Ridge Vent crushed, need help.

[StillTooManyHobbies]

Hello all, I need some help. While in the attic this week I noticed frost on the under side of the roof and an abnormal amount of moisture in the attic space. Looking further, it appears that the ridge vent has been crushed/flattened for its entire length. Since it is at the peak of a steep pitch on the second story, the most likely cause was the solar panel installers stomping it about 2 years ago. I am NOT going on the roof to fix it. Is this something I should be able to push out from the inside or should I call a roofer and have it replaced? It looks like this style. Thanks.

 

[manwithtools]

I'd have it replaced with the polymer version. It's less likely to sustain damage when you are maintaining the solar panels of having the shingles replaced. You will need to shingle over it if you want it to match the rest of the roof. I hate the metal versions.

 

[yeldogt]

You should also be looking for the source of the moisture -- you most likely have leaks from the house ceiling.

How long have you owned the house -- how often have you checked the attic under same conditions?

Most vents don't work all that well - what you have is a common problem.

 

[Dundertaker]

Here is the one I just installed based on recommendation of 3'out of state friends/Roofers....cobra 3...man with tools is correct, this is FL hurricane rated and shouldn't bend like metal if stepped on...or rust.

https://www.gaf.com/roofing/residential/products/roof_vents/cobra_rigid_vent_3

I'd have it replaced with the polymer version. It's less likely to sustain damage when you are maintaining the solar panels of having the shingles replaced. You will need to shingle over it if you want it to match the rest of the roof. I hate the metal versions.

 

[MEngineer]

To answer your question, better call a roofer. Have them replace it with the plastic option and cap shingles

 

[WVBrady]

I'd have it replaced with the polymer version. It's less likely to sustain damage when you are maintaining the solar panels of having the shingles replaced. You will need to shingle over it if you want it to match the rest of the roof. I hate the metal versions.

One advantage of the metal ones is that the galvanizing helps prevent black algae staining.

 

[manwithtools]

Not sure many of the metal ones today are galvanized, many are aluminized or powder coated.

 

[Radix2]

Yeldogt is most likely correct - at the temps we are having, every bit of moisture that makes it up into the attic from the house will condense and freeze on its way out. Are you running a humidifier? Bathroom vents to the attic?

It is definitely something that you should address, but attic ventilation is not going to be able to stop frost formation in really cold weather if you have warm moist air continuously flowing up there. It is there to make sure it dries quickly and does not accumulate when it is more temperate.

I'd get it replaced when the weather allows and look into your sealing around lights, etc. and humidity levels now.

 

[ishiboo]

Make sure all your bathroom vents are connected correctly. Most issues like this are caused by a hose falling off. Or worse yet, some lazy people simply vented them to the attic.

 

[StillTooManyHobbies]

Thanks for the replies everybody. We have been in the house since it was built in 1996. Solar panels installed in 2015. There is a heat pump air handler unit for the 2nd floor in the attic and it was replaced in 2016. I might need to check all the ducting for insulation or other issues. Will also check the bathroom vent. I'll also be calling a roofer. STMH

 

[Dadillac]

I was a roofer for several years. The crew I worked with used this. Never had an issue or a call back. Plus if someone steps on the caps there is no permanent damage.

Don

 

[JamesW84]

I researched a lot when I did mine. I installed the shingle vent ii. It worked well. Sold the house.

http://www.airvent.com/index.php/products/exhaust-vents/ridge-vents/shinglevent2