House, design, renovation, decor. Courtyard and garden. With your own hands

The roof is primarily designed to protect the house from the penetration of atmospheric precipitation into the under-roof space. In this case, a pitched roof requires special attention, since it is in its structure that there are many joints. It should also be added that thanks to the roof, you can provide an optimal level of ventilation and keep warm. The roof ridge is actually the uppermost part that closes the upper edges of the roof.

Incorrect installation of the ridge on the metal tile often leads to leaks, which is why its installation requires the most thorough approach, especially if you are going to carry it out yourself.

The ridge for metal tiles usually consists of the following ridge elements:

• the bar itself, their price is low,
• sealant,
• ventilation tape,
• sealant,
• holder for a lightning rod.

Competently mounted ridge structure on the roof made of metal tiles is practically invisible.

The main types of roof ridge

• Under the straight line - it is necessary to lay an additional sealant and waterproofing. It is also necessary to pay attention to the slope of the shelf: it must be the same as the angle of the slope. If necessary, adjust it.
• Semicircular - during installation, you can bend freely, although the rule of tilting the shelf applies in this case. Otherwise, tightness is not guaranteed. After the installation is complete, the ends are closed with plugs, and the joints are treated with a sealant.

There are certain rules that should be followed when installing and securing such an important roofing element:

• First, you should check the location of the ridge axis - the upper cuts of the roof slopes. It should be as straightforward as possible. Possible deviation is permissible - no more than 20 mm.
• Then the parts of the structure are prepared. The angle of the plank must be adjusted to the angle of inclination of the roof, that is, the angle at which they are connected - the plank is bent (unbend) until the fixing shelves coincide with the slope of the slopes.
• Obviously, for angles of inclination greater than 45 °, the bar has to be bent much more. The round skate is especially troublesome. When bent, it can change its shape, which will have to tinker with the end cap. Either they fit it under new form, or they independently make a plate from sheet steel.

• Installation starts from either end. The ridge bar is applied along the joining line of the slopes at the level of one of their cuts. The parts of the flat ridge are attached with an overlap, which must be more than 100 mm, and the semicircular ridge must be joined along the stamping lines.
• The sealant for the metal tile is placed in the grooves of the ridge and fixed under it. The fastening starts from the center, controlling its position from the opposite end.

If a ventilation tape with self-adhesive parts is used, the latter are glued to the metal tile even before the ridge strips are laid.

• The components of the ridge are fixed to the crate through a sheet of metal tile through a wave into the ridge on self-tapping screws. Otherwise, the structure may deform, which will ruin appearance constructions. For fastening, self-tapping screws with a size of 4.8 * 35 are used, and to the crate through roof covering – 4,8 * 80.

The end of the roof construction is the installation of the ridge. The mounted ridge for the metal tile will give the roof an aesthetic appearance and prevent water from penetrating under the roofing material. Its installation is carried out with additional ventilation parts. A properly fixed ridge element will provide the ventilated roof section with a constant exchange of air, keeping the roof elements from rotting and the formation of fungus.

Completing the roof device, a ridge is mounted. This concept has two meanings, although they are sometimes combined into one:

• The ridge of the roof is formed at the upper point of the ramp joint.
• The roofing ridge device provides a covering for the formed gap at the joint of the roofing material. It is customary to install the product from a material identical to the roof covering. The ridge element is selected to match the color of the roof, taking into account the architectural style of the building.

The additional element of the ridge covering is called the ridge strip. The device of the strip consists of an outwardly curved corner of a profiled sheet metal. The edges of the product are finished with 15 mm pressed bends.

The complete set of metal roof skates includes special fasteners and seals. The use of seals ensures a tight connection that does not allow water to penetrate into the under-roof space.

A roof made of metal tiles tends to form condensation from a temperature drop. Therefore, the roofing material is laid on a 50 mm raised sheathing, creating a ventilated space between the lower surface of the metal tile and the waterproofing film. A seal must be installed on the roof under the roof ridge. Such a device will protect against insects and debris from entering the under-roof space. The function of the material is to preserve the roof structure, protecting the ventilated space from the influence of negative factors. The high chemical resistance of the sealant prevents material decay and mold formation.

The main types of ridge slats

The device of roofs of different buildings differs in shape, therefore, the types of skates for metal tiles can also differ:

• A semicircular ridge is installed at the junction of the roof slopes, closing the ends with decorative plugs. They create a finished look.
• The installation of a straight strip is carried out in all types of pitched structures, without requiring the installation of decorative plugs. It differs in lower cost, but in beauty it is inferior to the semicircular analogue.
• The narrow strip is mainly intended for the device decorative finishing tent structures. It gives an aesthetic look to spiers and gazebos.
• Curved roof skates of T- and Y-shaped metal tiles are used to fasten straight strips on the roof at their junctions.
• End elements are used to cover the gables.

A properly fitted roof strip is almost invisible.

Varieties of semicircular planks

Today on sale you can find semicircular strips of non-standard sizes. So the manufacturer is trying to reduce the price of an additional element by saving metal. The custom bar is slightly narrowed, so in some cases it is not recommended to install it. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Plank standard size creates a larger overlap on the metal tile. This means that it better protects the roof joint from rainwater and snow penetration. It also allows you to sometimes abandon the use of a seal for the benefit of economy and good ventilation.
• When using the ridge aero element, it is completely covered by the side shelves of the standard element. The edges of the aero element will peep out of the narrowed plank, spoiling the appearance of the roof.
• The resulting large gaps at the joints due to mistakes made will easily overlap with a standard bar. But under it you need to lay a seal to protect the ventilated space under the roof.
• It is more profitable to buy a narrowed element because of the lower cost. But it covers the gap less with the side shelves. In any case, you will have to push the seal under such a bar. The costs for its purchase are again increasing, plus ventilation under the roof is deteriorating.

Calculation of the number of planks

Knowing the dimensions of the roof and the ridge of the metal tile, it is necessary to make the simplest calculations of the ridge strips installed on the roof. This can be done according to the formula N = Ls. ÷ (Lп. - 10), where:

• N is the number of planks;
• Lc. - length of all roof slopes (mm);
• Lp. - length of one strip (mm);
• 10 - overlap of planks at the joints (mm).

Before making the installation of the skate, you need to pay attention to its appearance. The minimum shelf width should be 150 mm, which will create additional protection from falling snow into the attic during strong gusts of wind. The bar must have a stiffening edge. If you make the overlap on the roof with slats without fringing, they will lose their even shape, and will look ugly from the ground. It is necessary to fasten the ridge of the metal tile with three people, since the work requires frequent movement on the roof. Taking a construction cord with a screwdriver, they get to work:

• At the very beginning, with the help of a stretched cord, make sure that the bend of the ridge axis does not exceed 20 mm. The identified deviations are corrected.
• A seal is attached to the grooves of the ridge elements. If you want to save money, you can lay a loose layer of glass wool.
• Two helpers on both sides of the roof raise the ridge bar. Avoiding a large vertical gap, the third assistant places the ridge of the metal tile on the outer edge of the roof. In this case, the bar should be flush with the outer sheets.
• On the opposite side of the roof, the assistant observes that there is no skewing of the inner edge. The outer edge of the element is screwed to the roof.
• The construction cord is pulled along the edge. Smoothing along the line of the cord, the inner sides of the skates are screwed onto the roof.
• The rest of the elements are mounted strictly along the stretched cord. Skates on metal tiles are fixed with screws in every second wave, periodically checking that they do not slam on the roof from the wind.

The nuances of installing ridge elements

When installing slats on the roof, you need to pay attention to different nuances:

• Flat skates on metal tiles are mounted on the roof with an overlap of 30-50 mm. Semicircular elements are attached along the profile lines.
• The construction of a gable roof (a gable structure resting on two walls of the same height) requires a combination of the roof slope with the ridge strip model.
• Triangular and trapezoidal roofs require a bend or unbend adjustment of the ridge bar.
• With all its advantages, the seal under the ridge on the metal tile prevents good ventilation. Therefore, it is advisable to install it for a roof with a gentle slope. Under roofs with a slope angle of more than 45o, you can do without a seal.
• If it is impossible to refuse the sealant, the additional installation of roof outlets for ventilation will help to provide a ventilated space with air.

Here you can see the order of work execution: After finishing the installation of the ridge, the aesthetics of the ridge rib are examined from below. Decorative plugs are placed in the semicircular strips. They do not have to be bought; they can be cut out of the leftover metal. Most roofers do just that. Now roofing can be considered finished. Ridge- this is a horizontal rib located at the highest point of the roof, which is formed by the joint of the roof slopes. The ridge also includes various elements attached to the rib. Through this point, both the roof itself and the under-roof space are ventilated. Ridge installation is also about creating a ridge run: it connects the rafters of the rafter system.

The very essence of the skate indicates that it is an element primarily of two pitched roofs, however, it is also present in structures of a more complex configuration - for example, broken hipped ones. There are also roofs of irregular shape with different slopes with an offset ridge. The construction of these varieties is a more complex process than in the case of the standard form.

During the installation of the ridge, special attention should be paid to two points: to make accurate calculations of the height of this part and to arrange good ventilation roofing cake and the premises of the attic.

Previously, asbestos cement was used in the design of the ridge. Currently, galvanized iron is gaining more and more popularity. The construction market offers many options for ready-made galvanized corners, cut into parts of about two meters in length. Similar corners can be made from the sheet yourself.

Types of skates

The skate can be performed in different options... In some cases, it is a beam laid on vertical posts that serves as a support for the rafter legs. The vertical struts themselves rest on the ceiling beams or puffs.

The second version of the ridge is the connection through the longitudinal ties of the exposed triangles of the rafter system. In this case, boards are sewn onto the rafters from both sides at a certain angle to one another, as a result a ridge is formed.

The roof ridge is made on the basis of materials used as a roof covering: metal profiles, slate, ceramic or bituminous tiles, etc. To date, the following types of skates can be purchased in stores:

• ridge bar;
• semicircular horse;
• mortise;
• crossed skates.

Another name for the ridge bar is the ridge profile. Its function is to connect the joining areas of two opposite slopes on the ridge. The ridge also has a decorative function. On sale you can find ridge elements that are identical in color to the roof covering, which allows it to organically fit into the overall design of the roof. During installation, a special seal is always placed under the ridge strip.

Semicircular skate performs the same functions as the ridge bar, while looking more aesthetically pleasing. As a rule, manufacturing companies produce skates that differ in color and texture. It is better to purchase roofing elements from one manufacturer: in this case, you can achieve a high-quality ridge device and its high functionality.

Mortise skates used for the device of hip roofs. Based on the name itself, it can be understood that this part cuts into the roofing slope. Moreover, its horizontal level in all cases is lower than the main one (at the upper ridge).

Endovas are joint elements of a mortise ridge.

Crossed skates are also used to create hip-type roofs. This variety has intersections and is always horizontal. For this reason, they are often confused with roofing hips.

Important points when constructing a skate

• When working, it should be borne in mind that for free air access to the under-roof space, the installed roofing should not be tightly connected in the ridge.
• The ridge is mounted at the final stage of the roof arrangement. Ventilation material is laid to protect the ridge bar (boards) from moisture that can penetrate during rain or snow. The protective layer also has another function: it prevents penetration into attic insects, small birds. It can be created from a special glass seal, mineral wool, some other materials.
• Care must be taken to ensure that the space under the ridge bar is not densely filled. - in the opposite case, it will be violated or completely eliminated natural ventilation... This can happen due to the filling of the ridge space. polyurethane foam or sealed material that excludes free air circulation. This problem often appears in the case of mansard-type roofs.

Component parts

Having decided on the choice of material for the roof, it is necessary to purchase a roof covering, the ridge itself, accessories and fasteners. The main components of the ridge element are:

• ridge ventilation bar;
• ventilation tape;
• holder for a lightning rod;
• sealant;
• ridge seal;
• some other aero elements.

All of them are necessary for a solid installation and fastening of the ridge to the roof, ensuring its high functionality. Only under this condition will the ridge be able to protect the joints and provide good ventilation.

What do you need to work?

Everything necessary tools and the equipment should be prepared in advance. To mount the ridge, you will need:

• ladder with triangular ledges at the upper ends for attachment to the roof;
• level;
• roulette;
• a special screwdriver for roofing screws (with a special head shape);
• lace;
• scissors for metal;
• drill with different attachments.

Determining the height of the ridge

When installing a roof, a mandatory moment is to determine the height of the ridge for further calculating the amount required to create a rafter system and roofing building materials... The necessary calculations are carried out in accordance with the rules of geometry after determining the angle of inclination of the roof. A special table has been developed that can be used for quick calculations if there is data on the width of the building and the value of the slope angle.

Suppose the width of the building is 8m and the roof slope is 40 degrees. To calculate the height of the skate, use the following scheme:

the width of the house is multiplied by a factor

The result is the height of the ridge element from the floor. In the case of the given example, it will be 3.35 (4 x 0.839).

Varieties of roofing and ridge

The way the ridge girder is arranged is directly dependent on the type of roofing. Therefore, it is necessary to think about the installation of the ridge already at the stage of choosing a roof covering.

When performing a roof based on asbestos cement sheets it is necessary to purchase commercially available special shaped elements in the form of a gutter, laid on boards or ridge beams and attached to them using slate nails with a rubber gasket. It is imperative to waterproof wooden roofing elements. Before starting the installation of slate-based ridge elements, the ridge bar should be covered with roofing felt tape.

Ridge elements made of asbestos cement are of irregular geometric shape - namely, they are slightly narrower from one end. This end should be covered with a subsequent slate element. In this case, the overlap is at least 7 cm. To strengthen the first element, a wind protection bracket is used.

If the roofing material is clay tiles, it is also necessary to purchase ridge parts in the form of gutters and corners for it.

When creating roofing ridge with ceramic-based fragments, it is necessary to use lime mortar and wire (used for fastening).

Roof ridge device made of roll materials carried out by means of stickers of these same materials. The method of laying the panels is determined by the slope of the roof slopes. If the slope is small, the panels are laid parallel to the ridge with a significant overlap. With a large slope, the panels must be laid parallel to the drain. When installing the ridge, it is recommended to lay roll materials in the direction perpendicular to the ridge. In this case, the minimum overlap of the sheets should be 25 cm.

If a galvanized iron-based roofing is chosen, as a rule, skates must be made independently, although it should be noted that hardware stores also offer ready-made elements up to 2 meters in size.

When self-made the ridge should determine the exact parameters of the roof. After that, the desired strip is cut out of a steel sheet with a galvanized surface, which is given an angular shape. In this case, a wooden mallet (mallet) is used. The use of a conventional metal hammer is impractical, since it damages the zinc coating, which leads to the lack of protection of the ridge from moisture and its rapid deterioration.

Rules for the installation of the ridge element

They switch to the ridge device after the installation of the roofing on the surface of the slopes is completed. Ridge piece elements are lifted into place using a winch or rope.

1. To fix the ridge elements, a special bar is first installed, the minimum section of which should be 70x90 mm. Then, on both sides, 2 sheathing bars are attached to it. To facilitate the work of laying the parts, you can attach special brackets to the central bar and hang specially designed bridges on them.
2. The ridge bar is attached to the central one. For the convenience of fastening, the upper edge of the ridge bar should be rounded. This shape will also provide a significantly stronger fit for all used ridge elements. To prevent decay, the development of fungus, mold, the ridge bar should be upholstered along the entire length with ordinary roofing material or a sealant intended for these purposes. Such prevention significantly prolongs the operational life of the ridge element and the entire roof structure... When installing the ridge and other ridge parts of the metal tile, their fastening should be carried out directly to the ridge bar. For this, screws are used.

To prevent the process of decay of the ridge bar, areas covered with a layer of roofing material must be additionally processed: apply a layer of enamel or oil paint.

The ridge overlap is formed with two skates placed on adjacent slopes. Then a longer (main) ridge is fixed - it must be lengthened by 10 mm.

The rest of the skates are installed in such a way that their widened ends are directed towards the pediment.

Skate attachment process

As an example, you can take a ridge mount on a metal roof. To ensure its functionality and reliability, the following actions must be taken:

• Holes must be drilled on both skates at the same time.
• The hole should also be on the flat side of the bar.
• Two holes must also be drilled on the longitudinal axis of the line of the squared hump.
• During work, it is necessary to ensure that the holes on the cuffs pass through the crests of the waves of the material.
• The process of installing the ridge must be started from one of the ends, after mounting the element over the end strips.
• The edge of the ridge should be extended outward by at least 2-3 cm.
• The process of installing a flat ridge requires the indispensable joining of all parts with an overlap of 10 cm or more. It is also possible to use tin technology.
• During the connection of the parts of the semicircular ridge, the docking is carried out along the stamping lines.
• The specific place of reinforcement of the ridge board and the methods of fastening are directly dependent on the value of the roof slope angle.
• To avoid possible mistakes, during the installation of the lathing, it is necessary to simulate the node of the future ridge, while paying attention to how the model of the ridge strip and the slope of the roof are combined.
• Then it is necessary to adjust the angle of the ridge strip to the angle of the roof slope. To this end, you can bend and unbend the skate (as needed).

One important point: The free-standing ridge mounting flanges must match the slope angles of the roof slopes.

• In many cases, it is necessary to additionally mount a side ridge board. It is installed above the level of the upper sheathing board, while between the adjacent slopes and the ridge boards of these slopes, an 80 mm gap is maintained, which ensures ventilation of the under-roof space. The ridge board should be 10-15 cm thicker than the boards of the step sheathing.
• The final fastening of the ridge strip is carried out by pulling with self-tapping screws to the highest sections of the metal-tile sheets. The pitch of the self-tapping screws should be within 0.8 m.
• To prevent snow from getting under the ridge, an air roller should be mounted between the ridge strip and the metal tile.

CONCLUSIONS:

• The ridge is a horizontal rib at the highest point of the roof, formed by the joint of the roof slopes.
• Installation of the ridge is the last and one of the most important stages of roofing work.
• During installation, attention must be paid to making accurate calculations of the height of this part and arranging for good ventilation of the roofing pie and the attic room.
• The ridge is made of materials used as roofing.
• There are several types of skates: they are used for different roofs.
• For free air access, the roof covering should not be tightly connected in the ridge.
• After choosing the material for the roof, you need to purchase a ridge, accessories and fasteners.
• Beforehand, you should prepare tools and equipment for work.
• It is imperative to determine the height of the skate.
• The way the ridge is constructed is determined by the type of roofing.
• They switch to the ridge device after installing the roofing.
• In the process of attaching the skate, you must follow the sequence of actions.
• The specific place of reinforcement of the ridge board and the methods of fastening depend on the angle of the roof slope.

Look below detailed video instructions for attaching the ridge to the roof.

November 16, 2017
Specialization: facade decoration, interior decoration, construction of summer cottages, garages. The experience of an amateur gardener and gardener. He also has experience in repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing guitar and much more, for which there is not enough time :)

In general, installing a ridge on a metal tile is a fairly simple job, but at the same time, performing this operation, beginners make many mistakes. Therefore, I suggest home craftsmen to deal with the technology of the ridge knot device. This information will help you make your metal roof waterproof and durable.

A few words about the purpose of the skate

The roof ridge is installed on all types of pitched roofs at the top of the slopes. Its main element is the ridge bar. It performs several important functions at the same time:

• Seals the junction of the slopes. At the junction of the slopes, a gap is formed into which moisture can penetrate. The ridge strip covers it and prevents the penetration of snow and water into the under-roof space;
• Provides ventilation of the roof space. Ventilation is essential to remove excess moisture. If the under-roof space begins to accumulate moisture, rafter system and the crate can quickly deteriorate;

• Decorative. The skate gives the skates a complete look. As a rule, its color is matched to the color of the metal tile.

It is the observance of the technology of mounting the ridge strip that allows this unit to perform all of the above functions.

Ridge assembly device

Installation of the ridge can be conditionally divided into several stages:

We prepare tools and materials

So, in order to install a ridge on a metal roof, you will need the following materials:

• Ridge bar. There are two types of roof ridge made of metal tiles - flat and curly semicircular. The flat expansion element is a universal option, i.e. it can be mounted on a roof made of metal, corrugated board or other roofing material.

Semicircular curly strips are selected individually for a specific type of metal tile, as they repeat its relief. Needless to say, they look more attractive. Regardless of what type of plank you decide to purchase, keep in mind that its color should match the color of the roofing;

• Sealing tape. A special seal made of polyurethane foam or polyethylene foam is placed under the bar. The peculiarity of the sealing tape is that it allows air to pass through, but at the same time prevents the penetration of snow and moisture under the roof strip. The gasket for the ridge of the metal tile is selected individually, as it repeats the profile of the tile.

If you cannot find a suitable roof sealant, use a multi-purpose tape, i.e. with a rectangular profile;

• Self-tapping screws... For these purposes, special stainless steel screws with caps to match the color of the tiles are used;
• Building sealant... Allows to seal the joints of all elements;
• Double sided tape... It will be needed for gluing the sealing tape to the surface of the roofing material;
• Roofing caps... The size and shape of the plugs is selected individually for the bar;
• Metal primer... Required for end machining.

As for the tools, their set is quite simple:

• Metal scissors or hacksaw;
• Roulette and pencil;
• Screwdriver;
• Assembly knife.

We prepare the roof

Roof preparation consists in the installation of the metal tile itself. You can find out how this is done from other articles on our portal. The only thing I note is that when laying the roofing cake, it is important to properly fix the waterproofing film - it should not reach the junction of the slopes by a few centimeters, as shown in the diagram below.

This will create a ventilated attic, since air can freely enter and exit through the sealing tape.

Installing the skate

Now that everything is ready, you can start assembling the ridge:

Illustrations	Actions
	Plank preparation: Measure the length of the slope; Prepare the planks along the length of the ramp. Calculate the dimensions of the planks taking into account the overlap at the joints of about 5 cm; Treat the cut ends with a metal primer. A common mistake newbies make is that they miss this point, causing corrosion to develop; Attach the plugs to the extreme elements using self-tapping screws. To prevent moisture from penetrating through the plugs, seal the cracks with a sealant. Roofing strips, like the tiles themselves, cannot be cut with a grinder, as this will damage the polymer coating. As a result, it will corrode.
	Installation of the tape: Step back a couple of centimeters from the edge of the sheets and glue it into double-sided tape; Glue double-sided tape to the tape. If the seal is self-adhesive, you do not need to glue the tape, you just need to tear off the protective film; In the same way, fasten the tape to the counter ramp; Apply sealant to the surface of the sealing strip. The ridge tape may not stick to the roof with tape. It can be fixed by the bar itself, but in this case, you will need an assistant who will hold and fill the seal while attaching the bar.
	Plank installation: Installation of the ridge plank starts from the edge. Attach it to the junction of the slopes; Screw the screws into the ridges of the tiles through the wave; Coat the edge of the plank with a sealant; In the same way, place the second plank on top of the first one, this will seal the joints of all slopes.

According to this scheme, both round and flat ridge strips are fastened.

Conclusion

We have figured out how to install a ridge on a roof covered with metal tiles. If in the process of this work you have any difficulties - write comments, and I will be happy to help you.

November 16, 2017

If you want to express gratitude, add clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!

For the device of a metal-tile roof, it is not enough to fix sheets of material on the crate. In order for the roof to acquire a finished look and the necessary functional properties (including protective ones), its structure is supplemented with various additional elements.

One of them is a metal roofing ridge, which is an indispensable part of any pitched structure. Without it, the roof will leak, mold will start in the insulation, the rafters will rot. The prospect is bleak. Therefore, you should think about the choice of a ridge and its competent installation at the first stages of creating a metal roof.

The term "roof ridge" means the top element of the roof, installed along the edge of the intersection of the slopes.

For a metal roof, skates are produced from a metal strip in the form of an outer corner. On its edges, flanging is performed (the metal is bent into the structure by 1.5 cm on both sides) to prevent moisture seepage under the ridge. The thickness of the walls of the ridge (metal sheet) is usually 1.5 mm, less often structures with a metal thickness of up to 2.5 mm are found.

The main purpose of the ridge part is to bridge the gap between the slopes. This provides protection against atmospheric moisture, debris, insects from entering the under-roof space. Also, the overlap of the joint performs a decorative function, that is, it makes the roofing complete and harmonious.

In addition, the ridge strip, installed correctly, becomes the key to high-quality roof ventilation. Since, thanks to the profile of the metal tile, structural gaps are formed between it and the ridge planes, it becomes possible through them to let air out of the under-roof space.

Varieties of skates for metal tiles

As a rule, firms producing metal tiles also offer accessories for it. Therefore, choose a ready-made ridge strip that matches the color of the purchased roofing material, is not difficult.

The main thing that you have to choose in any case is the shape of the ridge bar. The following varieties are found:

• Triangular models (flat)- the easiest and cheapest way to arrange the edge of the slopes. In this case, the ridge strip from the end has the shape of a triangle, that is, it repeats the geometry of the angle of connection of the slopes.
• Rectangular models (also referred to as flat, their other name is curly)- have a more complex, broken shape. Just like triangular parts, they repeat the shape of the angle between the slopes, but at the top they have a U-shaped break.
• Semicircular (or round) models- the most decorative and expensive. In section, they have the shape of a semicircle. On the end sides of the ridge assembled from such strips, plugs are installed that have a semicircular or conical shape (for hip roofs). To connect semicircular ridge skates on slopes of complex roofs (for example, hips), T and Y-shaped tee pads are used.

When choosing a ridge element, in addition to the shape, you should pay attention to its width. For installation and further operation, products with a width of 200 mm or more are most preferable. Less than 150 mm are already risky options that require special care during installation, mandatory marking.

Under a narrow ridge it is easier to "get through" atmospheric moisture and dust, especially during windy weather. The choice of such a ridge is usually due to the small size of the slopes, on which the wider part looks too massive.

Ridge gap: how to close it?

Any ridge strip has a flat sole, with which it is attached to the wave surface of the metal tile. As a result, gaps are formed at the joint. On the one hand it is positive moment allowing air to circulate in the under-roof space and provide high-quality ventilation.

On the other hand, atmospheric precipitation (rain and snow) can enter the open gaps under the ridge, the accumulation of which leads to decay wooden structures, insulation gets wet.

Therefore, in order to protect the under-roof space from atmospheric moisture, debris and insects, but not to block air exchange (ventilation), either a seal or a special aerial element of the ridge is mounted between the bar and the metal tile. Consider the types and properties of each of these materials.

Types and properties of seals

Seals are produced in the form of tapes with different properties, which are laid along the joint line between the ridge parts and the metal tile. They are of the following types:

• Profile (hard). They are made of polyethylene foam that can take the form of roofing sheets. Profile gaskets completely repeat the profile of a specific metal tile. So that the tight overlap of the gaps under the ridge does not cause a violation of ventilation, special holes are provided in the profile seals. Thanks to them, these types of seals are characterized by the best degree of air permeability (in comparison with other options). Their service life is about 15 years.
• Universal (soft). They look like strips of foamed polyurethane foam, which, due to their softness, after installation independently take the required shape and fill the available free space of the gaps. The cellular structure of this type of seal works like a filter: it allows air to pass through (although the degree of passage is poor), but retains rain drops, snow and debris. Manufacturers indicate the service life of polyurethane foam products in the region of 15 years.
• Self-expanding (PSUL). Initially, they are compressed polyurethane foam tapes impregnated with acrylic. After installation, such seals expand, their thickness increases up to 5 times. The time for full expansion and acquisition of final dimensions is about 2-5 hours. Sealing tapes of this type have one self-adhesive side with a protective strip. During installation, the strip is removed and the tape is glued in place under the ridge. Self-expanding seals are air and water tight. Therefore, in order to maintain sufficient ventilation of the roof during the installation of the sealant, gaps of 1-2 cm should be left for every 1.5-2 lm. The service life of self-expanding seals is about 20 years.

Despite the assurances of manufacturers that the seals let in a sufficient amount of air for high-quality ventilation, it has been empirically confirmed that this is not the case. Therefore, for gentle slopes when one cannot do without a ridge seal, it is recommended to combine ridge ventilation with the installation of point-type pitched aerators of the "fungus" type.

It is also possible to enhance ventilation, in the presence of seals, by installing special ridge valves on the ridge.

A sales assistant at a hardware store tells about the types of seals and the features of their use:

Alternative to seals - ridge aero element

Instead of seals to cover the gaps, you can use a special aero element - a ventilation tape rolled into rolls. The middle part of the tape is made of polypropylene fabric (or mesh). The side strips are made of pleated aluminum with a self-adhesive surface.

Unlike seals, the ventilation tape does not become a barrier to ventilation, thanks to the polypropylene layer with high vapor permeability.

Installation of the ventilation tape does not require any special construction skills. The roll is unrolled along the ridge line, the protective film is peeled off and the material is firmly pressed to the roof surface. In the presence of a ridge bar, the tape is initially fixed on the bar using nails or a construction stapler. Then - the side strips are glued to the metal tile.

Information about the characteristics of the ridge aerator (using the example of the Delta-Eco Roll aero element) and the features of its installation on the roof can be found in the video clip:

After fastening, the ventilation tape is covered with a ridge, which makes it completely invisible. The appearance of the seal is not important for the same reason - the ridge element, after attachment, will hide all of its "filling". Of course, in the case of competent installation, which is easy to perform even on your own.

Ridge mounting technology on metal roofing

The installation of the ridge strip is performed at the last stage of the roof construction, when the last shortened rows of metal tiles are laid along the slopes. The installation of the ridge (building of elements) is carried out towards the direction of the prevailing winds.

In most cases, for fixing the ridge strip, you should make additions to the lathing and mount additional sub-ridge boards above the upper boards of the step lathing. The gap between the ridge boards of adjacent slopes should ensure the process of under-roof ventilation, usually it is 70-100 mm (the figure depends on the specific metal tile and the recommendations of its manufacturer).

The thickness of the ridge boards is increased by 10-15 mm in comparison with the sheathing boards. This is done so that the ridge does not turn out to be squashed downward with respect to the end plate after fixing.

There is no single answer to the question of how to make a ridge on a roof from metal tiles. The process of fixing (mounting) the ridge element on the roof is carried out according to the instructions of the manufacturers of a particular metal tile. These recommendations do not always exactly coincide, and usually represent a kind of "average" option, more or less suitable for any type of ridge strip and any profile of metal tiles.

Usually, during the installation process, the following actions are performed. First, check the straightness of the ridge axis of the roof (for example, using a stretched cord). The permissible deviation is 2 cm. A large curvature will adversely affect the mounted element, since the walls of the ridge will have to be "adjusted" to the unevenness of the slope joint. Therefore, defects that go beyond the permissible deviation are corrected.

Then, the skate elements are prepared. The angle of the ridge strip is adjusted to the angle of the roof slope connection. To do this, bend or unbend the bar so that in the free state its fastening shelves correspond to the angle of inclination of the slopes. If the tilt angle is higher than 45 °, the bar will have to bend too much.

This is especially true for semicircular skates, the shape of which changes significantly with such a "refinement". In this case, the standard end cap will have to be adjusted to a modified shape or a homemade cover made of a flat sheet of steel must be mounted.

The installation of the ridge begins from one of the ends. The ridge element is mounted on top of the end strip, releasing its edge outward by 20-30 mm. Parts of a flat ridge (triangular, rectangular) dock, overlapping each other with an overlap of at least 100 mm. The details of the round ridge fit together along the stamping lines. On hipped roofs, at the junctions of the ridge of adjacent slopes, Y or T-shaped overlays are installed.

In parallel, the seal is laid, fixing it under the ridge. If the seal is self-adhesive, then to fix it, it is enough to remove the protective film from the adhesive layer and press it to the surface of the ridge or metal tile. If there is no glue layer on the seal, then the glue will have to be applied independently.

When using a ventilation roll (ridge aero element), the installation changes somewhat. The ventilation tape with side self-adhesive parts is laid and glued to the metal tile, first of all, before the installation of the ridge strips.

The elements of the ridge are fixed to a sheet of metal tile or to the crate with self-tapping screws, screwing them into the crest of the wave through the wave. It is impossible to violate these recommendations and screw self-tapping screws into the wave deflection due to the risk of deformation of the ridge, which will entail the untidy appearance of the entire roof. During installation, self-tapping screws 4.8 x 35 mm are used - when attaching the ridge to the metal tile, and long self-tapping screws 4.8 x 80 mm - when fastened through the metal tile to the crate.

Fastening the ridge strip directly to the lathing is considered a more reliable option. In this case, the separation of the ridge, which is possible in areas with a high wind load, is completely excluded. At the same time, most manufacturers of metal tiles in their instructions recommend fastening only to roofing sheets. In any case, the choice of one or another mount is yours.

Some manufacturers of metal tiles recommend mounting the ridge on a pre-fixed ridge beam. This provides a more secure fit and a completely flat ridge bar. A beam is stuffed along the edge of the roof (sometimes it is installed on special metal fasteners), 40-50 mm wide. They put on the elements of the ridge and screw them to the metal tile.

After fixing all the elements, check the evenness of the assembled ridge. In the absence of deviations, the work is considered completed.

Useful video on the topic

Skate is not an element that should be underestimated. His correct installation guarantees:

• decorative appearance of the metal roof;
• dry under-roof space;
• no condensation;
• adequate ventilation;
• protection against leaks through the ridge.

Therefore, the installation of the ridge should be carried out in compliance with the above technology, without the slightest disregard for trifles. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is advisable to seek help in installing the ridge from qualified roofing specialists.