How to bend a skate on the roof with your own hands. Roof ridge - main characteristics, installation and purpose of different types (100 photos)

The ridge of the roof is an element that is formed when 2 roof slopes are closed. It can be made in two versions. In the first case, this is a bar that is laid on vertical posts. The rafter legs rest on it. Already vertical racks stand on the ceiling beams or puffs. In another version, the ridge on the roof looks like this - the exposed triangles of the rafter system are connected by longitudinal ties. Boards at the highest point of the rafters are sewn on both sides at a certain angle to each other.

Types of roof skates

This element on the roof involves covering the gap formed during the installation of roofing material on the roof slopes at the highest point of the roof.

The ridge on the roof can be made of the same materials as the roof covering, for example, galvanized steel, slate, metal profile, various types of tiles. It is also called a ridge bar.

It comes in several forms:

ribbed;
angular;
conical;
semicircular;
embossed;
curly.

It is important to remember that the roof covering on the ridge should not form a tight connection, since this way air is blocked from entering the space under the roof. It is necessary to put the ridge at the very last stage of roofing work with the laying of ventilation building material that protects the space under the roof from various small insects and birds from entering the attic, and in addition, protects the ridge beam or boards from snow and rain on them. A special seal, glass or mineral wool, and other materials can act as a protective layer.

Also, during installation, you should pay attention to the fact that the space under the ridge bar is not very full. Otherwise, natural ventilation will be disrupted or completely eliminated. This can also happen if the space of the ridge is foamed with polyurethane foam or sealed with a sealed material. Often such a problem arises when arranging mansard roofs, so this element must be necessarily ventilated.

It is recommended to install this element together. You must have a ladder. For the roof, you need to have only screws and a screwdriver with you. The work of installing it is dangerous and time consuming, so compliance with all safety measures is vital. If you need to know what height the ridge will be, in order to make the correct calculation of the amount of building material for it in the future. The height of the ridge at the roof is calculated in accordance with the rules of geometry and depending on the angle of inclination of the roof.

Installation and calculation of the height of the ridge for the roof and consist of the following stages:

First, a minimum of 2 units of ridge special tiles are laid, which rests on the roof slopes on both sides. After that, measure the distance between the inner edge of the narrower end of the tile and its upper edge. The latter consists of a counter-lattice (bars), which are interconnected at the shortest possible distance. It is sometimes called a ridge aero element.
Next, measure the distance from the top of the ridge bar, which is inserted into the holder mount, to the bend of the attachment line. After that, make a mount or holder. Then, the upper beam is nailed to the central part of the counter-lattice with nails.
Before fixing this element, a thin cord is pulled to adjust the horizontal laying of the remaining ridge elements. You need to fasten the skates with self-tapping screws, which have special washers that prevent moisture from entering the connecting places. In the slate elements of the ridge near the roof, holes must be drilled in advance, then the slate will not burst when nails are driven into it.

What is the purpose of the roof ridge

The main function of this element is to ensure good air exchange of the space under the roof. It is possible to extend the service life and protect the roof structure by removing excess moisture. If all the work on the device of the skate is done correctly and correctly, then you can completely not worry about the formation of condensation and leaks. However, in order for the work to go well, you should choose the right material and additional components. Properly selected roof ridge and accessories can facilitate installation work, prevent leaks and normalize moisture levels.

Thus, the ridge at the roof is a guarantee that condensation does not form in the space under the roof. In addition, it will protect the roofing from atmospheric precipitation and winds, and will also ensure the reliability of the entire roof.

Elements and accessories

It is impossible to install a ridge for a roof without the use of a variety of additional components. These are a lightning rod retainer, ridge tiles, aerodynamic elements and a ventilation tape. All these elements are used in the process of installation work. They are necessary in order to increase the functionality of the ridge, namely, to improve air exchange, fixation on the roof and provide additional protection for the joints. In addition, during the installation of the ridge elements, sealants and seals are used.

The roof ridge is of great importance in helping to cope with many problems that can negatively affect both the roofing and the roof itself. Therefore, the installation of the ridge is an integral part of the roof arrangement.

The installation of the ridge between the roof slopes is the finishing operation for the installation of the roof. It is designed to protect the joint and create conditions for the correct operation of the rafter system. A well-designed ridge provides ventilation in the under-roof space, increasing the service life of a wooden or metal roof frame.

The ridge of the roofing system, its purpose and types

The roof of the house is the main device for protecting the home from external factors. In addition, it acts as one of the main elements of the exterior, site and home.

The vast majority of roofing systems have an element such as a ridge. It forms naturally at the intersection of the roof planes and is the most important element subject to stress and stress in all weather conditions. The ridge is formed at slope angles of more than 180 °.

The ridge is formed naturally at the intersection of the roof planes and is the most important element of the roof

Why do you need a roof ridge

On old roofs, the ridge served as a log, pressing the main roof covering - shingles, performing mainly an aesthetic function. In modern roofing systems, this is also taken into account, but the main purpose of the ridge device is functional, taking into account the organization of ventilation of the roofing cake and the under-roof space.

On old roofs, a log served as a ridge, pressing the main roofing

The functioning of a living space is associated with the release of a large amount of moisture in the form of steam from cooking, washing or wet cleaning. If you do not take these products out of the room, it will be damp and uncomfortable. In addition, in such conditions, various fungi and bacteria develop, actively affecting all elements of the structure in the form of mold and decay of wooden structures.

The second, no less important purpose of the ridge for the roof is to protect the place where the slopes pass from water and other precipitation, as well as wind, for which various seals are used.

Depending on the shape of the roof and the angle between the slopes, the skates are:

conical;
angular;
embossed;
curly.

The most common skates are made of metal. But on certain types of roofing material, ceramic ridge skates (for tiles) can be used. On reed and for the formation of the ridge, the main roofing material is used.

On slopes converging at an angle of less than 180 °, valleys are used to protect the roof... The peculiarity of their application is that they are located below the roof level and are brought out to the catchment system.

Photo gallery: the main types of ridge slats

Flat ridge connects opposing roof slopes securely High strength roof slope transition form Rectangular ridge suitable for most types of roofing Thatched roof slopes are connected by the main material of the shelter

Types of roof ridge with characteristic

The ridge of the roof is a straight line formed by the intersection of the gable roof slopes. The formation of this line occurs during the installation of the rafter legs at a certain angle. Therefore, the decisive factor for obtaining a straight ridge is the correct installation of the rafter system. If this condition is met, it is impossible to spoil the skate with further actions.

Skates for various roofing surfaces

Most modern roof coverings are equipped with ridge elements designed for use with them. These are ridge strips of a special shape or ridge tiles. For the manufacture of ridge parts, the same material is used as for the main coating.

Ridge for metal, profiled sheets and composite shingles

The material for the manufacture of ridge parts is galvanized steel sheet with a thickness of 0.7 mm. Often additional protection from polymeric materials is applied on top of it. The color of the ridge cover is matched to the main color of the roof. The range of colors corresponds to the RAL scale.

The ridge strip for the roof made of corrugated board is made of galvanized steel sheet 0.7 mm thick

The same ridge is used for roofing with composite tiles.

The skates are installed with special fasteners with elastic washers and seals. Fasteners are often included in the set of roofing material, and the color is selected according to the main color of the coating.

Slate roof ridge

Considering the properties of the material, the ridge is selected for it the same as for the above-mentioned coatings. If ordinary gray slate is used, an ordinary galvanized ridge is used. Fastening during installation is made with special slate nails with rubber gaskets.

Galvanized skates are most suitable for slate roofs

Currently, slate is available in various colors. In this case, the ridge is matched to the tone of the coating.

For colored slate covering, you can choose the appropriate color of the ridge strip

Skate for ondulin and similar materials

When using these materials, the ridge is supplied complete with the roof. The material of manufacture is the same as for the base coat. And also the fasteners are selected by color.

Skates for ondulin are made from the same material as the main cover

Skates for shingles

For such a roof covering, a special shaped ridge is produced, which is included in the delivery set.

For skates, the same products are used as for the curtain rod. By perforation, the shingle of the eaves inserts is divided into three parts, called ridge tiles. During preparation, remove the protective film from the bottom. During installation, the tile is bent in half and installed by bending along the ridge of the roof. Fastening is done with four roofing nails - two on each side.

The roof ridge made of bituminous tiles is installed with a bend and is fastened with nails

Ridge on seamed roof

The ridge is not specially produced for standing seam roofs. It is formed in the process of installing the roof, and it is called a ridge seam. The device of an even seam joint on the ridge of the roof is an indicator of the skill of the roofer.

On a seam roof, the transition between slopes is made in the form of a ridge seam

For other types of roofs such as slate, reed or thatch, the ridge material is usually the base material for the roof.

Photo gallery: ridge strips when using specific roofing materials

For the ondulin ridge, the same material is used as for the main coating A special ridge is produced for shinglas tiles. Tiled roof skates are also made of ceramic A wooden ridge is used on a tattered roof

Roof ridge dimensions

This element is of decisive importance for the quality insulation of the roof from precipitation and the creation of a ventilation system for the under-roof space and roofing cake. The modern building materials industry provides for the production of skates, specialized for each type of roofing.

Flat ridge strip (triangular)

The simplest device with one longitudinal fold. The standard part length is 2 meters and the bend angle is 90 °. This size can be easily changed depending on the angle of convergence of the ramps. The recommended overlap when installing on a roof is 10-15 centimeters. The metal thickness is 0.7 mm or more.

The flat ridge is practically universal for many types of surfaces

Ridge bar rectangular (curly U-shaped)

This ridge shape is used to increase the size of the ventilated space. It can be used for the installation of ridge for most types of roof topcoats. The width of the rectangular protrusion can vary between 20-40 millimeters. It is made by sequential execution of four folds. The standard length is 2 meters, the overlap is 10-15 centimeters.

The rectangular shape of the ridge provides better ventilation in the space below it

Round ridge bar

A strip of this shape is most often used with metal roofing. The standard length is 2 meters. It is made by stamping from sheet metal with a thickness of 0.45–1.0 mm. To give additional stiffness, transverse stiffening ribs are made on the parts. The overlap is determined by the location of the extreme edges, since they are aligned when joining. End caps are used for round ridge strips.

The round ridge strip is most often used with metal roofing

All types and sizes of ridge strips are equipped with seals, depending on the design of the roofing.

Calculation of the height of the roof ridge

The angle of inclination of the roof slope is of great importance for the successful operation of a country house. Too small an angle will contribute to excessive accumulation of snow and, as a result, the possibility of overloading the rafter system. A large angle will form a wide roof area that will carry significant wind loads. If strong winds prevail in the region, this factor can be decisive for determining the life of the entire structure. Obviously, there is a golden mean when both factors in interaction are taken into account. For central Russia, the slope angle of 40 ° plus or minus 5 ° is considered optimal.

To calculate the height of the ridge, it is enough to use basic knowledge from the field of geometry. Initial data:

the length of the base of the transfer between the support points of the rafter legs;
the angle of inclination between the rafter leg and the translation;
table of values \u200b\u200bof trigonometric functions.

The ridge height is determined by the ratio: H \u003d L: 2 x tg\u003e, where: H - ridge height; L is the distance between the support points of the rafters, it is equal to five meters; tg\u003e is the tangent of the angle, in our case it is 0.83 for an angle of 40 °. So, H \u003d 5: 2 x 0.83 \u003d 2.08 meters.

The height of the ridge is determined by the formula H \u003d L: 2 x tg\u003e, where H is the height of the ridge, L is the distance between the support points of the rafters, tg\u003e is the tangent of the angle

Calculating the height of the roof ridge

If a decision has been made to arrange an attic room, the calculation procedure does not change. In this case, as a rule, a sloping roof is arranged, which makes it possible to increase the volume of the inner space of the attic and at the same time not significantly increase the height of the ridge, especially with strong winds in the construction region.

Thus, the height of the ridge is made up of two components - the distance to the horizontal lintel of the rectangular opening and the distance from it to the rafter convergence line. To obtain a larger area, the lower part of the rafter legs is set at a large angle at the base (55–80 °), and the upper one at a small angle (12–30 °).

The sloping (mansard) roof allows you to increase the volume of the roof space for the installation of a living space

The recommended and most commonly used bottom height is 2.3 meters. It remains to determine the distance from the horizontal lintel to the ridge. That is, it is necessary to calculate exactly according to the above algorithm and add 2.3 meters to the result obtained.

To determine the height of the ridge and other parameters of the rafter system, you can find special calculators on the Internet. It is very easy and convenient to use them.

Installation of the roof ridge

A prerequisite for installing a ridge is a solid crate in the space under the ridge of two or three boards, nailed without a gap. The beginning of the installation of the ridge is made from the side opposite to the prevailing wind direction in the given area. In this case, the overlap will be on the leeward side.

The installation of the ridge, like the entire roof, must be carried out in dry, calm weather. In this case, it is imperative to use safety devices. Before starting work, do not take strong drugs, and even more so take alcohol.

Installation of a straight ridge

The straight ridge is installed in the following order:

Round ridge strip

The round ridge is most often used when installing metal roofing. When laying, the distance between the edges of two slopes should be no more than 200 millimeters, which will allow it to cover it reliably enough. Further:

Rectangular (U-shaped) ridge

The rectangular ridge strip is mounted using a support bar that is installed along the line of the ridge along the line of intersection of the ramps. If the width of the rectangular protrusion is more than 50 millimeters, this part may bend as a result of prolonged operation of the roof. Any suitable material can serve as a seal; foam rubber is often used. Fastening is done with self-tapping screws of a suitable size.

The rectangular ridge is mounted using a support bar that is installed along the line of intersection of the slopes

Video: installation of the roof ridge

How to make a skate on the roof with your own hands

Usually this question does not arise, the construction market is sufficiently saturated with products of this kind. The only justification for the expediency of independent production of ridge strips is the presence in the household of illiquid sheet steel suitable for this purpose. In addition, you need to have at least the rudimentary skills of performing tin work. For the manufacture of ridge strips, you will need special devices and tools.

The materials for these products are metal sheets made of steel, copper, aluminum. Their thickness, depending on the type, can be from 0.4 to 1.5 millimeters. Steel sheets can be galvanized, painted or have a polymer protective coating. The task is to bend the workpiece into the desired shape. Wherein:

damage to the protective coating is not allowed, this is especially true for painted material;
the folds must be strictly parallel to the axis of the product;
dents on the surface from the impact of the tool are not allowed;
all dimensions on individual ridge strips must be strictly the same.

When drawing a ridge, you need to ensure that all dimensions on individual ridge strips are strictly the same

DIY tools for making ridge slats

In order to make the simplest product yourself, you need to have at your disposal special equipment and a roofer tool:

workbench with a steel corner surfacing with a shelf size of up to 50 millimeters. The shelf is installed on the edge of the workbench, its length should be at least 2000 millimeters in size of the sheet. The purpose of this part is to form a straight fold;
To make a ridge, you need a workbench with a steel corner surfacing with a shelf size of up to 50 millimeters
scissors for cutting the sheet into blanks of the desired width. Ordinary locksmith scissors can be used, the best option would be to use an appropriate power tool. It is not necessary to purchase it, you can rent it for a short time;
Wooden mallet is used for bending metal sheets
measuring tool and marker for marking;
an axial fold angle template to control compliance with this important dimension can be made from cardboard.

In addition, you will need wooden spacers to prevent slaughter in the place of work with a mallet.

Ridge bar making process

To manufacture this part, you need to perform a number of sequential operations:

Cut out a workpiece with dimensions of 2000x430 millimeters from a steel sheet.
Apply the longitudinal axis of the product with a marker.
Fasten the workpiece to the workbench with clamps with a release for the edge, beat by 20 millimeters.
Make an edge fold 15 mm long at an angle of 180 °.
Remove the workpiece, turn it 180 ° and clamp it again with clamps with a 20 mm release.
Perform the second edge fold in the same way.
Reinstall the workpiece along the marking of the central axis, fix with clamps.
Bend to the desired angle, controlling it with a template.

The size of the blank depends on the format of the sheet available. Standard lengths of the ridge strip can be as follows: 100-1250-1500-2000 millimeters. The shorter this part, the more joints there will be during installation. The overlap is 10-15 centimeters.

Video: how to bend a sheet of metal at home

The design of the roof ridge is extremely simple, its installation does not require special knowledge and skills. This is also facilitated by the well thought-out design of the named roof element. Adhering to the safety rules and having one assistant, you can install the ridge within one day, thus completing the complex and responsible work of installing the roof.

Over the years of using metal roofs, it has established itself as a durable, reliable and affordable roofing material. It is more often used for roofs of a gable type, since sheets of thin and light metal with an extruded relief are perfect for DIY installation. The only weak point of such a roof is the angle between the slopes, unprotected from moisture and blown through. To quickly and aesthetically eliminate this defect requires the installation of a type-setting metal ridge.

Installation reasons

The junction between the two roof slopes is called the ridge joint. No matter how ideal the installation of the roofing material is, small gaps and gaps remain between the sheets. Not only does it look unaesthetic, an unsealed ridge causes the following problems in the operation of a metal roof:

The penetration of moisture into the cracks between the sheets of metal tiles. Water seeps into any, even minor gaps, penetrating under the roofing material and destroying the wooden elements of the rafter system.
Blowing cold air under the roof. An unsealed ridge is an abyss into which heated air leaves a heated house, this is a gap not only in the roof, but also in the budget, because to maintain the optimal temperature, more fuel and energy will be required.
Ventilation problems. Mounting the inlaid ridge on the metal tile will help to establish effective ventilation in the attic or attic. The air will be fresh there, without drafts.
Noise. Air, getting under the sheets of metal through the ridge, circulates and is divided into streams, which is why the roofing material is deformed and makes popping sounds.

Installation of the ridge makes the appearance of the metal tile roof harmonious and complete, preserves the healthy state of the wood of the truss system, increasing its useful life.

Assortment of inlaid skates

If earlier you had to think about how to equip the outer corner between the roof slopes, now it is enough to come to the hardware store and pick up the finished ridge in the color of the metal tile of the desired shape. Manufacturers offer the following options:

Semicircular models. A metal that is pressed into a semicircular shape. From the end sides, it is necessary to attach plugs to a type-setting ridge of this shape in order to close voids into which snow, water or wind can fall. The most expensive of the entire range of skates.
Direct models. Made in the shape of a rectangle, it is used for hip, gable, for the design of the ridge. Fastening a rectangular profile will cost less than a semicircular one, but such a connection will look simple.
Triangular patterns. They completely repeat the geometry of the angle between the slopes, so their installation does not imply the use of plugs. The cheapest way to finish metal roofing work.
Decorative patterns. They differ from other types of ridge in their purpose. Fastening decorative elements with narrow shelves does not solve the problem of waterproofing the gap between the joints, but simply gives a neat look.

When choosing a metal ridge connection, you need to pay attention to the width of the shelves and the presence of a fringe. Models without edging do not have enough rigidity to stay level when fastened with self-tapping screws. And narrow shelves, the width of which is less than 150-200 mm, are not able to effectively protect against the penetration of water and snow.

Seal selection

Professional roofers advise to inspect the condition of the ridge groove before starting work. If the installation of the metal tile was carried out correctly, then there should be no gaps thicker than 20 mm. Otherwise, a seal must be used. The following types are suitable for this:

Even if the joint between the slopes seems even, its insulation with a sealant before starting the ridge fastening will never be superfluous, because the service life of the roof and the safety of the attic interior finish depend on the tightness of the joints.

Installation sequence

In order for the skate to perform the functions assigned to it, the recommended installation technology must be observed. High-rise work is difficult to do alone, so it is better to get a couple of assistants. Installation must be done in the correct order:

When working with metal tiles, it is necessary to screw in self-tapping screws on the crest of its wave, use a rubber seal to isolate the holes from moisture ingress or special self-tapping screws, the rubber head of which performs the same protective functions. When performing installation, do not screw the screws too often or rarely, find a middle ground so that the metal tile does not "wave" from an excess of fasteners and does not "clap" in windy weather with a shortage.

Mounting on the ridge of metal additional elements will protect the roof from moisture ingress, save heat, however, during installation, do not forget about safety when working at height.

Video instruction

Roof ridge - a rib formed at the meeting point of roof slopes. The technology of installation of roofing materials is such that this area remains open after the completion of the work.
A ridge connection without additional protective measures is like an open window for the penetration of moisture, cold air, small birds and insects, despite the fact that we are talking only about a gap of 2-3 cm thick.This article will tell you how to make a ridge on the roof correctly.

Features of the ridge connection

Arrangement of the ridge connection is the last stage in the construction of the roof, however, its durability and reliability directly depend on this event. To make a ridge on the roof protected from moisture and wind with your own hands, you need to know the main tasks assigned to it:

Protection against moisture penetration. A section of the roof that is not protected by roofing material allows moisture to pass inside, leading to rotting and destruction of the rafter system.
Providing air circulation. Correctly mounted roof ridge serves as a ventilation gap through which heated air saturated with water vapor comes out. In the absence of ventilation, water from the steam settles on the elements of the rafter frame and the inner surface of the roofing material, leading to their premature deterioration.
Protection against the entry of small birds and insects. If you have not yet become a homeowner, but are just going, then you will be surprised how often birds equip their nests in the roof, penetrating there through minor cracks, let alone insects.
Giving a finished look. Among other things, the ridge plays the role of a decorative element that adorns the roof, giving it a complete elegant look. The aesthetic potential of hand-made ridge profiles is limited, but purchased models delight in a variety of shapes and colors.

Note! Roofing experts recommend purchasing the profile at the same time as the material for covering the slopes. To achieve an accurate color match, you should look for options from one manufacturer. Profiles for equipping the ridge connection are produced in the form of additional elements, the length of which is 2 m. To determine how many parts are needed, it is necessary to add 10-15% to the length of the roof along the eaves for overlap and fit.

Device and profile forms

The roof ridge is made of galvanized metal, asbestos cement, and ceramics. There are three forms of such products: simple, oval and with an u-shaped edge:

If you have no experience in construction, then the most obvious option is to install a simple ridge bar. To make it, it is tedious to purchase a metal corner with a 40-50 cm wide mounting shelves for better waterproofing.

Profile types

The choice of a profile for arranging a skate with your own hands is based not on aesthetic tastes, but on the practical tasks that it must perform. Therefore, ridge elements are selected depending on the material with which the roof is covered:

To make a ridge on the roof with your own hands, you should purchase a special ventilation tape, roofing felt or a highly diffuse membrane for waterproofing, roofing screws, a screwdriver, and a construction stapler.

Installation process

The installation quality of the ridge profile directly affects the effectiveness of protection against moisture penetration and air circulation. To avoid mistakes, follow the following guidelines from roofing masters:

When laying the roofing, step back a few centimeters from the upper part of the slope so that an auxiliary block is installed on the ridge beam to increase the height of the ridge.
Using a strip of highly diffuse membrane, film or roofing material, hydrosolate the edge between the slopes. Fix the waterproofing layer with a stapler and silicone sealant.
Take the ventilation tape, peel off the protective film from the adhesive side and apply along the ridge to both ramps. It is necessary so that the air freely escapes from under the roof, ventilating the rafter system, preventing it from rotting. To organize powerful forced ventilation, special ridge aerators made of plastic are used.
Begin the installation of the ridge profile from one of the ends of the house, taking it forward 2-3 cm outside the roof. After placing the first segment of the profile, check if it lies flat and fix it with a screwdriver and roofing screws. The step between the screws is 30-40 cm.
Put the second part on the first with an overlap of 7-10 cm, place it evenly and fix it. Continue mounting until you reach the other end of the roof. Move the last section of the roofing profile 2-3 cm outside the roof. Use metal scissors, a hacksaw or a grinder to fit and cut to size.
Insert special plugs into the end holes of the ridge profile if they are supplied with your chosen model.

Note! In building stores, ridge profiles are available that are suitable for different angles of roof slopes. Therefore, when going for a part for decorating a ridge, determine the exact slope and consult with the seller if the part you like suits you.

Video instruction

Ridge elements are one of the most important parts of the roof. It is located at the upper junction of the roof slopes, covering it. When installing the ridge, a number of additional elements are used. They greatly simplify installation and increase its quality. Correct installation of the roof ridge is important in terms of both the durability of the roof and the protection of the space under the roof and the premises of the house from moisture.

What is a roof ridge?

The roof ridge is a prefabricated structure placed horizontally on the roof ribs. Such structures are necessary for sloping roofs made of any kind of roofing materials. Roofing skates are installed both on permanent buildings and on outbuildings, gazebos, etc.

The most common are skates made of profiled metal sheets. Structurally, they are a corner element with bends flanged inward along the edges. The width of the bend is 1.5 cm. These skates are equipped with a number of additional parts and accessories. As a rule, they are made from the same materials as the main element. These include fasteners, washers, seals, etc. As a result, a sealed and reliable structure is assembled from all these parts, which prevents the roof from leaking.

When choosing roof skates, it is necessary to take into account what material the roof is made of, what is its color. It is important that the ridge element does not violate the architectural style of the building and is constructively suitable for a specific roof.

Different skates are used for different types of roofing. They are classified according to their shape, which is determined by the configuration and appearance of the roof.

The main types of ridge for metal roofs

Types of metal skates

Roof ridge should be selected and installed in such a way that it is almost invisible on the roof. During installation, they are additionally installed. For metal roofs, skates of the following shapes are used.

Semicircular. The profile of the structure forms a semicircle. It covers the edge formed by the ramps. From both ends, plugs are installed on the ridge, preventing the penetration of moisture inside and making the appearance of the element complete.
Straight. Has a rectangular shape, does not require the installation of plugs. Can be used for various pitched roof configurations.
Narrow. It is used as a decorative element on hipped roofs, gazebo roofs, spiers, etc.
Curved. It has a complicated profile, its end can be gable or straight.
Y-, T-shaped products. They are used when installing straight skates, fix them at their joints.
Additional elements for the ends. They are used in end pieces to cover gables.

Seals for additional elements

When installing skates on metal tiles, the use of seals is very important. Their function is to protect the inner space of the roof and premises of the house from moisture and precipitation. The correct choice and installation of seals is very important to protect the roof from leaks.

Regular roof leaks are a very common problem. Often, in order to solve it, the current roof is constantly repaired or completely overlapped. Meanwhile, in order to avoid leaks, it is necessary to ensure reliable sealing of the upper joint of the roof slopes. This is what the sealing elements are used for.

Their use gives the following advantages:

reliable protection of the space under the roof, attic and interior from leaks;
increasing the service life of the roof insulation;
protection of rafters and battens from moisture, decay and destruction.

According to the experience of Euromet engineers, the installation of seals during the installation of the roof ridge significantly increases the service life of the roof, and also improves the quality of sound insulation and wind protection.

The gaskets are installed before installing the ridge element. They should be located between it and the roof slopes. The use of sealing elements is mandatory for hipped roofs, as well as where the ridge is located diagonally to the slope of the slope.

There are three main types of sealing elements:

universal;
profile;
self-expanding.

Universal seals are made from polyurethane foam. They provide isolation by working like a filter. The material allows air to pass through, while retaining snow and dirt, as well as preventing moisture from accumulating under the roofing.

Profile products are made of polyethylene foam. They are selected for the specific size and shape of the ridge element.

Self-expanding seals are made from polymer impregnated polyurethane foam. Acrylic is most often used for impregnation. The seal is self-adhesive. On its surface there is an adhesive layer covered with a protective strip. Such products can be used to fill any voids and crevices.

Installation of a ridge on a metal tile

The ridge element should cover the upper edges of the sheets, tying the abutting slopes.

Installation diagram of a semicircular ridge

Attention! The shelves of the ridge corner must have a width of at least 15 cm. If the width is smaller, in winter, with strong winds, snow may fall on the attic.

Roof skates should be flanged. Products without flanges are less stiff and look worse.

When calculating the required number of ridge parts, the main parameter is the length of the ribs. In this case, an overlap of 5 cm (or more) is performed between adjacent parts. This overlap must also be taken into account.

To mount the ridge, you will need a screwdriver or an electric drill, a ladder and a safety cable, a construction cord and a sufficient number of self-tapping screws. According to the experience of Euromet's installers, it is better if the work is carried out by 2-3 people, since any movement along the edges of the roof is very difficult.

Installation is carried out as follows.

Before mounting, check that the ridge axle is level. The joint of the upper edges of the slopes should not have curvature or deviations. A slight curvature within 2 cm over the entire length of the axis is acceptable - it will not affect the installation of the ridge. If the deviations are more serious, they must be corrected.
A layer of glass wool or industrial seals described above is laid in the ridge grooves. It must be laid not too tightly so as not to disturb the ventilation. Glass wool will provide additional protection from wind and precipitation. It is recommended to lay it even if the width of the shelves of the additional elements exceeds 20 cm.
At the edges of the roof, the ridge end elements are installed. If they are semicircular, the plugs must be installed immediately.
Next, the rest of the ridge parts are laid. They are stacked sequentially and aligned along the top line of the ramp. The parts of the ridge overlap with each other, the overlap should be at least 5 cm. It is important to constantly monitor the correctness of the elements' laying - their edges should be on the same line, without distortions. To control the ridge line, a construction cord is used: it is pulled into the level along the junction of the slopes and serves as a guide during installation. The elements are attached to the ridge bar.
After the ridge has been laid down and leveled, its final fixation is carried out using screws. The ridge elements are attached to the ridges of the metal tile with screws with a pitch of at least 0.8 m.