Roof ridge: what is it, design and installation tips. How to make a roof ridge with your own hands: a detailed analysis of the specifics and technologies

The ridge of the roof is called the rib formed at the junction of the roof slopes. As a result of the installation of roofing materials, this place remains open. If the ridge connection is left unprotected, then moisture, cold air and even small birds and insects will penetrate through it.

Design features of the roof ridge

The ridge connection is equipped at the last stage of roof construction; the strength and durability of the entire structure depends on the result of the actions performed.

Before you make a roof ridge with your own hands, you should familiarize yourself with the functions that are assigned to this site:

Prevention of moisture penetration. If the ridge is left open, then moisture entering the attic space can cause rotting and destruction of the truss system.
roof ventilation. The roofing ridge, mounted in compliance with special rules, allows warm air, together with water vapor accumulated in it, to go outside. If the circulation is disturbed, then moisture will settle on the wooden elements of the roof and on the inside of the roofing material. This will inevitably lead to damage to the entire structure.
Insect and bird protection. Very often you can see how feathered friends penetrate the space in the attic and build nests directly in the roof.
Create a Finished Construction View. The ridge is a decorative element of the roof, which makes the whole structure more aesthetically pleasing with the appearance of the completed construction. A self-made ridge roof will look elegant, but there is almost no variety among the do-it-yourself elements. But the finished ridge profiles have a fairly wide choice of colors and shapes. It is very important that the ridge and roofing are made by the same manufacturer and preferably of the same color.

The device of the skate and its possible forms

For the manufacture of the roof ridge, galvanized steel, ceramics or asbestos cement can be used.

A product profile can take three forms:

The ridge of a simple shape is made in the form of an ordinary corner made of painted or unpainted galvanized steel. Such a detail is quite easy to do on your own. A simple ridge element is used on roofs with an unheated attic space covered with alloy steel.
The oval-shaped ridge is a semicircular gutter with wide shelves for fastening. Complete with such a skate, end caps are required. The oval profile of the ridge is an excellent option for a mansard roof, as the pocket created by the part contributes to the organization of forced ventilation. The oval ridge has high aesthetic properties, but the cost of such an element is much more expensive than other types.
The device of the roof ridge, which has a U-shaped rib, also implies the presence of a ventilation pocket, but of a slightly different shape. This version of the skate does not have plugs in the kit. The cost of a U-shaped skate is slightly lower than the oval one, but slightly higher than the price of a simple option.

Profile Varieties

The choice of the ridge profile should be based not on the attractiveness of the roof, but on its direct purpose.

Therefore, the elements of the ridge and the roofing material on the roof must be fully consistent with each other:

The ridge for ceramic tiles should have the shape of a semicircular gutter; it is made by molding from ceramics. Such a ridge consists of separate elements no more than 50 cm long. The design feature of the ridge elements is the smaller size of one end. This makes mounting the roof ridge more convenient. Installation of a ridge from a tile belongs to labour-intensive, laborious processes.
For a slate roof, an asbestos cement ridge is used. Its details are made in the form of a semicircular gutter with one wide shelf. For greater reliability, the elements of the ridge on the slate roof are laid in two layers: the first layer - with a shelf on one slope, the second - on the other.
On roofs covered with metal tiles or corrugated board, the ridge should be made of a metal profile in the form of an oval or triangle, as well as with a U-shaped rib. The ridge is divided into segments 2 meters long, the installation of which must be carried out with an overlap. It is quite possible to do the installation of a metal ridge profile with your own hands, since this does not require special knowledge and tools.
The design of the ridge of a soft roof, which was covered with bitumen-based roll materials, is carried out with special strips with one adhesive side. In some cases, the construction of the roof ridge involves the use of pieces of soft tiles that are laid along the ridge. But this option requires more time and does not prevent leaks very well.

Installation work

To install the ridge on the roof yourself, you need a set of the following tools and materials:

waterproofing material. A roofing material or a highly diffuse membrane is suitable for this.
Ventilation tape.
Special self-tapping screws for roofing materials.
Screwdriver or drill with nozzles.
Construction stapler.

Roof ridge rules

To avoid mistakes in the process of work, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of experienced roofers:

When laying the roofing, it is necessary to indent a few centimeters from the top edge of the slope. This is necessary in order to be able to increase the height of the ridge due to the auxiliary bar installed on the ridge bar.
Before fixing the ridge on the roof, it is necessary to perform mandatory waterproofing of the rib between the slopes. To do this, you can use a highly diffuse membrane, polyethylene film or roofing felt. Between themselves, the layers of waterproofing are fastened with a stapler or silicone sealant.
For free movement of air in the attic space and for ventilation of the rafter system along the ridge, it is necessary to stick a ventilation tape on both slopes. First you need to remove the protective film from the adhesive side. If powerful forced ventilation is necessary, then use special plastic aerators for the ridge.
The installation of the ridge on the roof starts from the end of the house, while the first element should protrude 2-3 cm beyond the edge of the roof. After laying the first part, it is necessary to check the correctness of its installation and fix it with a self-tapping screw. It is necessary to arrange fasteners in increments of 30-40 cm.
The second part is overlapped on the first element up to 7-10 cm and fixed, checking for even laying. The last part is also taken out of the roof by 2-3 cm. To cut a metal element, you can use a hacksaw, grinder or other device for cutting metal.
The final step in installing the ridge profile is the installation of plugs, if they are included in the package.

And so on, the problem of sealing the joints of planes and transitions naturally arises.

Any variant of the articulation forms a gap, which must be securely covered, otherwise it forms an area of active leaks.

Since the roofing material itself is sheet, special elements are produced to solve the issues of joining planes - extensions.

They are designed in such a way that the necessary protection against water ingress into the under-roof space is provided, and also that the appearance corresponds in all respects to the original type of material, creating a set of the same type of elements. One of them is the roof ridge.

The ridge of the roof of the house is additional element designed to form the connection of the roof slopes in the highest position. It occupies a dominant position, uniting the planes and logically completing their joint.

Performs two main functions:

Leak protection, penetration of rain or melt water into the under-roof space.
Ensuring the necessary clearance for ventilation under-roof space so that vapors are removed from the elements of the roofing pie and there is a possibility of drying.

Both tasks, at first glance, mutually exclusive, are successfully performed with the correct installation of the ridge, which prevents water from getting under the roof covering, organizing a regular outlet, and allows free passage of air to remove water vapor from the roofing pie. The simultaneity of action in two directions is ensured by the shape of the ridge, developed during many years of operation in different climatic conditions.

Ventilation of the under-roof space is important only if there is a roofing pie - an insulating layer. Without it, air exchange is not difficult and does not require any additional measures.

Ridge on the roof of the house: element photo

Types of skates for the roof

Depending on the type of roof and the method of its installation, different types of skates are used. Manufacturers produce the following designs of skates:

Semicircular. It does not have a clearly defined rib, forming a small air cushion in the inner part of the dome, which contributes to the ventilation of the under-roof space. The ends of the semicircular skates are closed with special plugs that give the extension a finished look and exclude water from entering the end section of the skate.
Straight. The simplest type of ridge that does not require an end cap and is suitable for installation on various roof structures.
Narrow. It plays the role of a decorative element in the design of the roofs of gazebos, hipped roofs, covering spiers, etc.
Curved(figured). A more complex profile enhances ventilation options and allows more free fitting of the extension to the roof.

The connection of straight skates is carried out using U- and T-shaped elements, providing a hermetic and durable profile transition. All existing types of ridge profile perform similar tasks, the difference between them lies in some differences in the installation process due to the difference in design.

Variety of forms

What elements does a roof ridge consist of?

The nodes of the roof ridge have a complex composition. In addition to the ridge bar - additional element, which is the main visible part of the assembly, there are waterproofing elements, mounting bars, optionally a sealing element is used.

The presence of certain parts in the structure is due to several factors:

Roof dimensions.
The presence / absence of ventilation of the under-roof space (if the attic is not used as a residential or utility room, then the roof is usually not insulated, ventilation is not needed in this case).
Type of roofing material and design features of additional elements corresponding to it.

Of the mandatory elements, you can specify as the main protective barrier to water. In areas with frequent heavy winds, a sealing element is required, not allowing the wind to penetrate under the ridge bar and threaten to tear it off the support.

What elements does the ridge knot consist of?

How to calculate the length of the ridge bar

The calculation of the ridge for the roof is reduced to determining the number of additional elements and components - waterproofing, sealant, fasteners, etc. The basis of this calculation is the construction plan, which has the exact design length of the roof and indicates all the necessary materials accepted for use.

NOTE!

The installation data of each specific extension are individual and are determined based on the recommendations of the supplier and general building codes. Actually, counting the amount of material is not a difficult task; according to the existing length of the roof, it is required to calculate the number of ridge strips, taking into account the mandatory 5-centimeter overlap.

More trouble usually arises with the correct organization of the substrate - ridge bars that provide accurate and even fastening of the planks.

By the time of installation of the truss system, the choice of a specific roofing material must be completed. so that it is possible to organize the substrate according to the exact dimensions of the profile.

The problem lies in the variety of types of ridge, which does not allow to determine any single scheme for the placement of support bars - the width, method of fastening and sealing of all elements are dissimilar and require individual consideration. Therefore, for an accurate calculation, you should always work out the installation on a test strip so that you can quickly change or correct the installation of the substrate.

To avoid defects in fastening the roof ridge, you should correctly approach the issue of installation.

Ventilated roof ridge

Mounting the roof ridge

The step-by-step installation of a ridge on a roof requires specificity in terms of material - what type of roofing is used, the type of attic, the presence of a roofing pie, etc.

Some installation positions may be highly dependent on these factors, but the general procedure is generally the same, which makes it possible to describe the stages of work (with some reservations).

Mounting the seal

Installation of the roof ridge begins with the installation of waterproofing:

The beginning of the installation of the ridge can be considered the completion of the laying of the roofing, which is carried out from the bottom up. The final row (if necessary) is cut in such a way as to form the necessary ventilation gap between the slopes, but not too large so that the roof ridge can securely close it.
Installing waterproofing material protecting against the formation of leaks along the junction of the slopes.
The cavity between the ends of the slopes is filled with glass wool. Such a measure will avoid the formation of snow drifts under the ridge in winter. The use of glass wool is not important, there are other options, but the cheapness of the material and its resistance to decay is a decisive factor. It should not be stuffed tightly, otherwise you can stop the possibility of ventilation.
If snow blows under the roof ridge, then it is advisable to install a sealant. One of the simplest and most effective options is to lay a strip of roofing material along the junction line of the roof planes. One side of the strip is attached through the roofing material to the crate of the truss system, the other side - to a wooden bar specially fixed to the run, providing the required height. On the other hand, the second strip is attached in the same way, which is overlapped to the timber. The result is an additional insulating layer that protects against the occurrence of snow drifts, from wind and from the action of melt water. This procedure is very useful in areas with frequent blizzards that can sweep snow even into small cracks.
The installation of the skate begins. Installation is carried out from the edge, the material is fastened to roofing screws, equipped with special rubber gaskets and covered with a protective layer. Do not use ordinary nails! After mounting the first bar, it is necessary to stretch a cord along the installation line so that it is possible to control and correct the installation straightness.
All subsequent corners are installed with an overlap of at least 5 cm or along the lines of wave stamping. The direction of laying - from left to right or vice versa - is selected based on the direction of the prevailing winds in the region.
After the complete installation of all ridge trims end pieces attached(if any), as a measure of protection against the ingress of snow or rain into the ridge sinus.

CAREFULLY!

Skate installation work is dangerous and requires insurance. A partner on the roof is required to ensure the accuracy of the installation, and at least one worker below is needed to feed new strips as they are installed.

Roof ridge - a rib formed at the meeting point of roof slopes. The technology of installation of roofing materials is such that this area remains open after completion of work.
A ridge connection without additional protection measures is like an open window for the penetration of moisture, cold air, small birds and insects, despite the fact that we are talking about only a 2-3 cm thick gap. This article will tell you how to make a roof ridge correctly.

Features of the ridge connection

The arrangement of the ridge connection is the last stage in the construction of the roof, however, its durability and reliability directly depend on this event. In order to make the ridge on the roof protected from moisture and wind with your own hands, you need to know the main tasks assigned to it:

Protection against moisture penetration. The section of the roof that is not protected by roofing material allows moisture to pass through, leading to decay and destruction of the truss system.
Ensuring air circulation. A properly installed roof ridge acts as a ventilation gap through which heated air saturated with water vapor escapes. In the absence of ventilation, water from the steam settles on the elements of the truss frame and the inner surface of the roofing material, leading to their premature deterioration.
Protection against penetration of small birds and insects. If you have not yet become a homeowner, but are only going to, then you will be surprised how often birds equip their nests in the roof, penetrating there through minor cracks, to say nothing of insects.
Giving a finished look. Among other things, the ridge plays the role of a decorative element that adorns the roof, giving it a finished elegant look. The aesthetic potential of do-it-yourself ridge profiles is limited, but purchased models delight with a variety of shapes and colors.

Note! Roofing craftsmen recommend purchasing a profile at the same time as the material for covering the slopes. To achieve an accurate hit in color, you should look for options from one manufacturer. Profiles for arranging a ridge joint are produced in the form of additional elements, the length of which is 2 m. To determine how many parts are needed, it is necessary to add 10-15% to the length of the roof along the eaves for overlap and fit.

Device and profile forms

The roof ridge is a profile made of galvanized metal, asbestos cement, and ceramics. There are three forms of such products: simple, oval and with a U-shaped rib:

If you have no experience in construction, then the most obvious option is to install a simple ridge beam. To make it, it is tedious to purchase a metal corner with a width of mounting shelves of 40-50 cm for better waterproofing.

Profile views

The choice of a profile for arranging a skate with your own hands is not based on aesthetic tastes, but on the practical tasks that it must perform. Therefore, ridge elements are selected depending on the material with which the roof is covered:

To make a roof ridge with your own hands, you should purchase a special ventilation tape, roofing felt or a highly diffuse membrane for waterproofing, roofing screws, a screwdriver, and a construction stapler.

Mounting process

The quality of installation of the ridge profile directly affects the effectiveness of protection against moisture penetration and air circulation. To avoid a mistake, follow the following recommendations of roofing masters:

When laying the roofing, step back from the top of the slope a few centimeters so that an auxiliary bar is installed on the ridge beam, which increases the height of the ridge.
Using a strip of highly diffuse membrane, film or roofing material, hydrosolize the rib between the slopes. Fix the waterproofing layer with a stapler and silicone sealant.
Take the ventilation tape, remove the protective film from the adhesive side and stick it along the ridge on both slopes. It is necessary so that the air freely escapes from under the roof, ventilating the truss system, preventing it from rotting. To organize powerful forced ventilation, special plastic ridge aerators are used.
Start mounting the ridge profile from one of the ends of the house, moving it forward 2-3 cm beyond the roof. After placing the first profile segment, check that it lies flat and fix it with a screwdriver and roofing screws. The step between the screws is 30-40 cm.
Put the second part on the first one with an overlap of 7-10 cm, place it evenly and fix it. Continue mounting until you reach the other end of the roof. Move the last section of the roofing profile 2-3 cm beyond the roof. To fit and cut to size, use metal shears, a hacksaw or a grinder.
Insert special plugs into the end holes of the ridge profile, if they are supplied with the model you have chosen.

Note! In hardware stores, ridge profiles are available that are suitable for different angles of roof slopes. Therefore, when going for a part for decorating a skate, accurately determine the slope and consult with the seller if the part you like is right for you.

Video instruction

The ridge is one of the constituent elements of the pitched roof of the building. This area is subject to intensive climatic influences and therefore must have a number of characteristics that ensure the protection of the under-roof space. To do this, you should choose the right type of roof ridge and take into account the technology of its installation.

What is a roof ridge

A pitched roof consists of several planes, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe closure of which a ridge is formed. On different types of roofs, the design of this element may differ, but the ridge is always the highest point of the roof. The area of merging of planes is most pronounced in gable roofs. In broken, four-slope and other similar structures there is also a ridge.

The ridge is present on different types of roofs

The functions of this element are as follows:

the main purpose is the closure of the upper edges of the planes of the slopes;
ensuring free air circulation in the space under the roof;
prevention of condensation, as a result of which the roof is subjected to deformation and decay;
aesthetic addition to the roof slopes for the finished look of the building.

The roof ridge has a simple design, but prevents moisture from entering the space under the roof. Due to this, the life of the roof is extended, and the integrity of all materials of the roofing cake is also ensured.

Roof ridge design

The roof ridge is a long element that is mounted on the area of the connection of the roofing. The detail can be in the form of an angle, a semicircle, a curly element. Such a roof rib is mounted horizontally, but the sheets of roofing material must not be hermetically connected under the ridge. This is necessary to create a ventilation gap that provides air circulation.

The ventilation gap is required when installing the ridge

When constructing the element, a special seal is used that prevents the penetration of cold air, but ensures the removal of moisture. The ridge is attached to the rafter system with roofing screws with a sealing insert.

Calculation of the height of the ridge for the roof of the house

Various methods are used to calculate the height of the skate, but the mathematical one is the most popular. In this case, the formula H=0.5×B×K is used. In this formula, H is the desired height of the roof ridge, B is the width of the building, K is the coefficient depending on the slope of the roof, which is selected from the table. Using these indicators, it is possible to independently calculate the height of the ridge, but you can also use online calculators by entering the available data.

Table: coefficient value depending on the roof slope

The mathematical example of the calculation is optimal for pitched roofs, but the same principle is used to calculate the height of a flat pitched roof. All the necessary parameters are preliminarily determined depending on the type, roof structure, which should be indicated in the project.

Elements for different types of roofs

To cover the roof, various materials are used that differ in installation technology, characteristics, and appearance. Depending on the type of material used, the ridge option is also selected, which allows you to properly equip the roof.

When mounting the ridge, seals are used

Semicircular ridge for metal tiles

To equip the roof of a metal tile, a semicircular ridge is used, which consists of a sealant and a ridge strip that provides ventilation. The sealant is placed between the roofing and the semicircular ridge, preventing the penetration of dust and moisture under the roof. Sealing elements can be profiled, which are made of foamed polyethylene.

Profile elements are optimally shaped

Universal seals are made of polyurethane film and provide good protection against dust without obstructing air circulation. They have a self-adhesive base and are easy to install. Universal seals are safe for human health and practical to use.

Universal tapes are simple and easy to use

Self-expanding seals are made from polymer-impregnated polyurethane foam. The elements serve to cover the upper edges of the roofing material and fix the slopes.

Self-expanding tapes have an adhesive backing

A semicircular ridge is attached to the seal, and for this, ridge screws are used. Plugs are installed from the ends, providing additional protection for the structure.

Profile for polycarbonate

Cellular polycarbonate roofs are often created for greenhouses, outbuildings, gazebos and other similar structures. A ridge is also needed for the junction of the planes, which is a profiled semicircular or corner element made of polymeric material.

Profiles are well combined with additional materials

The ridge for polycarbonate is attached using thermal washers equipped with sealing rubber bands. This eliminates the possibility of moisture and dust getting under the roof.

Hip roof element

For a hip roof, a semicircular element with mounting holes is used. The main feature of the ridge for this design is that the length of the corner element is less than the length of the roof. The ridge for a hip roof can be made of metal, which is optimal when covering the roof with metal tiles.

The semicircular ridge complements the hip roof well

The ends of the ridge on a hipped roof are covered with special elements that have the shape of a semi-cone. The top element for the roof is made up of several elements. Thus, a bar of the required length is created.

Roofing ridge made of wood

The roof of the house can be made of wood, but it is extremely important to follow the arrangement technology, since wood does not tolerate climatic influences. In this case, the ridge is formed at the junction of two beams of the truss system. The element can be a long round log laid at the junction of the pitched roof planes.

The wooden coating is original and environmentally friendly, but it is important to properly equip the roof

For the manufacture of tiles and ridge, larch, cedar, oak, and spruce wood is used. These materials are more resistant to humidity, temperature changes and other climatic factors.

Roof ridge from shingles

For a roof with soft tiles, a ventilated ridge is convenient, providing air circulation under the roof. This eliminates condensate from the layers of the roofing cake, all structural elements are protected from decay. The ridge is set up on a horizontal line connecting the slopes.

The ridge for a soft roof is easy to install and does not have a complex design

The element for a soft roof is a polymer corner with ventilation holes. The part is attached to the rafter system, and the elements of the tile are fixed on top. Thus, the roof is equipped with a ventilated ridge and has an aesthetic appearance.

Slate roof element

Slate roofing is often equipped with galvanized steel skates. Such elements are affordable, easy to install and are durable. If the roof is covered with flat slate, then installation is as simple as possible and involves fastening galvanized corners to screws or nails. At the same time, the skates have edges that are bent inward, which provides an air vent.

The ridge for slate can have a semicircular shape

When installing the corner, a ridge tape is used, which ensures the maximum quality of the roof. The corner is fixed with an overlap on the roofing sheets.

Important points for mounting the skate

Different materials serve as the basis for the manufacture of a roof ridge. The most practical are copper products and galvanized steel corners. For corrugated roofing, a ridge with a colored polymer coating is suitable. Depending on the type of roofing, the corner material is also selected, which allows you to equip the roof with the highest quality.

Metal corners are durable and easy to install

Materials and tools for work

A simple technology for attaching a ridge to a corrugated roof involves the use of affordable, but high-quality materials. To work, you will need the following components:

seal with self-adhesive side;
metal skate of optimal shape;
thermal washers with sealing rubber bands, roofing screws;
screwdriver, hammer, tape measure, building level, knife.

Corner fixing

The process of fixing the corner does not require special skills, but when working on the roof, a safety belt is required. Fastening starts from one of the ends of the roof in the direction opposite to the movement of the prevailing winds. The set of actions involves the following steps:

To equip the roof with a ventilated ridge, you should purchase a ready-made corner with a special design that provides air circulation. The part is attached to the corrugated board using the same technology as a regular corner.

Video: installation of the ridge and additional elements on the roof

Operation and finishing of the ridge on the roof of the house

When arranging the roof and installing the ridge, a sealant is often used, which is a polymer tape with a self-adhesive layer. This material allows you to exclude such consequences as the ingress of snow, dust or moisture under the outer roofing layer. You can buy a sealant in hardware stores, and manufacturers produce various versions of such tapes.

Seals come in a variety of shapes, making selection easy.

The correct construction of the ridge is the key to good protection of the roof structure from deformation, decay. After the completion of construction work, the ridge can be decorated to complement the design of the building. To do this, use the following solutions:

decoration of the ridge with carved details is optimal for a wooden roof. On metal, you can use forged elements that are fastened with screws to the ends of the ridge or along the rib;

Carved details are optimal for a Russian-style building
figures made of wood or metal can decorate the ridge from the end. The elements should not be too heavy, and their fastening is carried out with self-tapping screws to the rafter system through the roofing;

Wooden figures are suitable for any roof
forged weather vane in the form of original figures is an effective solution. The element is fixed on a special stand, fixed with self-tapping screws.

The weather vane not only decorates the roof, but is also functional.

How to repair horses with your own hands

The roof rib is exposed to winds and other climatic factors. Therefore, such damages as separation of the ridge elements, deformation, cracks often occur. In such cases, repair is necessary, which is carried out using a safety belt. Before work, damage should be assessed, new ridge elements and fasteners should be prepared. Next, manipulations are carried out on the roof, that is, the damaged parts and the sealant are removed, new component ribs are fixed in their place. If necessary, the skate is completely replaced.

Repair of the ridge is carried out taking into account the design of this zone

If rotting of the ridge bar has occurred, then the corner is completely removed and the wooden part of the rib is replaced. In the course of work, accumulated dust is removed from the ventilation openings of this area.

Categories

Popular