How to Install Ridge Vent on Metal Roof

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How to Install Ridge Vent on Metal Roof

Every house deserves a proper system of air speculation. As you might already know, a ridge vent is of much importance when it comes to this. There might be a great hassle attached to setting up the ridge vents in the proper position and in the proper way. You might not necessarily need to involve a roofer to set them up for you. For this reason, we might need to get deep down into the detail of this very important skill. Now let's get to learn how to install ridge vent on metal roof, step by step.

How to Install Ridge Vent on Metal Roof

  1. Prepare the ridge vent slot 

Preparation is always key to every successful process. This one should not be an exception. It is much involved in the preparation for ridge vent installation. First, you need to cut an appropriate slot on the ridge. Here, we will need to be a little more specific because there are different sizes and dimensions of roof ridge vents. For a profile 9"  ventilator, you may need to make up to a 2" slot for a nice fit. 

It is important that you wear protective gear such as protective goggles during this process. Importantly also, you need to leave a minimum of 6" uncut for easy ridge vent installation. With the cut slots in place, you now need to fit in metal panels along the ridge before the slot is fully ready for vent installation. A circular blade will be of great help for an existing metal roof. Place foam closure or metal closure on either side of the ridge.

  1. Installing the end cap 

To install the end cap, simply pull apart the pre-cut sections of the foam end cap. The cap is often found within the vent, approximately 3 feet into the roll. The main tool required here is the utility knife. Using the utility knife, make uniform cuts of 1/2" on the storm stop material. Having done the cutback sections you will need to fit it in but make sure the seal is proper. 

This is assured with construction adhesives or sealant caulk that is used to coat the cut sides of the storm stop material. With the sealant in place, you can now insert the foam end cap with stop material underneath the vent for airtight sealing.

  1. Setting up the ridge vent 

This is basically the main point here. We are now going to place the vent in its right position ensuring there will be no voids left unfilled after the whole exercise. After all, the main idea is to let the vent clean the air inside the house. 

Therefore there need not be any kind of loopholes for direct exchange of air between the inside and the outside. This brings us to the importance of airtight sealing of any voids left after installing the vent. 

There is a wide array of applicable sealants that are of great use when it comes to this. Caulk's and sealants are particularly important because they are resistant to the weather. I specifically find butyl and polyurethane sealants very applicable but be keen to go through the manufacturer instructions before using for assured compatibility. 

With this in mind, we can now comfortably fix the vent and fill all the spaces with the sealant. This basically means rolling out the ridge vent over the slot to cover the entire slot including the 6" minimum uncut metal with airtight sealing in place.

For the rigid roll, be sure to roll out several layers of the vent material securely and tight intact before pulling over the ridge cap. To secure the vent further, you might need to drill into the roof deck wood at least 3/4". At this point then, you can install the cap.

  1. Install the cap 

When installing the cap, there aren't many considerations as in other steps but one is key here. The roof pitch. The roof pitch has to be maintained before you count your ridge vent installation a successful venture. Basically the vent should be flat at the bottom and in line with the roof surface but with a slightly rounded shape on the top. 

The finish is always nice when all these are in place and with an agreement to the pitch of the roof. Now with the considerations in mind, carefully install the metal ridge cap over the roof to finish off the process. Other peripheral matters could now be addressed at this stage, including sealing of any spaces and any other issues. It is important to stick to the manufacturer's instructions throughout the whole process.

Other Considerations 

There is a remarkable difference between the many existing brands of vents and now they work. The difference in their appropriateness of working could be right in the installation process. Instructions as already seen are very important in this. To add on, the vent is meant to clean your air and therefore it has to be in a place where there is a sufficient supply of cool fresh air.

It is important to note the difference in the process involved in installing the vent on a new roofing scheme and on an already existing metal roof. Also, remember that we are working on a metal roof hence appropriate protective gear is of pretty great importance. The situation of the roof is yet another important aspect to look into when considering installing a ridge vent.

How to Install Ridge Vent on Metal Roof - Conclusion 

There is really much involved in learning how to install ridge vent on metal roof. Most of the processes involved are however simple and easy to follow through. Mark the several times following manufacturer’s instructions has been mentioned above. 

This basically means that we do not have to be roofers or we do not need to contact one when it comes to such easy processes. Installation is easy but the technical aspects ought to be covered with keen interest for remarkable success. 

We can, therefore, settle on the fact that roof ride installation is a simple but technical process especially with metallic roofs.