RIDGE VENT

INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The disclosures made in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/459,811, filed Apr. 17, 2023, are specifically incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to attic ventilation and more specifically to ridge vents for installation along a ridge and/or along a hip of a shingled roof.

BACKGROUND

Ridge vents generally can be mounted on a ridge, hip, or cap of a roof for venting air from an attic below the roof, typically being secured with roofing nails, after which cap shingles can be positioned thereover.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, according to one aspect, a roof system is provided, which, in embodiments, can include one or more ridge vents configured to be mounted along a ridge, hip, or rake of a roof, and which, in embodiments, each can comprise a ridge vent with features for facilitating installation of the ridge vents on a ridge, hip, or rake of a roof. The ridge vent further will be configured to facilitate ventilation of air from the space below the roof through the ridge vent.

In embodiments, the ridge vent can include a panel with a central portion and side portions positioned along the central portion. In embodiments, the side portions can extend laterally and downwardly from the central portion, and can include side walls at the distal ends thereof, and a plurality of louvers extending along the side portions and terminating at the side walls. In embodiments, the side walls can define exterior baffles configured to deter passage of water, snow, and debris through the ridge vent to the interior area of a building covered by the roof (e.g., into an attic), while enabling passage or air from the interior area of the building through the ridge vent and to an outside environment.

In embodiments, the louvers can be arranged in one or more ventilation grids and will be spaced across vent openings defined along the side portions and configured to enable air to flow from under the ridge vent through the vent openings of the ridge vent and to the outside environment above the roof. In embodiments, the louvers can include dimensions (e.g., spacings between the louvers and a length of the louvers between the central portion and the side walls) selected for substantially blocking debris, etc., from moving into the ridge vent from outside the roof.

In embodiments, the size of the vent openings and the dimensions and spacing of the louvers can vary depending on a height of the panel. For example, the taller the central portion, the larger the size of the vent openings, which, in embodiments, can increase a surface area for passage of air from the vent openings through the open spaces between the louvers (e.g., providing an increase in a total amount of open area along the ridge vent for passage of air through the ridge vent), which can define a Net-Free Ventilating Area (NFA) of the ridge vent.

In embodiments, the central portion of the panel can have an upper surface that defines a first or upper plane of the ridge vent and can include a plurality of fastener features. In embodiments, each of the fastener features can include a recessed surface that defines a second plane spaced below the first plane. In embodiments, the second plane can be spaced a smaller distance from a surface of the roof (e.g., in embodiments, being spaced from a roof deck of the roof, and in some embodiments, from an underlayment material applied to the roof or from roofing shingles positioned above the roof deck) than the first plane.

In embodiments, the recessed surfaces of the fastener features can, in effect, relocate at least a portion of the first plane of the upper surface downwardly toward the surface of the roof to provide a fastening plane (e.g., a plane through which fasteners are received for securing the ridge vent to the roof deck of the roof) that is positioned closer to the roof deck than the upper surface of the panel. As a result, in embodiments, the fasteners can be installed at a nailing position located along the second plane below the upper surface of the panel using a standard roofing nail gun for installing the fasteners that can be positioned along the upper surface of the panel and drive the fasteners through the fastener features and into the roof deck to secure the ridge vent to the surface of the roof, with the fasteners comprising standard length roofing fasteners. By way of example, in embodiments, the fasteners can have a length that is substantially equal to a height of the first plane above the surface of the roof when the ridge vent is installed along the roof.

In embodiments, the fastener features can be located along the central portion of the panel, spaced inwardly from the louvers, so that cap shingles that are applied along the central portion can cover the fastener features while the louvers and vent openings remain exposed. In addition, in embodiments, the fastener features will be spaced above the surface of the roof by a distance configured to enable insertion of more standard and/or smaller length fasteners therethrough for securing the ridge vent to the roof deck using standardized roofing nail guns, without substantially reducing a maximum NFA of the ridge vent. In some embodiments, the fasteners can have a length of 2″ or less.

Accordingly, in embodiments, the fastener features will be adapted to enable the ridge vent to be secured to the roof deck by fasteners that are compatible with roofing nail guns even when the height of the upper surface of the central portion of the panel from the roof deck is increased (e.g., in a ridge vent with an increased height in order to enable an increase in its NFA) to enable the fasteners to fully and properly penetrate the roof deck from the upper surface of the panel to securely attach the ridge vent to the roof deck. In embodiments, the ridge vent can have a height of 1 inch or greater, with a NFA of at least 15 sq. inch per linear foot, and in some embodiments, at least 17-18 sq. inch per linear foot.

In exemplary embodiments, the ridge vent will be positioned along the roof deck with the side portions of the ridge vent overlapping adjacent roofing shingles of the roof along the sides of the ventilation slot, and with the lower edges of the side walls contacting the adjacent roofing shingles. In addition, in embodiments, a plurality of cap shingles further can be positioned along the upper surface of the panel of the ridge vent. In embodiments, the cap shingles can extend over the central portion of the panel, and can at least partially overlap and cover the fastener features such that the fastener features and fasteners can be covered against exposure to the outside environment.

In some embodiments, a filter material can be provided. In embodiments, such a filter material can comprise an air permeable material configured to enable passage of air therethrough, while providing additional protection against water, snow, debris, or combinations thereof passing through the ridge vent. In some additional embodiments, a sealing material further may be provided. In embodiments, the sealing material can include a sealant material, or a compressible material configured to be compressed between the lower edges of the side walls and adjacent roofing shingles of the roof to form a seal against ingress of insects, snow, rain and other material between the lower edges of the side walls of the ridge vent and the roofing shingles.

Various aspects of ridge vents, roof systems utilizing such ridge vents, and methods for installing such ridge vents on a roof are provided by the present disclosure.

For example, according to some aspects of the present disclosure, a ridge vent is provided, comprising a panel including a central portion having an upper surface defining a first plane, a lower side, and side portions extending along the central portion and terminating at longitudinally extending side walls; a plurality of ventilation grids positioned along the side portions; wherein the ventilation grids define vent openings extending from the upper surface of the panel to the lower side of the panel and configured to enable passage of air therethrough; and a plurality of fastener features positioned adjacent to at least some of the ventilation grids; wherein each of the fastener features includes a recessed surface defining a second plane spaced below the first plane of the panel; wherein, when the ridge vent is mounted along a ridge of a roof, the fasteners are installed along the second plane and below the first plane of the panel to secure the ridge vent to the ridge of the roof.

In embodiments of the ridge vent, the ventilation grids comprise a plurality of louvers each extending downwardly at an angle from the upper surface of the panel and outwardly toward a lower edge of an adjacent side wall.

In embodiments of the ridge vent, the fastener features are located along the central portion of the panel in positions configured to be substantially hidden beneath cap shingles positioned along the upper surface of the central portion of the panel when the ridge vent is applied along the ridge of the roof.

In embodiments of the ridge vent, the recessed surfaces of at least some of the fastener features are positioned ¼″ to ¾″ below the upper surface of the panel.

In embodiments of the ridge vent, the first plane of the panel has a height of at least 1″, and wherein the second plane defines a fastening plane positioned ⅛″ to ⅜″ below the first plane.

In embodiments of the ridge vent, each fastener feature is configured to enable use of roofing nails applied to the ridge vent using a standard roofing nail gun to secure the ridge vent along the ridge of the roof.

In embodiments of the ridge vent, the panel comprises a flexible polymer material configured to enable the panel to be bent along a longitudinal axis over the ridge of the roof.

In embodiments, the ridge vent further comprises at least one line of weakness formed along the panel and configured to enable separation of the ridge vent into at least two sections.

In embodiments, the ridge vent further comprises a weather filter positioned along the lower side of the panel, spaced inwardly from the ventilation grids and configured to arrest water, snow, debris or combination thereof, from passing through the ventilation grids.

In embodiments, the ridge vent further comprises an array of support baffles depending from the lower side of the panel and extending laterally along the lower side of the panel from the side walls toward the central portion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roof comprises a roofing substrate; a ridge; a ventilation slot formed along the ridge; and at least one ridge vent positioned along the ridge and covering the ventilation slot; wherein the at least one ridge vent comprises: a panel including a central portion having an upper surface defining a first plane and a lower surface, and side portions extending laterally from the central portion and terminating at longitudinally extending side walls; a plurality of ventilation grids positioned along the side portions of the panel between the central portion and each of the side walls of the panel; wherein the ventilation grids define a plurality of vent openings arranged along the side portions and configured to enable passage of air therethrough; a plurality of fastener features positioned along the central portion of the panel adjacent each the side portions, the plurality of fastener features configured to receive a plurality of fasteners therein for securing the at least one ridge vent to the roofing substrate and along the ridge of the roof; and wherein the each of the fastener feature includes a recessed surface defining a second plane spaced below the first plane of the panel so as to enable installation of the fasteners below the first plane of the panel for securing the at least one ridge vent along the ridge of the roof using a roofing nail gun positioned along the upper surface of the panel.

In embodiments of the roof, each of the ventilation grids comprises a plurality of louvers each extending downwardly at an angle from the upper surface of the panel and outwardly toward a lower edge of an adjacent side wall.

In embodiments of the roof, the second plane defined by the recessed surface of the at least one fastener feature is positioned ⅛″ to ⅜″ below the first plane of the panel.

In embodiments of the roof, one or more of the fastener features extend from the upper surface of the panel to the to the roof deck.

In embodiments of the roof, the recessed surface of the at least one fastener feature is positioned within ½″ to ¾″ of the roof deck.

In embodiments of the roof, the panel comprises a flexible polymer material configured to enable the at least one ridge vent to be bent along a longitudinal axis over the ridge of the roof.

In embodiments of the roof, the panel has a height of at least one inch, and wherein the fasteners have a height equal to or less than the height of the panel.

In embodiments of the roof, the recessed surface of the at least one fastener feature is positioned at a depth substantially equal to the height of the panel.

In embodiments, the roof further comprises a plurality of cap shingles at least partially covering the fastener features of the at least one ridge vent with at least a portion of the ventilation grids of the at least one ridge vent remaining exposed.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roof ventilation system is provided, comprising at least one ridge vent configured to be positioned over a ridge of a roof covering a ventilation slot formed along the ridge; wherein the at least one ridge vent comprises-a panel including a central portion having an upper surface defining an upper plane and a lower surface, and side portions positioned along opposite sides of the central portion and terminating at longitudinally extending side walls, wherein the panel is spaced above the ridge of the roof when installed thereover so as to define a NFA between the lower surface of the panel and the ridge of the roof; a plurality of ventilation grids positioned along the side portions and defining a plurality of vent openings configured to enable passage of air therethrough; and a plurality of fastener features positioned along the central portion of the panel adjacent at least some of the ventilation grids; wherein each of the fastener features is configured to receive a fastener therein and includes a recessed surface defining a fastening plane spaced below the upper plane of the panel; wherein the fasteners are installed along the fastening plane and below the upper plane of the panel to secure the at least one ridge vent along the ridge of the roof without substantially reducing the NFA of the at least one ridge vent.

In embodiments of the roof ventilation system, the ventilation grids are angled downwardly and extend outwardly from the central portion.

In embodiments of the roof ventilation system, the at least one ridge vent comprises a plurality of ridge vents arranged along the ridge of the roof in an end-to-end alignment; and wherein each of the ridge vents are configured to receive at least one cap shingle thereover, with the at least one cap shingle extending over the central portion and substantially hiding the fastener features.

In embodiments of the roof ventilation system, the fastening plane defined by the recessed surface of one or more of the fastener features is ⅛″ to ⅜″ below the upper plane of the panel.

In embodiments of the roof ventilation system, one or more of the fastener features extend from the upper surface of the panel to a roof deck of the roof.

In embodiments of the roof ventilation, the recessed surfaces of one or more of the fastener features are positioned within ½″ to ¾″ from a roof deck of the roof.

In embodiments of the roof the roof ventilation system, the NFA of the at least one ridge vent is at least 15 sq. inches per linear foot after installation of the at least one ridge vent along the roof. In some embodiments, the NFA of the at least one ridge vent is at least 17 sq. inches per linear foot.

In other aspects, a ridge vent comprises a panel having an upper surface, and a lower surface and includes: a central portion; side portions positioned along the central portion and terminating at longitudinally extending side walls; a plurality of vent openings formed along the side portions and configured to enable passage of air through the ridge vent; a plurality of louvers positioned over the vent openings, the louvers being spaced across the vent openings so as to define open spaces through which the air passing through the vent openings is exhausted to an outside environment; and a plurality of fastener features positioned along the central portion; wherein each of the fastener features includes a recessed surface defining a fastening plane spaced below the upper surface of the central portion; wherein, a surface area of the open spaces defined between the louvers and through which the air can pass from the vent openings to the outside environment defines a Net-Free Ventilating Area (NFA) of the ridge vent; wherein the fastener features are configured to receive a plurality of fasteners therethrough; and wherein when the ridge vent is secured to a roofing substrate with the fasteners, the NFA of the ridge vent does not substantially change.

In embodiments, the fastener features are configured to enable the fasteners to be installed along the fastening plane below the upper surface of the panel using a roofing nail gun positioned above the upper surface of the panel to secure the ridge vent to a roofing substrate of a roof.

In embodiments, when the ridge vent is installed along the roof, the upper surface of the panel positioned at least 1 inch, above the surface of the roof and the recessed surfaces of the fastener features are positioned ⅛ inch to ⅞ inch below the upper surface. In some embodiments, the fastening plane is positioned ¼ inch to ¾ inch below the upper surface of the panel.

In embodiments, each fastener feature is configured to enable use of roofing nails having a length of 2″ or less.

In embodiments, the panel comprises a flexible polymer material configured to enable the panel to bend along a longitudinal axis over a ridge of the roof.

In embodiments, the NFA of the ridge vent is at least 15 sq. inches per linear foot when installed along the roof.

In embodiments, the panel comprises a polymer material configured to enable the ridge vent to bend in an arc over a ridge of the roof.

According to a further aspect, a roofing system is provided; the roofing system comprising a roofing substrate having a ridge; a ventilation slot formed along the ridge; and at least one ridge vent positioned along the ridge and covering the ventilation slot; wherein the at least one ridge vent comprises: a panel having an upper surface and a lower surface and including; a central portion; side portions extending laterally from the central portion and terminating at longitudinally extending side walls; a plurality of vent openings defined along the side portions and configured to enable passage of air from below the roof through the at least one ridge vent; a plurality of louvers positioned over the vent openings, the louvers being spaced apart so as to define open spaces through which the air passing through the vent openings is exhausted to an outside environment; and wherein a surface area of the open spaces between the louvers defines a NFA of the ridge vent; a plurality of fastener features positioned along the central portion of the panel, each of the fastener features configured to receive at least one fastener therein for securing the ridge vent along the ridge of the roof; wherein each of the fastener features comprises a recessed surface defining a fastening plane spaced below the upper surface of the panel; wherein when the ridge vent is secured to the roofing substrate with the fasteners, the NFA of the ridge vent does not substantially change.

In embodiments, the side walls of the panel are configured to deter passage of windblown rain, snow and debris into the vent openings.

In embodiments, the recessed surfaces of the fastener features are within ⅝ inch of the roof.

In embodiments, when the ridge vent is installed along the roof, the upper surface of the panel is positioned at least 1 inch, above the roofing substrate; and wherein the fastening plane is positioned ⅛ inch to ⅞ inch below the upper surface of the panel. In some embodiments, the fastening plane is positioned ¼ inch to ¾ inch below the upper surface of the panel.

In embodiments, the NFA of the ridge vent is at least 15 sq. inches per linear foot.

In embodiments, the fastener features are configured to enable the fasteners to be installed along the fastening plane using a roofing nail gun positioned above the upper surface of the panel to secure the ridge vent to a roofing substrate of a roof.

In embodiments, the panel comprises a polymer material configured to enable the ridge vent to bend along a longitudinal axis over the ridge of the roof.

In embodiments, the central portion of the panel is at least one inch above the roofing substrate, and wherein each of the fasteners comprises a length of 2 inches or less.

In embodiments, the roof further comprises a plurality of cap shingles positioned over the central portion of the panel and covering the fastener features.

According to still another aspect, a roof ventilation system is provided, comprising at least one ridge vent configured to be positioned over a ridge of a roof covering a ventilation slot formed along the ridge; wherein the at least one ridge vent comprises: an upper surface; a lower surface; a central portion; side portions positioned along the central portion and terminating at longitudinally extending side walls; a plurality of louvers positioned along the side portions and extending between the central portion and each of the side walls; wherein the louvers are spaced apart so as to define open spaces through which the air passing through the ridge vent is exhausted to an outside environment; and a plurality of fastener features positioned along the central portion of the panel adjacent the side portions, each of the fastener features including a recessed surface spaced below the upper surface of the panel and configured to be engaged by the fastener as the fastener is inserted into a roofing substrate of the roof; wherein a surface area of the open spaces between the louvers defines an NFA of the ridge vent; wherein the fasteners are installed below the upper surface of the ridge vent to secure the ridge vent along the ridge of the roof without substantially reducing the NFA of the ridge vent.

In embodiments, the louvers are angled downwardly and outwardly from the central portion and are configured to deter passage of debris through the vent openings.

In embodiments, the fastener features are configured to enable the fasteners to be installed using a roofing nail gun positioned above the upper surface of the ridge vent to secure the ridge vent to a roofing substrate of a roof.

In embodiments, the at least one ridge vent comprises a plurality of ridge vents arranged along the ridge of the roof in an end-to-end alignment; and wherein each of the ridge vents are configured to receive at least one cap shingle thereover, with the at least one cap shingle extending over the central portion of the panel and substantially covering the fastener features.

In embodiments, the recessed surfaces of the fastener features define a fastening plane along which the fasteners are installed; wherein when the ridge vent is installed along the roof, the upper surface of the panel is positioned at least 1″ above the roofing substrate, and the fastening plane is positioned ⅛″ to ⅞″ below the upper surface.

In embodiments, the fastening plane defined by the recessed surface of one or more of the fastener features is at least ¾″ below the upper surface of the central portion of the panel.

In embodiments, one or more of the fastener features extend from the upper surface of the panel to a roof deck of the roof.

In embodiments, the recessed surfaces of one or more of the fastener features are positioned within ¾″ of a roof deck of the roof.

In embodiments, the NFA of the ridge vent is at least 15 sq. inches per linear foot after installation of the ridge vent along the roof.

Accordingly, embodiments of vents for roof structures, and in particular ridge vents configured to fit over a ridge, hip, or cap of a roof and having a plurality of fastener features for attaching the ridge vents to a roof deck of the roof; roof systems, roof ventilation systems, and methods for installing ridge vents that are directed to the above discussed and other aspects are disclosed.

The foregoing and other advantages and aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure further will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following detailed description and the claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure, and together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments discussed herein. No attempt is made to show structural details of this disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein and the various ways in which they may be practiced.

FIG. 1A is a perspective illustration of an example home with a roof utilizing a ridge vent according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a perspective illustration of an example of a roof structure utilizing a ridge vent according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a top elevational view of a ridge vent according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the ridge vent of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ridge vent of FIG. 2, taken across a longitudinal plane bisecting a plurality of fastener features of the ridge vent of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the cross-sectional view of the ridge vent of FIG. 4 mounted to a roof deck according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ridge vent of FIGS. 2-5 installed along a ridge of a roof according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a ridge vent according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, taken across a longitudinal plane bisecting a plurality of fastener features of the ridge vent.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial view of the cross-sectional view of the ridge vent of FIG. 7 mounted to a roof deck according to embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawing figures. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Thus, simply because different articles, elements and/or assemblies of the embodiments may described herein, and in some embodiments may be described as having certain functional characteristics, each article, element and/or assembly and its relation to other articles, elements and/or assemblies can be depicted or oriented in a variety of different configurations, does not mean such an article, element and/or assembly is limited solely to the function, orientation, layout or configuration of the disclosed embodiment.

Throughout the specification, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases “in one embodiment” and “in some embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), though it may. Furthermore, the phrases “in another embodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, the term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include both singular and plural references. Still further, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on;” and when a component, part or layer is referred to as being “joined with,” “on,” “engaged with,” “adhered to,” “attached to,” “secured to,” “mounted to,” or “coupled to” another component, part or layer, it may be directly joined with, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured to, mounted to, or coupled to the other component, part or layer, or any number of intervening components, parts or layers may be present. Other terms also used to describe the relationship between components, layers and parts should be interpreted in a like manner, such as “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent” and similar words.

As used herein, the terms “and” and “or” may be used interchangeably to refer to a set of items in both the conjunctive and disjunctive in order to encompass the full description of combinations and alternatives of the items. By way of example, a set of items may be listed with the disjunctive “or” or with the conjunction “and.” In either case, the set is to be interpreted as meaning each of the items singularly as alternatives, as well as any combination of the listed items. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The use of directional terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations, and thus should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).

FIG. 1A shows a building 11, such as a residential home, having sloped roof 12 having a roof deck 39 (FIGS. 1B, 5, 6, and 8). For example, in embodiments, the roof can have a slope or pitch of Y/X. In embodiments, the roof can comprise a steep slope roof. In embodiments, the roof 12 can have a slope in a ratio of 4:12 to 12:12, where Y corresponds to the “rise” of the roof, and where X corresponds to the “run” of the roof. In some embodiments, the roof can have a slope in a ratio of 5:12 to 12:12; 6:12 to 12:12; 7:12 to 12:12; 8:12 to 12:12; 9:12 to 12:12; 10:12 to 12:12; or 11:12 to 12:12. Other slopes also can be provided.

In other embodiments, the roofing structure can be configured to form a low slope roof, including a low slope roof deck having a slope or pitch in a ratio of less than 4:12; less than 3:12; less than 2:12; less than 1:12; or in a ratio of 1:12 to 4:12; a ratio of 1:12 to 3:12; a ratio of 1:12 to 2:12; a ratio of 2:12 to 4:12; a ratio of 2:12 to 3:12; or a ratio of 3:12 to 4:12. Other slopes also can be provided.

In embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the roof 12 can have a horizontally extending ridge 13 along which the ridge vent 21 can be positioned. In embodiments, a plurality of ridge vents 21 can be positioned along the ridge 13; while in some embodiments, the ridge vent can be applied in a roll form and can be rolled out as an elongated ridge vent extending along and covering the ridge. In addition, as also shown in FIG. 1B, the roof deck 39 of the roof can extend downwardly at an angle from the ridge 13 to an eave 13a of the roof.

In embodiments, the roof further generally will include a plurality of roofing shingles 40 applied over and covering the roof deck 39 Still further in some embodiments a plurality of cap shingles 42 can be positioned over the ridge vent(s) 21. In some embodiments, the roof 12 (FIG. 1A) also could include hips 14, dormers, gables, other vents, and/or other suitable features, and/or could include portions with rakes other suitable features. In other embodiments, the roof 12 could be any suitable style of roof, including a roof configured with one or more ridges and/or one or more hips.

In embodiments, the roof deck 39 (FIGS. 1A, 5 and 8) of the roof 12 can comprise at least one of a plywood substrate, a glass substrate, a cellulosic substrate, a polymeric substrate, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the roof deck can include a panel such as a foam board (e.g., a polyisocyanurate (ISO) foam board), a cover board, a gypsum board, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, an underlayment material, a scrim, a fabric, a glass mat, a fiberglass mat, an asphalt-coated fiberglass mat, a roofing membrane, or combinations thereof, also can be applied over the roof deck, over which the roofing shingles 40 can be mounted.

Embodiments of a ridge vent 21 according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 2-6. The ridge vent will be configured for installation along the ridge 13 of the roof 12 (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 6) according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. In addition, while exemplary configurations of a ridge vent 21 are shown and described in the present application for application along a ridge, hip or cap of a roof, the ridge vent can be configured to be applied along any other suitable portion of a roof.

In the illustrated embodiments such as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the ridge vent 21 is configured to be installed along the ridge 13, covering a ventilation slot 16 formed therealong to provide ventilation of an internal area of the building 11 (e.g., an attic space) below the roof 12. In exemplary embodiments, the ridge vent 21 can be made of a flexible polymer material, such as an injection molded plastic, such that the ridge vent can bend in an arc to fit over the ventilation slot 16 with the ridge vent overlapping the ventilation slot on each side thereof, such as illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, in various embodiments, the ridge vent 21 can comprise various plastic materials, including, for example, polypropylene, propylene ethylene copolymers, or other polymer materials. In some embodiments, the material from which the ridge vent is formed can include additive materials, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, aluminum oxide, or other like additives, or combinations thereof, to provide selected mechanical properties.

In embodiments, the ridge vent 21 can comprise a laterally flexible panel 23 that, in embodiments, can include a plurality vent openings 36 with a plurality of vanes or louvers 25 (FIGS. 3 and 6) positioned thereover. In embodiments, the louvers 25 can be positioned along opposite sides of the panel and can project from a lower side of the panel 23. In addition, in embodiments, the panel 23 can include a central portion 26 and side portions 27 extending along the central portion 26 and terminating at longitudinally extending side walls 28. The central portion 26 of the panel further includes an upper side 31 having an upper surface 31a and a lower side 32 with a lower surface 32a opposite the upper surface 31a. In embodiments, the louvers 25 will be arranged along the side portions 27 of the panel, extending between the central portion 26 and the side walls 28 and being spaced across the vent openings 36.

In embodiments, the louvers 25 can be arranged in spaced series across the vent openings 36 and along the length of the panel, extending downwardly and outwardly from the central portion 26 and terminating at the side walls 28 (e.g., adjacent the lower side edges of the side walls) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. In embodiments, the louvers 25 can extend from the upper side 31 of the panel 23 along the side portions 27 toward a lower edge of an adjacent side wall 28 and can be arranged to form ventilation grids 24 defining the vent openings 36 extending through the panel from the upper side 31 to the lower side 32 of the panel 23. In embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the side walls 28 can have a height configured to help block windblown rain, snow and debris from entering the vent openings 36.

In embodiments, the vent openings and louvers 25 can be configured to allow air vented from the interior space of the building (e.g., the attic) to pass out through the ridge vent 21 and to the outside environment, while reducing or preventing ingress of debris, etc., through the ventilation slot 16 (FIG. 1B) via the ridge vent 21. In embodiments, the louvers can be configured with a minimized profile as shown in FIG. 3, and in some embodiments, can be arranged with a selected spacing therebetween so as to minimize their effects on the flow of air through the vent openings 36 and through open spaces defined between the louvers. In embodiments, a surface area of the open spaces defined between the louvers and through which air flowing out of the interior space through the vent openings is allowed to pass will define a Net-Free Ventilating Area (NFA) of the ridge vent.

In embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the ridge vent 21 can include ribs 29 or other suitable structural or dividing features extending from the panel 23. For example, such as shown in FIG. 3, in embodiments, the ribs 29 can be positioned between sets or groups of the louvers 25 so as to define the ventilation grids 24, and can extend inwardly across at least a portion of the width of the panel. In some embodiments, each of the ribs 29 can extend from a distal end located at (e.g., formed with or attached to) the side walls 28 adjacent the louvers 25 and along the lower side of the panel to a proximal end located at an intermediate point along the central portion 26. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 6, the ribs 29 further can be configured as louvers and can be located at spaced intervals along the length of the panel. In embodiments, the ribs 29 at the ends 22 of the panel 23 can define end walls 29a (FIG. 6) of the ridge vent 21.

In some embodiments, the ridge vent 21 further can include one or more baffle arrays positioned along the lower side of the panel 23 (e.g., along the lower surface of the central portion 26). In embodiments, the baffle arrays can include a plurality of baffles and/or other suitable blocking features having a configuration and/or an arrangement adapted to redirect windblown precipitation (e.g., water and snow) passing through the vent openings of the ridge vent away from an interior portion of the ridge vent so as to prevent rainwater and snow from entering the attic through the ventilation slot covered by the ridge vent 21. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the baffles can have a configuration, and in some embodiments, can be arranged to cooperate with the ribs 29 to help direct water, snow and debris passing through the louvers away from the ventilation slot of the roof. In addition, in embodiments, the baffles can comprise generally longitudinally extending walls, at least some of which can have a substantially straight configuration.

In some additional embodiments, a mesh, such as a woven or non-woven mat, or other suitable features can be included below the ridge vent 21. For example, in some embodiments a compressible mesh or mat (or in some embodiments, a self-seal or other sealant material) can be positioned below the panel 23, between the panel and the roof deck or adjacent roofing shingles 40 (FIG. 6) for preventing insects and debris from entering the attic beneath the installed ridge vent 21, but which can further allow air to flow therethrough. In other embodiments, a weather filter can be positioned along the lower side of the panel 23, spaced inwardly from the louvers 25 and positioned to encounter and arrest water, snow, debris, or combinations thereof, attempting to travel through the vent openings 36 of the ventilation grids. In embodiments, the weather filter can comprise an air permeable material configured to enable passage of air therethrough, while providing additional protection against water, snow, debris, or combinations thereof passing through the ridge vent.

In some exemplary embodiments, the ridge vent 21 can be provided in standard lengths such as four feet, and in some embodiments can include features at its ends for attaching the vents together end-to-end to form longer runs of the ridge vent. Further, in embodiments, the ridge vent 21 can include features (e.g., scoring or one or more lines of weakness) configured to facilitate the ridge vent into separation of selected segments or separation from a roll of the ridge vent along one or more lateral lines to enable portions of the ridge vent to be separated as needed for covering shorter distances when installed along the ventilation slot.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in embodiments, the upper surface 31 of the flexible panel 23 may be embossed with various lines, which can be configured to help facilitate the bending of the ridge vent about the ridge, hip or cap of the roof, or indicate, nailing locations, and indicia to aid an installer during installation of the ridge vent. The ridge vent 21 could be otherwise configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the ridge vent 21 could comprise a flexible or rollable ridge vent configured to be mounted along a ridge, hip or rake of a roof, being positioned over and along the ventilation slot 16 (FIG. 1B) formed along the ridge, hip or rake and secured to the roof deck on each side of the ventilation slot by one or more fasteners.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the ridge vent 21 can include a plurality of fastener features 33 (e.g., localized roofing nail gun-nailable fastener features), each configured to receive one or more fasteners, such as roofing nails, therethrough to secure the ridge vent to the roof deck using standardized roofing nail guns and fasteners. In embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 3, the fastener features 33 can include a plurality of pockets or recesses 34 formed at spaced locations along the upper side 31 of the central portion 26 of the panel 23. In the illustrated embodiments, each of the pockets 34 can project downwardly from the upper surface 31a of the central portion 26 of the panel by a selected distance.

In some embodiments, each of the pockets 34 can have a recessed surface 35 that is spaced below the upper surface 31a of the central portion 26 of the panel 23. In embodiments, the recessed surface 35 of each fastener feature 33 can define a fastening plane for the ridge vent, which fastening plane is configured to be closer to an upper surface of the roof deck of the roof 12 below the ridge vent 21 than the upper surface of the central portion 26. In embodiments, the recessed surface 35 of each fastener feature can lower a nailing position for engagement of fasteners to secure the ridge vent to the roof below the upper surface of the panel, while enabling the fasteners to be inserted into the ridge vent using a roofing nailing gun positioned along the upper surface of the panel.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in embodiments, the upper surface 31a central portion 26 can define an upper or first plane P1 that is spaced above the upper surface of the roof deck 39 by a first distance or height D1, and the recessed surfaces 35 of the fastener features 33 can define a second plane P2 that is spaced above the upper surface of the roof deck 39 by a second distance or height D2. In embodiments, can correspond to the fastening plane of the ridge vent. In embodiments, the second height D2 of the second plane P2 (e.g., the fastening plane) defined by recessed surfaces 35 of the fastener features above the roof deck will be less than the height D1 of the first plane P1 defined by the upper surface of the panel so that the second plane, which, in embodiments, can define the fastening plane through which fasteners are inserted to secure the ridge vent to the roof deck, is spaced below the first plane.

In embodiments, the ridge vent 21 can be secured to the roof 12 by driving fasteners, such as roofing nails 37 (FIG. 5), through the recessed surfaces 35 of the fastener features 33 and into the roof deck 39 of the roof 12 below the ridge vent 21. The fastener features 33 of the ridge vent 21 can be configured to, in effect, lower portions of the upper surface at which fasteners are inserted to secure the ridge vent to the roof, to define localized railing positions along the second plane. Thus, in embodiments, the ridge vent can be constructed with a maximum height designed to provide an increased NFA, while also enabling an installer to use shorter length fasteners, such as roofing nails 37 (FIG. 5), to secure the ridge vent 21 to the roof deck 39, and which roofing nails 37 further can be installed using a standard roofing nail gun that can insert the roofing nails from a position where the roofing nail gun is located along the first plane, through the second plane P2 defined by the recessed surfaces of the fastener features 33 while maintaining the same or similar penetration of the roofing nails 37 into the roof deck 39 as longer fasteners necessitated by increasing the height of the ridge vent. The fastener features further enable the use of roofing nails of a length adapted to be driven using roof nail guns to a penetration depth as may be required by building codes, without substantially affecting (e.g., decreasing) the NFA of the ridge vent. In addition, in some embodiments, an installer further can drive fasteners through the central portion 26 along the first plane P1 of the panel 23 to help further secure the ridge vent 21 to the roof 12.

In the illustrated embodiments, the fastener features 33 can be sized to provide a sufficient target for quickly aligning a roofing nail gun with each fastener feature and for receiving one or more fasteners. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in embodiments, the fastener features 33 can be formed in the central portion 26 of the panel 23 so that they are spaced apart from the side portions 27 and set inwardly of the louvers 25 of the ridge vent 21. In embodiments, the fastener features 33 will not substantially affect change the design of the louvers 25 and the side walls 28. For example, the fastener features 33 do not interrupt the louvers 25 or the side walls 28 so that the louvers 25 and/or the side walls 28 can block precipitation (e.g., windblown rain and snow) and/or debris from entering the ridge vent 21. In another example embodiment, the surface area of the openings defined between the louvers 25 are not interrupted by the fastener features 33 so that the vent openings 36 can allow air to flow therethrough.

In some areas, building codes and/or other regulations may specify a certain amount of penetration of the roof deck 39 by the fasteners securing a ridge vent to a roof, which can limit the height of the ridge vents, and thus the NFA thread or, require use of longer 21 of the present disclosure. However, in embodiments, the ridge vent can be configured with an extended height configured to maximize ventilation of air through the ridge vent. For example, in embodiments, the ridge vent 21 can be configured with the distance or height D1 of the panel 23 above the roof deck being extended without necessitating the use of fasteners that can exceed the limitations of tools (e.g., roofing nail guns) used to drive the fasteners through a ridge vent and into the roof deck 39.

For example, pneumatic roofing nail guns may have a maximum nail length of 1¾ inches, and the ridge vent, in some embodiments, such as where the ridge vent may have a height D1 of 1 inch or more, the plane of the upper surface of the roof vent (e.g., the first plane) will be spaced above a surface of the roof by 1″ or more. If the height D1 of a ridge vent is too high for a maximum nail length of a standard roofing nail (e.g., 1¾ inches or more) to sufficiently penetrate the roof deck 39, a roofing nail gun may not be used, and instead, an installer will need to manually drive longer length nails through an upper surface of the ridge vent to install the ridge vent, which can increase the effort and time needed to install the ridge vent.

As shown in FIG. 5, however, the lower height D2 of the second plane P2 (e.g., the fastening plane for the fasteners) defined by the recessed surfaces 35 of the fastener features 33, the ridge vent 21, can, in effect, move the first plane of the upper surface downwardly toward the surface of the roof, to form localized nailing positions to enable the use of shorter nails (e.g., fasteners that are compatible with standard pneumatic roofing nail guns) to be used to secure the ridge vent 21 to the roof 12 with sufficient penetration of the roof deck 39 to secure the ridge vent to the roof deck, and without affecting the NFA of the ridge vent, even when the height D1 of the panel 23 is increased.

In embodiments, the localized fastener features 33 of the ridge vent 21 further can be positioned so as to be substantially aligned with hand nail points that can be located along the side portions 27 of the panel 23. In embodiments, the fastener features 33 can be used for insertion of the roofing nails through the ridge vent for securing the ridge vent to the roof deck, alone, or, in some embodiments, together with hand nailing openings or with other roofing nail gun-nailable openings.

For example, in embodiments, the fastener features 33 of the ridge vent 21 can be configured so that the recessed surfaces 35 of the fastener features (and thus the fastening plane defined thereby) are within ⅝ inch of the roof deck 39 so that roofing nails that are compatible with roofing nail guns such as pneumatic nail guns (e.g., in some embodiments, roofing nails of 1¾ to 2 inches or less) can properly penetrate the roof deck 39 according to international building codes. In some embodiments, the fastening plane defined by the recessed surfaces of the fastener features can be positioned ⅛ inch to ⅞ inch above the roof deck, ⅛ inch to ¾ inch above the roof deck, ⅛ inch to ⅝ inch above the roof deck, ⅛ inch to ½ inch above the roof deck, ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch above the roof deck, ⅛ inch to ¼ inch above the roof deck, ¼ inch to ⅞ inch above the roof deck, ¼ inch to ¾ inch above the roof deck, ¼ inch to ⅝ inch above the roof deck, ¼ inch to ½ inch above the roof deck, ¼ inch to ⅜ inch above the roof deck, ⅜ inch to ⅞ inch above the roof deck, ⅜ inch to ¾ inch above the roof deck, ⅜ inch to ⅝ inch above the roof deck, ⅜ inch to ½ inch above the roof deck, ½ inch to ⅞ inch above the roof deck, ½ inch to ¾ inch above the roof deck, ½ inch to ⅝ inch above the roof deck, ⅝ inch to ⅞ inch above the roof deck, ⅝ inch to ¾ inch above the roof deck, or ¾ inch to ⅞ inch above the roof deck. Other spacings of the recessed surfaces and the fastening plane above an upper surface of the roof deck also can be provided. For example, as indicated in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the recessed surfaces can be lowered to a position substantially resting on the upper surface of the roof deck such that the fastening plane can be located less than ⅛ inch above the roof deck.

In additional example embodiments, the recessed surfaces 35 of the fastener features 33 (and thus the fastening plane defined thereby) can be spaced below the upper surface 31 of the panel 23 by about ⅛ to 1 inch below the upper surface 31, ⅛ inch to ⅞ inch below the upper surface 31, ⅛ inch to ¾ inch below the upper surface 31, ⅛ inch to ⅝ inch below the upper surface 31, ⅛ inch to ½ inch below the upper surface 31, ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch below the upper surface 31, ¼ inch to 1 inch below the upper surface 31, ¼ inch to ⅞ inch below the upper surface 31, ¼ inch to ¾ inch below the upper surface 31, ¼ inch to ½ inch below the upper surface 31, ¼ inch to ⅜ inch below the upper surface 31, ⅜ inch to 1 inch below the upper surface 31, ⅜ inch to ⅞ inch below the upper surface 31, ⅜ inch to ¾ inch below the upper surface 31, ⅜ inch to ⅝ inch below the upper surface 31, ⅜ inch to ½ inch below the upper surface 31, ½ inch to 1 inch below the upper surface 31, ½ inch to ⅞ inch below the upper surface 31, ½ inch to ¾ inch below the upper surface 31, ½ inch to ⅝ inch below the upper surface 31, ⅝ inch to 1 inch below the upper surface 31, ⅝ inch to ⅞ inch below the upper surface, ⅝ inch to ¾ inch below the upper surface 31, ¾ inch to 1 inch below the upper surface 31, ¾ inch to ⅞ inch below the upper surface, or ⅞ inch to 1 inch below the upper surface. Other suitable distances also can be provided including, for example, embodiments such as shown in FIG. 8 wherein the recessed surfaces, and thus the fastening plane defined thereby, are positioned on top of the deck of the roof.

In embodiments, while the fastener features are shown in the figures as having a generally rectangular or square shape, in other embodiments, the fastener features 33 can be provided with various sizes and shapes, positions, and/or configurations without departing from the disclosure. For example, the recessed surface 35 could be formed with various configurations, and may be spaced any distance from the panel 23 and/or the roof deck 39 to enable relocation of the second plane P2 (e.g., the fastening plane) below the first plane P1 defined by the panel 23 at a position sufficient to enable the insertion of the fasteners therethrough and into a roofing substrate therebelow to a depth sufficient to secure the ridge vent to the roofing substrate, including fasteners inserted by use of a pneumatic roofing nail gun. Further, in embodiments, the fastener features 33 could include structural features such as support ribs configured for reinforcing the fastener features 33 against the impact of a fastener during installation of the ridge vent 21.

In embodiments, the amount of air that can move through the ridge vent 21 can be affected by several factors, including the surface area of the openings between the louvers 25, which, at least in part, defines the NFA of the ridge vent. In embodiments, the NFA further can comprise an area defined by a width of the ridge vent 21 and the height D1 of central portion 26 of the panel 23 above the roof 12, less an area taken up by any features of the ridge vent 21 that extend into the area below the panel 23. Such features can include the ribs 29 and the fastener features 33, for example.

In embodiments, the NFA may be increased (e.g., for meeting ventilation specifications in a particular application or according to applicable building codes or regulations) by increasing the height of the panel 23, (e.g., by increasing the heights of the ribs 29 or other structural features), which in turn can increase the size of the vent openings and the amount of surface area between the louvers through which air can pass through the ridge vent. The fastener features 33 can allow the height D1 of the ridge vent 21 to be increased for improving its ventilation capacity without sacrificing the ability to use power tools, such as pneumatic roofing nail guns in the installation of the ridge vent 21.

In one non-limiting example, a ridge vent with the central portion thereof having a height D1 of less than 1 inch installed along a ridge, hip or rake of a roof with a standard pneumatic roofing nail gun may have a NFA of approximately 12 square inches per linear foot, while a taller ridge vent can enable an increase in its NFA, but can require longer fasteners that must be manually inserted through the ridge vent.

In embodiments, the localized fastener features 33 of the ridge vent 21 of the present disclosure will be configured to enable the ridge vent 21 to have an increased height D1 (e.g., construction of ridge vents with heights of 1 inch or greater inches) to provide an increased NFA that is at least 15 square inches per linear foot; and in embodiments, at least 17-18 square inches per linear foot, while still being able to be secured to the roof using shorter length roofing nails 37 configured to be used with a standard roofing nail gun.

In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the depth of the localized fastener features 33 the ridge vent may be decreased as needed (e.g., based on roof construction, building codes, etc.), which may decrease the NFA, but such redirection can be substantially minimized, for example, decreasing from about 18 square inches per linear foot to about 17.88 square inches per linear foot for a ridge panel with the dimensions of FIG. 4. However, by including the fastener features 33 in a taller ridge vent, a standard roofing nail gun still can be used to install the ridge vent even though the first plane P1 defined by the upper surface of the panel would be too high for the use of roofing nails that are compatible with most standard roofing nail guns. In embodiments, the fasteners can be installed along the roof vent by being inserted from a first position located along the first plane (e.g., with the roofing nail gun positioned along the upper surface of the panel) through the fastener features and to a second or nailing position along the second plane, such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8.

In embodiments, the reduction in the NFA of the ridge vent 21 (e.g., 0.12 square inches per linear foot in the above example or any suitable reduction) can be sufficiently small so that additional ventilation slots or features would not need to be added to substantially maintain the air flow capacity of the ridge vent. In other situations where the NFA may be reduced, it is contemplated that additional ventilation features could be added to a ridge vent to help increase and/or maintain a selected NFA.

As shown in FIG. 6, the ridge vent 21 can be installed along a ridge 13 of a roof covered with roofing shingles 40. In embodiments, the ridge vent will be installed over a ventilation slot 16 (FIG. 1B) is cut in the roof along the ridge 13 to provide a ventilation path for air from the attic space below the roof. The ridge vent 21 can be aligned with the ridge 13 and the ventilation slot 16 so that it straddles and overlies the ventilation slot. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in embodiments, the ridge vent 21 further can be bent along its longitudinal axis so that the side portions 27 of the ridge vent overlap the roofing shingles 40 on either side of the ridge 13, with the lower edges 28a of the side walls 28, in embodiments, engaging the upper surfaces of adjacent roofing shingles 40.

In embodiments, as indicated in FIG. 6, the ridge vent 21 can be attached to the roof deck 39 on either side of the ventilation slot with fasteners such as the nails 37. For example, an installer can align the nail exit of a roofing nail gun (not shown) with one of the fastener features 33 and fire the roofing nail into the fastener feature, with the roofing nail passing through the recessed surface 35 and into the roof deck 39. In embodiments, the fastener features 33 of the ridge vent 21 enable the head of the roofing nail gun to seat against the upper surface 31 of the panel 23, without requiring that the head of the roofing nail gun sit directly on the surface (e.g., the recessed surface 35 of a fastener feature 33) that the roofing nail impacts. Instead, in embodiments, the roofing nail gun can remain along the first plane P1 of the panel 23 while the roofing nail 37 is inserted through the second plane P2.

In embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the roofing nail gun can drive the roofing nail 37 toward the recessed surface 35 of the fastener feature 33, with the momentum of the roofing nail 37 as it exits the roofing nail gun carrying the shank of the roofing nail 37 through the recessed area of the fastener feature 33 and the recessed surface 35 and into the roof deck 39, and with the head of the roofing nail bearing against the recessed surface 35. The roofing nails thus can be installed along the fastening plane defined by the recessed surfaces of the fastener features below the upper surface of the ridge vent, at a reduced spacing from the upper surface of the roof deck 39 than the upper surface. For example, in embodiments, the head of each of the roofing nails (or other fasteners) can be positioned ⅛ inch to ⅞ inch above the roof deck, ⅛ inch to ¾ inch above the roof deck, ⅛ inch to ⅝ inch above the roof deck, ⅛ inch to ½ inch above the roof deck, ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch above the roof deck, ⅛ inch to ¼ inch above the roof deck, ¼ inch to ⅞ inch above the roof deck, ¼ inch to ¾ inch above the roof deck, ¼ inch to ⅝ inch above the roof deck, ¼ inch to ½ inch above the roof deck, ¼ inch to ⅜ inch above the roof deck, ⅜ inch to ⅞ inch above the roof deck, ⅜ inch to 3/4 inch above the roof deck, ⅜ inch to ⅝ inch above the roof deck, ⅜ inch to ½ inch above the roof deck, ½ inch to ⅞ inch above the roof deck, ½ inch to ¾ inch above the roof deck, ½ inch to ⅝ inch above the roof deck, ⅝ inch to ⅞ inch above the roof deck, ⅝ inch to ¾ inch above the roof deck, or ¾ inch to ⅞ inch above the roof deck. The roofing nails further can be located at other spacings between the roof deck and the upper surface of the ridge vent, such as being positioned less than ⅛ inch above the roof deck in some embodiments.

This installation process can be repeated for insertion of additional fasteners through other ones of the fastener features 33 until the ridge vent 21 is secured to the roof 12. In embodiments, each of the fastener features 33 can be sized to receive at least one roofing nail 37, or any suitable number of fasteners.

As shown in FIG. 6, cap shingles 42 can be applied along the upper surface of the ridge vent 21. In embodiments, the cap shingles 42 can be placed over and can cover the central portion 26 of the panel 23, and with the cap shingles overlapping and extending along the side portions 27 of the panel 23 of the ridge vent 21 by a distance sufficient to cover the fastener features 33, while still leaving the louvers 25 at least partially exposed to substantially avoid interfering with the ventilation of air flows therethrough. In embodiments, the ridge vent 21 could be otherwise installed without departing from the present disclosure. for example, fasteners can be driven through the first plane P1 of the panel 23 and into the roof deck 39 in addition or alternatively to the roofing nails 37 in the fastener features 33.

An alternative embodiment of a ridge vent 121 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In this example embodiment, the ridge vent 121 is shown as having a configuration similar to the ridge vent 21 except that the fastener features 133 of the ridge vent 121 extend away from the panel 23 so that the recessed surface 135 has been lowered to a minimized height D2 where the recessed surfaces of the fastener features are located adjacent to or in contact with the roof 12 below the ridge vent 121. In embodiments, by lowering the height of the recessed surface 135 of the fastener features 133 the impact of the roofing nails during installation may be less likely to break the fastener features 133, such as when the recessed surfaces 135 are adjacent to or are in contact with the roof 12. However, the larger depth fastener features 133 can reduce the NFA of the ridge vent 121 as compared to the smaller depth fastener features 33 of the ridge vent 21. For example, in embodiments, the ridge vent 121 having dimensions such as shown in FIG. 7 may have an NFA of 15 square inches per linear foot or greater, e.g., in embodiments, about 15.93 square inches per linear foot.

In various other embodiments, the fastener features 133 could be otherwise sized, shaped, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the recessed surface 135 could have any suitable spacing from the panel 23 or the roof 12, providing for an increased NFA, while still enabling the use of standard roofing nails installed through the central portion of the panel of the ridge vent using a standard, conventional roofing nail gun, but without substantially reducing the NFA of the ridge vent.

The present disclosure has been described herein in terms of examples that illustrate principles and aspects of the present disclosure. The skilled artisan will understand, however, that a wide gamut of additions, deletions, and modifications, both subtle and gross, may be made to the presented examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

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