"marson" wrote in message
oups.com...

JA wrote:
What are the pros and cons for using ridge vents? I'm having my house
re-shingled, and got estimates from two highly recommended roofers. One
recommended installing a ridge vent; the other did not. The one who did
not
recommend a ridge vent re-roofed our other house last year and insisted
on
installing a ridge vent.

The house we're re-roofing is a two story "colonial" with an unfinished
attic that has both soffit vents and gable vents. The house we re-roofed
last year is a bungalow with the second floor (what would normally be the
attic) finished.

I will discuss this with each of the roofers before I decide which one to
hire, but I would appreciate any insight anyone can give me.

Also, are there any shingles that really resist algae stains, which seem
to
be a big problem in my area (Maryland)? Both roofers want to use
Certainteed XT25AR, and neither seemed enthusiastic about the more
expensive
"architectual" shingles, although both were willing to install them if
that's what I want.

do you have problems with condensation or does snow melt off of the
roof from the heat within? if either of these occur, then a ridge vent
might help. otherwise, if you have soffit and gable vents, i would
think you have adequate ventilation without adding a ridge vent.

i don't know about shingles that can resist algae stains. the only
solution i know of is to put galvanized strips along the ridge. there
are strips made for such a purpose.

I tried the zinc strips in Florida a few years ago and was unimpressed. I
wouldn't do it again, but Florida weather is pretty severe. Similarly, the
Florida builder doing my renovations recommends against ridge vents for two
reasons --

a. Water infiltration in severe storms
b. In hurricanes last 2 years, for many homes the ridge vents were ripped
off as the first point of wind damage.

Of course, neither of these may apply to Maryland -- Regards --