Why Your Ridge Vent Matters in Winter

The photo shows a ridge vent running along the peak of a roof in the Statesville area.

What it does

Warm, damp air from cooking, showers and heating rises into the attic. The ridge vent gives that air a way out at the highest point of the roof.

What happens without it

If the vent is blocked, missing or too small, the moisture stays in the attic. It condenses on the cold underside of the roof deck, and over a few winters that leads to mold and soft wood, even when every shingle looks fine from the yard.

Every free roof inspection includes the ridge vent and attic airflow.