What is a shingle-over style ridge vent, and should you switch from an exposed metal one?
Short answer. A shingle-over ridge vent is a low profile plastic or fiber vent that runs along the peak and is covered by cap shingles, so the ridge looks like a normal shingled ridge. Most homes with older exposed aluminum ridge vents switch to the shingle-over style at reroof, because it looks cleaner, is usually externally baffled, and is protected from sun and hail by the caps.
How the two styles compare
- Look: shingle-over vents disappear under matching caps. Exposed aluminum vents show as a metal strip along the peak.
- Weather protection: shingle-over vents usually have external baffles and internal filters. Many older aluminum vents have simple louvers that can let in wind-driven rain.
- Hail: exposed aluminum dents. Dents in soft metal are actually useful evidence after a storm, but they also deform the louvers.
- Wind: both depend on proper nailing; shingle-over caps need long enough nails to reach through the deck.
- Reuse: neither is typically reused on a new roof.
How shingle-over vent goes on
- A slot is cut along the peak, stopped short of the ends.
- The vent is centered over it and nailed through its marked zones.
- End plugs are set at each end.
- Cap shingles matched to the vent width are nailed over it with long nails.
When exposed metal still makes sense
On some low slope roofs or historic homes where the metal look is part of the design. Otherwise, shingle-over is the standard choice for asphalt roofs in Georgia.
What to ask your roofer
- Which vent brand and its rating per foot.
- Whether the caps are the matching width.
- Whether old box vents or fans will be removed.