How to Install a Ridge Vent on a Wood Roof

Ridge vents are essential to a well-ventilated roof system—especially in Colorado, where dramatic weather shifts can cause moisture buildup, ice dams, and overheating. If you have a wood shake or shingle roof, ridge vent installation must be done with care to avoid leaks or compromising your roof’s structural integrity.

Here’s what Colorado homeowners need to know.

Why Install a Ridge Vent?

Ridge vents provide continuous exhaust at the peak of your roof, allowing hot, moist air to escape from your attic. This can:

• Reduce summer heat gain and cooling costs

• Prevent winter condensation and ice dams

• Extend the life of your shingles and decking

• Improve indoor air quality and comfort

According to the Roof Assembly Ventilation Coalition (RAVC), balanced ventilation (equal intake and exhaust) is key to performance and durability.

Can You Install a Ridge Vent on a Wood Roof?

Yes—but with extra precautions. Wood roofs, particularly cedar shakes and shingles, have different layering and ventilation needs than asphalt shingles. The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB) outlines acceptable practices for ridge venting, but stresses the need for:

• Proper spacing and clear ridge openings

• Use of breathable vent systems

• Waterproof underlayments like high-temp ice and water shield beneath the vent area

Ridge Vent Installation Steps for Wood Roofs

1. Cut the Ridge Opening

• Measure and mark a ¾" to 1" slot on each side of the ridge board, stopping 6" from each end.

• Use a circular saw to cut through the decking but NOT the ridge board itself.

• Remove all debris.

2. Install Underlayment

• Lay a high-temp, breathable ice and water shield over the ridge cutout.

• Extend it 12" on either side for additional moisture protection.

• For cedar, avoid fully sealing membranes that block airflow; breathable options are better.

3. Place the Ridge Vent

• Select a ridge vent compatible with wood roofs (like a shingle-over style or rigid baffled type).

• Nail or screw the vent base into the decking, ensuring it's centered over the ridge cut.

• Use corrosion-resistant fasteners.

4. Reinstall Ridge Cap

• For cedar shake roofs, use matching ridge shake caps.

• For wood shingles, cut and layer ridge shingles to overlap the vent correctly.

• Use rust-resistant nails and avoid over-driving them, which can split the wood.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using incompatible vent products: Some vents are designed only for asphalt shingles.

• Skipping underlayment: Moisture will penetrate the ridge without it.

• Not ensuring balanced ventilation: Intake vents must match the ridge vent's exhaust capacity.

• Cutting too close to roof edges: This weakens structural support.

FAQs

What kind of vent is best for a cedar shake roof?

Use a breathable ridge vent system specifically designed for wood shakes. Avoid fully sealed plastic vents without adequate drainage.

Do I need intake vents too?

Yes. Ridge vents alone won’t work properly without soffit or eave intake vents to bring in fresh air.

How much ridge vent do I need?

Follow code minimums: 1 sq. ft. of net-free ventilation for every 150 sq. ft. of attic floor space (50/50 intake and exhaust).

Trust a Professional for Wood Roof Ventilation

Improper ridge vent installation on wood roofs can lead to costly leaks or performance issues. At Roof Nuts, we install ventilation systems designed for Colorado’s unique climate—on cedar, shake, and composite roofs.

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📞 Call us today at 303-276-2403
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