Are you getting estimates for a roofing project? Do you keep hearing and reading about the ridge of your roof?
Anytime a homeowner needs roofing work done, I guarantee their roof's ridge comes up in some way. Understanding what it is in simple turns is pretty straightforward.
However, there are multiple things about a roof's ridge that homeowners need to know about. Especially when it comes to getting a full roof replacement.
So, let's break it down.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in breaking down everything from simple roofing terms to complex technical installation questions. While it's easy to define what a roof ridge is, I'm going to take you all the way through the things you should know about it.
In this article, I'll answer the following common roof ridge questions:
- What is a roof ridge?
- Can a roof have multiple ridges?
- What material goes on a roof ridge?
- What's the roof vent in a roof ridge?
- What's the difference between a hip and ridge?
What is a roof ridge?
A roof ridge is the highest point of a roof where two roof facets meet to form a peak at the top of your roof. When looking at your roof, you'll see the ridge as the horizontal line that runs from edge-to-edge at the top.
It can run the length of the entire roof, or it can be cut up at different levels depending on how your roof is built. However, most simple and ranch style homes have one continuous ridge going across the full length of the roof.
Can a roof have multiple ridges?
If you have a complex roof with multiple roof facets, the entire roof system will have multiple ridges. With all the different facets coming together, the ridge won’t be straight across the entire roof because of the architectural style.
Each peak will have its own ridge wherever two slopes meet throughout your roof. This might not seem important, but it will factor into the cost of your new roof.
This is because the more complex your roof is, the more expensive your roof replacement will be. The installers will have to spend more time working on multiple ridges instead of one straight across ridge on an up and over.
What material goes on a roof ridge?
Ridge capping is a crucial roofing components installed on the ridge of your roof to close the roof facet at the top. It's considered an accessory to the roofing material you choose (asphalt, metal, etc.) and will be made of the same type of material.
(Ridge capping on an architectural asphalt shingle roof)
For an architectural asphalt shingle roof, ridge capping is thicker than regular architectural shingles and pre-bent so they can form to the ridges. This simply ensures the ridge capping can easily be installed to seal the roof at the very top without cracks or breaking.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest ways cheap roofers lower prices is by not using the manufacturer's ridge capping accessory. Instead, they'll use 3-tab asphalt shingles or a generic brand of ridge capping to cut down their costs.
This can lead to a roof leak or affect material warranties from the manufacturer. That’s why it’s always recommended to use the manufacturer’s ridge capping accessory, no matter what type of roofing material you choose.
What's the roof vent in a roof ridge?
The biggest reason homeowners ask a roof's ridge is because of the common venting option: a ridge vent A ridge vent is a continuous roof vent cut right into the peak(s) and goes across the entire length of the roof’s ridge.
(Ridge vent before capping is installed)
It’s one of the most popular roof vents because of the low profile, making it less noticeable. There are two types of ridge vents, with a baffle or without a baffle, based on your attic’s ventilation system.
Ridge vents with a baffle are the active version because the baffle provides a channel for airflow. It also acts like a filter to prevent debris, rain, snow, insects, etc., from entering your attic.
What's the difference between a hip and ridge?
Because they both get capping, some homeowners confuse a hip with a ridge. However, a hip is where two roof facets come together to form an exterior vertical angle instead of meeting at the top.
(Example of a ridge and multiple hips)
They're pretty much do the same thing, seal your roof where to facets connect. Both also get ridge capping that matches the main roofing material.
However, it's simple to remember a ridge as the highest horizontal point and a hip as an outward angle where roof facets connect.
What are the different layers of your roof system?
After reading this article, you know what you need to about a roof ridge. It's simply the highest point of you roof.
The other information just gives you the details that matter when it comes to understanding how it impacts your roofing project. But while your roof's ridge is the highest point, there’s a whole lot more going on below that makes up the bulk of a roof system.
So, it's crucial to know the different layers of your roof, from the ridge down to the gutter line.
Check out The 9 Layers of a Roof System to learn everything that goes into a roof system, what they do, and why they're important.
And if you need a new roof in Nashville or a surrounding Middle TN area, don’t hesitate to Request a Free Quote today to scheduling your free roof inspection.
