How to Troubleshoot Ridge Vent Leaks
- 1). Enter the attic on a bright, sunny day, using the stepladder if necessary. Without turning on the light, look up at the peak of the roof, and look for light leaks. It's normal to see a very small amount of diffused light coming through a ridge vent, but a bright beam usually indicates a leak.
- 2). Inspect the ridge area from inside the attic, using the flashlight. Look for any signs of water, either damp areas or water stains. Keep in mind that water stains may be years old, and don't necessarily indicate a current leak.
- 3). Climb onto the roof using the extension ladder, and look at the ridge vent. Look for physical damage to the vent or missing sections. Look for damage to the shingles that cover the vent. Most ridge vent systems use a foam rubber plug at the gable end; make sure this plug is in place.