How good is a Ridge Vent?
by Isa Stralian
Its Not!
Your question as to how good or efficient a ridge vent is?
When it comes to roof ventilation there are many types of ‘roof ventilators’ and one of them is a ridge vent.
All roof ventilators are developed to work in one manner or another.
Some good, some not so good.
Manufactured on cost, many have imaginary performance.
Arrows emulating airflow movement do not depict the resistance encountered.
So what appears to be a nice smooth flow is in fact torturous with poor efficiency.
Ridge vents are a roofing product that has become a necessity in principle, and a minimum so as to comply with the roof ventilation building regulations or recommendations of the day.
But are they value for money?
The ridge vent is one such product, an item deemed to satisfy the building code which is ironic given that the building code is assembled by those who know, little to nothing, about roof ventilation.
They are then blindly followed by council authorities, who know even less, and are unwilling to accept responsibility
It’s up to the architect or homeowner to decide on the criteria used in selecting the appropriate product for their needs.
The Ridge Vent
A ridge vent provides you with a somewhat restricted opening in the roof.
Nothing more, nothing less.
It’s function is presumed to be sufficient to the use of the building but always falls short of expectations.
Why?…because it’s a product manufactured to a price in both construction and ease of installation.
It’s presence on the roof is somewhat diffused in looking like an oversized ridge cap.
Just as there are cars and there are cars….the same applies to all products using the same descriptive title….roof ventilators are no different.
You either select one that performs to your needs, or you purchase on price whilst telling yourself there’s no difference.
When the short fall in performance is discovered, the developer / builder / owner will seek an additional product to supplement the first.
Totally unaware that you cannot successfully merge the dynamics of one type of roof ventilation with another.
And the blind will continue to follow the music that pleases them.
Everyone’s an expert until it comes to taking responsibility, then the tell tale wisp of smoke is seen of the salesman disappearing in the distance.
In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king….as exists more so in the roof ventilation industry.
Reality is that everyone believes as they choose, until having to accept otherwise.
The ridge vent is not suited to the roof of a house, if only because it’s a leaf trap