Shingle Roofing Ridge Vent Installation: Why It Matters and How It’s Done Right
Shingle Roofing Ridge Vent Installation: A Complete Guide for Columbus Homeowners
If you’re considering a new shingle roof or addressing ventilation issues, ridge vents should be part of that conversation.
At The Roof Champion of Columbus, we don’t just install roofs—we solve problems and extend the life of your investment.
Why Ridge Ventilation Matters
Your attic space is more than just storage—it plays a critical role in keeping your home healthy. Ridge vents help regulate attic airflow, which leads to:
Lower Energy Bills: Proper airflow reduces heat buildup in the summer. Your AC doesn’t have to work as hard.
Moisture Control: Prevents condensation in winter that can lead to mold, mildew, and rot.
Ice Dam Prevention: Helps keep attic temperatures consistent, reducing the risk of ice dams during Ohio’s unpredictable winters.
Longer Roof Lifespan: Excessive heat and moisture are the top reasons shingles fail prematurely. Ridge vents help avoid that.
How Ridge Vents Work
Ridge vents are installed along the peak of your roof. They allow warm, moist air to escape naturally. But they don’t work alone. You also need proper intake vents (like soffit vents) to draw cooler air in at the roof’s lower edge.
This creates a natural “stack effect,” pulling fresh air in and pushing warm air out. Without balanced intake and exhaust, ventilation simply doesn’t work.
The Right Way to Install Ridge Vents
At The Roof Champion, we do this by the book. Every. Single. Time.
Assessment: We start by calculating your attic’s net free ventilation area (NFVA) to ensure proper balance between intake and exhaust.
Cutting the Ridge Slot: A precise slot is cut along the roof ridge. Too narrow, and airflow is restricted. Too wide, and structural integrity is compromised.
Vent Installation: We use high-quality ridge vents that integrate seamlessly with your shingle system and meet building code requirements.
Shingle Capping: The ridge vent is capped with matching shingles for a clean, finished look.
Verification: We confirm airflow with proper intake vents. Without them, the ridge vent won’t function correctly.
Real Results: A Columbus Success Story
One of our customers in Upper Arlington was constantly battling attic moisture and high summer AC bills. Their old roof lacked proper ventilation.
We installed a new Owens Corning shingle system with a continuous ridge vent and balanced soffit vents.
The result?
Summer attic temps dropped by over 20°F.
Their energy bills fell noticeably.
And that lingering musty smell in the attic? Gone.
Should You Add Ridge Vents to Your Existing Roof?
If you’re replacing your roof, absolutely. It’s a smart, low-cost upgrade with long-term benefits.
If you’re not replacing your roof yet, we can assess whether adding ridge ventilation makes sense now—or if other ventilation solutions would be better for your home’s design.
FAQs
How do I know if my attic is properly ventilated?
Look for signs like excessive heat in the attic, moisture stains, peeling paint near the ceiling, and ice dams in winter.
Can ridge vents work without soffit vents?
No. You need intake vents to create proper airflow. Without them, ridge vents alone won’t perform as intended.
Do ridge vents leak?
When installed correctly by professionals like us, they won’t leak. We follow manufacturer specifications and local building codes to ensure a watertight seal.
If you want to get this done right the first time, call us at (614) 639-3422 or schedule a consultation online at www.roofchampcolumbus.com.
