At Hackman SmartRoof, we know that a roof leak can turn from a minor nuisance to major stress fast, especially when it’s coming from a spot most homeowners don’t even think about: the ridge vent.
Today, we’re walking you through a real-life project in Lebanon, PA, where we replaced an outdated, leaky aluminum ridge vent with a high-quality GAF Snow Country® Advanced ridge vent. If you’ve ever wondered what a ridge vent does or why it might be causing leaks, keep on reading!!!!
What’s a Ridge Vent and Why Does it Matter?
A ridge vent runs along the peak of your roof and helps hot, humid air escape from your attic. That ventilation keeps your home cooler in summer, reduces moisture buildup in winter, and extends the life of your roofing materials. It’s a big deal—and when it fails, it can cause big problems.
Why Aluminum Ridge Vents Often Fail
Older-style aluminum ridge vents are known for having two main design issues:
- Seams every 10 feet – These create weak spots where leaks love to sneak in.
- Exposed fasteners – Screws or nails used to attach the vent are visible and usually sealed with caulk, which breaks down after constant exposure to sun and rain.
If (and when) that seal fails, water can get in, causing damage to the plywood underneath and, in some cases, even pulling the ridge vent loose. That’s why when we see one leaking, we recommend not just replacing it, but upgrading it.
The Call: A Leaking Roof in Lebanon
We got a call from a homeowner in Lebanon dealing with a leak. Being a diligent roofing company, we checked inside the home and inspected the roof. The culprit was clear: the aluminum ridge vent had seen better days. Our recommendation? Time for an upgrade!
Take note of the exposed fasteners and seams every 10 feet, which are the majority causes of the leaks.
How did we solve this? 3 easy steps 🙂
Step 1: Removing the Old Ridge Vent
Our first move? Carefully remove and dispose of the old aluminum vent. After lifting it off, we could clearly see signs of water damage and poor ventilation. We also trimmed the plywood at the roof peak about an inch on each side to improve airflow.
Step 2: Installing the GAF Snow Country® Ridge Vent
Next up, we installed the new GAF Snow Country® Advanced ridge vent. This system is a game-changer. It’s hand-nailed with 3″ ring shank nails to ensure every fastener is properly driven—no shortcuts here. This helps prevent the fastener leaks that plagued the old system.
Step 3: Finishing with Color-Matched Cap Shingles
We finished the job by installing matching cap shingles in Weathered Wood to blend seamlessly with the home’s existing roof. Unlike the old system, this style hides all seams and fasteners under layers of shingles, so there’s no way for water to sneak in again.
Why This Upgrade Matters
This isn’t just a cosmetic fix. The new ridge vent solves the two biggest problems of the old system—leaky seams and exposed fasteners. With better materials, a more secure install, and a cleaner finish, this roof is now ventilated, weather-resistant, and ready to take on Pennsylvania’s unpredictable seasons.
Think You Might Have a Similar Problem?
If your roof is more than 10 years old and you’ve noticed water spots on your ceiling—or if you’ve got an older aluminum ridge vent—it might be time for a closer look.
Call us today to schedule an inspection. We’ll walk you through your options and help you make the right choice for your home—no pressure, just honest advice. Also, check out our other expert tips on anything roofing.
