a roll vent product, like Cobra vent.

10-16-2006, 04:43 AM	#5
747 registered Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Illinois (kankakee county) Posts: 976	Ridge Vent: width of cut I was told by the guys at both forums if your going with a ridge vent its not the time to be frugal with your money. Get a high quality one.

Ridge Vent: width of cut