How do you replace ridge vents, and how much does it cost to replace a ridge vent?
Short answer. Replace ridge vents when they are cracked, crushed, leaking, or an outdated design like exposed aluminum or thin roll vent, and upgrade to a baffled, shingle-over vent with a published net free area rating. Replacing a ridge vent on a typical home commonly costs from a few hundred dollars to around $1,000, and much less as part of a full roof replacement.
When ridge vents need replacing
- Leaks under the ridge during windy storms.
- Crushed or cracked sections, often from foot traffic or overdriven nails.
- Cap shingles that keep blowing off.
- Missing end plugs, with insects or wasps getting in.
- Exposed aluminum vents that are bent, dented, or rattling.
- Old roll vents with little open area, especially if the attic shows heat or moisture problems.
- A full roof replacement, when the vent should always be replaced along with the caps.
What to upgrade to
- Baffled shingle-over vent: the standard for asphalt shingle roofs, with better resistance to wind driven rain.
- Filtered openings: keep insects, pollen, and debris out.
- Matching manufacturer: using the shingle maker's vent and caps can support system warranty options.
- Correct rating: enough net free area per foot for your attic.
DIY or hire it out?
Replacing a ridge vent means working at the highest, most exposed point of the roof, often on a steep pitch. It requires fall protection, the correct slot width, specific nails, and cap shingles that blend in. Most homeowners hire it out, especially on two story homes.
What it costs
Costs depend on ridge length, pitch, height, the vent product, and whether decking or slot corrections are needed. A stand-alone replacement commonly lands from a few hundred dollars to around $1,000; within a reroof, it is a small line item. See roof replacement cost in Georgia and ridge vent vs box vents.