Ridge Vent Recommendations?

[gpalmer77]

I'm gathering supplies for my roof to be done by a couple of pros (doing work on the side for me) and wondered if anyone here had any advice/recommendations for a ridge vent. I see some fancy looking plastic assemblies out there, with baffles and such to stop the rain/insects. Just don't know if any one is better than the other.

Roof is a gambrel, and this ridge vent will run 20 feet along a 24ft building with 12" rear and 18" front overhang. Upper pitch is 12/3 (8" rafters), lower pitch is 2.5/12 (6" rafters). Will have soffit vents later, and will be insulated later. Upper pitch will have ice and water shield over the entire deck.

I'm using architectural shingles (IKO Cambridge - to match the house) if that makes a difference.

Thanks.

 

[Rockuf8]

I just went with the GAF Cobra Ridge Vent, it's super easy to install and has a nice low profile.

 

[fury9]

you need to put the soffit vents in so the continuous ridge vent can work properly, it won't get air flow unless it has an intake point. Make sure you put the baffles in and don't block the soffit from the ends of the rafters with insulation when you get to that point. I personally like the kind that looks like a charcoal mesh, but what do I know

 

[Rockuf8]

I removed all and any wood in my soffits and opted for the hidden vented soffits, they look nicer and seem to keep bugs out more so than the cheaper perforated soffit material. That being said, I should have PLENTY of airflow, I'd rather have too more than not enough.

 

[csp]

Owens Corning ridge vent on my house. This one will not let snow penetrate if that's a concern. It will come in on way too many brands.

 

[Scott H in Wheaton]

I've been a GAF roofer for 8 years. Only thing I install for homes that have ridges is Cobra II Snow Country by GAF. Flexible plastic shell with tiny louvres on the side, a dam similar to a snow plow blade to prevent wind driven snowflakes and raindrops from getting into the vent, weep holes to let water out from behind the dam, and a filter medium to keep out the little flying nasties like wasps and bees, mosquitoes and flies.