Integrated tile ridge vent system

Abstract

An integrated tile ridge vent system which more efficiently vents hot air along a ridge of a tile roof includes a structural sheet material formed to provide two opposing sides having feet and vents alternating along the length of the two sides. The feet provide a contact area for fastening to a roof structure, while the vents provide an opening between each of the feet to vent hot air from a tile roof ridge. A screen may be provided to screen the vents, preventing intrusion of pests and debris through the vents. Installed along a roof ridge having a gap formed by decking or sheathing materials, the vents of vent system provide elongated slots under the tiles for releasing hot air from an attic, crawl space or living area, which rises due to thermo convection of the hot air, cooling a structure and reducing humidity by releasing warm, moist air from the structure.

1 . An integrated tile ridge vent system for use in venting hot air along a ridge of a tile roof structure, the vent system comprising:
 a structural sheet material formed to comprise:   a roof ridge having two opposing sides joined by a ridge such that a channel is formed, each of the two opposing sides having a plurality of feet that extend outwardly at an angle from each of the two opposing sides such that the feet each provide a fastening region for attaching the vent system to the tile roof structure, and each of the two opposing sides having a plurality of vents formed between a plurality of feet such that hot air is vented through the plurality of vents.   
   
   
       2 . The vent system of  claim 1 , further comprising a screen inserted along an inside surface of at least one of the two opposing sides. 
   
   
       3 . The vent system of  claim 2 , wherein the screen is U-shaped and is inserted along the inside surfaces of both of the two opposing sides, such that each of the plurality of vents are screened by the screen. 
   
   
       4 . The vent system of  claim 3 , wherein the screen is attached to the inside surface of one of the two opposing sides such that each of the plurality of vents of the respective one of the two opposing sides are screened by the screen. 
   
   
       5 . The vent system of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the plurality of vents are spaced at regular intervals along at least one of the two opposing sides, and a length of plurality of the plurality of vents is greater than length of the plurality of feet disposed there between. 
   
   
       6 . The vent system of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the plurality of feet are spaced at an interval length of about 12 inches. 
   
   
       7 . The vent system of  claim 1 , wherein the structural sheet material is of a galvanized steel. 
   
   
       8 . A roof structure, comprising:
 trusses forming a ridge;   decking attached to the trusses such that a gap is formed at the ridge;   an integrated tile ridge vent system of  claim 1  attached to the decking using fasteners through a plurality of the plurality of feet and into the decking; and   a plurality of ridge tiles adhered over the integrated tile ridge vent system of  claim 1 .   
   
   
       9 . The structure of  claim 8 , wherein the integrated tile ridge vent system includes a screen screening at least one of the plurality vents. 
   
   
       10 . The structure of  claim 9 , wherein the screen is U-shaped and is inserted in the channel such that a plurality of the plurality of vents of both of the two opposing sides is screened by the screen. 
   
   
       11 . The structure of  claim 9 , wherein the screen is attached to an inside surface of at least one of the two opposing sides.