Step 2: Cutting the Vent Slot Opening
- Determine the type of roof framing that is used under the roof sheathing.
- For roofs with a ridge board, cut a 5/8 inch slot in the roof sheathing beyond each side of the ridge board. For an engineered truss roof, cut a 5/8 inch slot on each side of the ridge (total slot width of 1 1/4 inches). See Fig. 1.
Important: Start and end your cut 6 inches in from the rake edges (snapping chalk lines will aid in keeping a uniform ridge opening). Set your saw depth to cut the decking only. Do not cut into the roof framing. See Fig. 1.
Note: The ventilation slot may be cut prior to or after shingle installation. If cutting the slot on a roof with shingles installed, use of a circular saw with a carbide tip blade is recommended (Protective eye goggles should be worn during this process). - Expose the vent slot opening by removing the decking that was just cut between the rake edges. See Fig. 2.