Unless you have a trained eye, it can be pretty tricky to detect a roof leak. Most people assume that a roof leak is caused by a puncture in their roof or by damage to their shingles. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the culprit can be the ridge vent.
What Exactly Is a Roof Ridge Vent and What Does It Do?
The roof ridge vent is a piece of metal that runs along the roof line of your roof. It is designed to vent the hot air out of your home’s attic and to allow cooler air to make its way into your attic. This helps to promote adequate circulation of air, which prevents mold, mildew and condensation buildup while also helping to maintain the structural integrity of your roof. It can even help to save you money by reducing the amount of energy that you’re using to heat and cool your home.
How Do I Detect a Roof Leak (and Prevent Futures Ones) Caused by a Ridge Vent?
- Perform an Inspection of Your Roof – As a general rule, your roof needs an inspection annually. Whether you perform this or you have a professional like C and K Roofing perform it, it needs to be done yearly. While on the roof, walk along the entire ridge vent and make sure that all of the fasteners are secure and in place. Usually, they should be placed every 18 inches apart. There should also be a plug at the end of the gable.
- Secure All Fasteners – If there are any fasteners that are loose or missing, you’ll want to retighten them or replace them. Roofing nails can come loose over time, especially when there are strong guests of wind from heavy storms. Once this has been done, you may want to consider using a polyurethane sealant over the fasteners. This will help prevent future roof leaks.
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to email or give us a call at C and K Roofing. We can help you identify the cause of your leak and perform a complete inspection of your roof, while also performing any repairs that are necessary at an affordable cost to you.