Key Takeaways

A roof ridge is the horizontal intersection that runs along the peak of two roof slopes.
The ridge is the highest peak of your roof.
You can have more than one ridge on your roof.
Roof vents and roof capping are parts of your roof’s ridge.
A ridge vent allows warm and/or humid air to escape through the roof.
Ridge capping is a trim that’s installed on top of the ridge of your roof. It matches your roofing material.

The roof is one of the most important aspects of your home, as it provides protection and shelter from the elements. In order to properly care for and maintain your roof, you must first understand its various components and layers. Sitting at the very top of your roof’s peak is the roof ridge. In this article, we’ll explain what the ridge of your roof is, explore its characteristics, and review other key roofing parts.

What Is a Roof Ridge?

The ridge of a roof, also referred to as the peak, is the horizontal line running along the intersection of two roof slopes. The ridge is the highest peak of your roof. There can be more than one ridge depending on the roof design. For example, the ridge of one roof may span its entire length, whereas on another roof you could have multiple different slopes and ridges.

Roof Ridge Characteristics

There’s more to the ridge of a roof than what it looks like and where it’s located. The following are three key roof ridge characteristics:

Multiple Ridges: As mentioned above, there can be many ridges on your roof depending on the complexity of the design. Every peak between two roof slopes will have its own ridge. These ridges can be the same or different lengths based on the angle of the slopes.
Ridge Vent: A ridge vent runs along the length of the ridge, allowing warm and/or humid air to escape. The two types of vents are those with and without a baffle. An active ventilation system has a vent with a baffle, providing a channel for air to flow through your attic. A natural ventilation system relies on wind and convection rather than directed airflow, which means there are no baffles.
Ridge Capping: Ridge capping is a trim that’s installed on top of the ridge of your roof. It’s thicker than shingles and is pre-bent to form flawlessly over the ridge. Your ridge capping will typically always match your roofing material. For example, if you have a metal roof, your ridge capping will be metal.

Anatomy of a Roofing System

Learning about the other components and layers of a roof can help you fully understand the ridge of a roof and the part it plays in the overall design. Here is a list of the sections and pieces that make up a roof:

The roof deck is the first layer of your roof. It’s the foundation for the entire roofing system. Roof decks are typically made of wooden boards or plywood planks.

The roof underlayment is a layer of synthetic or felt materials located on top of the roof deck and underneath the metal panels or shingles. The underlayment adds extra protection from moisture and water infiltration.

Flashing is a metal sheet installed along the roof’s joint openings, chimneys, vents, dormers, side walls and skylights. The flashing prevents water from seeping through small cracks of gaps in your roof. It’s most commonly made from galvanized steel but can also me made of aluminum or copper material.

A roof valley is the V-shaped space between two roof slopes. The valley funnels rain water and melted snow off the roof and towards the gutters. As it collects and directs water, valleys are considered the most vulnerable part of your roof.

Eaves are the lower edges that border your roof and hang over the wall below. The eaves shield the walls and foundation from rainwater and melting snow. They also shade the exterior of your home, which helps keep your house cool in summer.

Under eave vents, also known as soffits, are located directly below the eaves of your roof. They draw in fresh air, which keeps your attic cool in summer. Under eave vents also lets out excess heat which prevent moisture from building up and developing into mold.

Roof gables are the triangular sections of wall on the outer end of your roof. You can see gables between the slopes of your roof and eave.

The hip of your roof is the intersection between two roof planes. The hip forms a sloping ridge that runs from the eave up to the peak of your roof.

The asphalt shingles or metal panels are the very top layer of your roof. Among the many other roofing materials are synthetic roofing, slate roofing, and cedar shake roofing. This section accounts for the bulk of your roof.

The drip edge is a strip of metal flashing installed along the edge of your roof. Its purpose is to keep water from seeping under your roofing. They manage water runoff, making sure it stays away from the fascia and roof decking.

Dormers extend outwards from the roof, often with a window and two sloping roofs. A dormer can be purely decorative or used to bring in more natural lighting and improve ventilation.

The ice and water shield, also referred to as the ice and water barrier, is a waterproofing material. It’s installed along the roof valleys and eaves as well as around penetrations and on low-sloping roofs. The ice and water barrier protects your roof from ice dams and wind-driven rain.

Expert Roofing Services and Support with Dream Roof

While the steel roof installation costs may seem overwhelming, it is a worthy investment into your home’s market value. Additionally, the steel roof installation cost pays for itself with a lifespan that will cover decades.

If you’re concerned that your roof ridge may be damaged or worn out, Dream Roof is here to help. Call or email us today to schedule a consultation for roof repairs, a roof replacement, or roof installation services.

FAQ’s

How can you tell if a roof ridge needs repairs?

Here are a few signs that your roof ridge requires repairs:

– Missing panels or shingles along the ridge
– Loose or cracked panels and shingles near the ridge
– Roof is sagging
– Water leaks and stains inside
– Rusted or discoloured ridge
– Damaged flashing

What’s the lifespan of a roof ridge?

Asphalt roof ridges have a lifespan of between 20 and 30 years, while a metal roofing ridge can last 40 to 70 years. Regular maintenance and inspections can further prolong your roof ridge’s lifespan.

How do you install roof ridges?

Professional roofing contractors, such as the experts at Dream Roof, will secure metal ridge caps over the peak of two intersecting slopes, install the ridge vent, and apply a sealant to prevent leaks.