What Is the Top Ridge on a Roof?

Ridge-Free Roofs

• Only sloped roofs have a ridge, as the main objective of a ridge is to intersect two sloped planes of roof. Ridges are present on most sloped roofs, whether the angle of slope is low or steep. The exception to this rule is a shed roof, which is also known as a lean-to. A lean-to roof has a single plane that slopes upward until it ends at the highest point of the roof. The lean-to style is popular on sheds, home additions and porches. Mansard roofs, which provide the highest sloped roofs available, are also ridge-free. A Mansard roof has four sloped roofing planes that meet at the top to form a flat roof. Pyramid hip roofs, which contain four asymmetrical planes of roof, are also considered ridge-free because all four sides meet at a point at the top of the home.

Gable Roof Ridges

• The type of ridge varies based on the roof style of the home. Gable roofs, which are the most commonly constructed roofs in America, have one single ridge with equally sloped ridges on either side. Gabled roofs may cross with a second ridge at a perpendicular angle to form a cross-gabled roof, with both ridges connecting equal planes.

Hip Roof Ridges

• With a hip roof, the ridge connects four planes, not two. Like a gable roof, a hip roof's four planes are symmetrical and rise on each side to meet at the uppermost point. The opposite sides of a hip roof resemble triangles, while the secondary opposite sides are flat planes of roof. Also like gable roofs, a hip roof may have another ridge that is perpendicular to the first, which is known as a cross-hipped roof.

Ridge Elements

• The ridge of a home is covered by a tile or roof covering that is known as a ridge cap. The ridge cap protects the ridge of the home from weather elements or wear. Located beneath the ridge, a ridge vent helps vent out moist, warm air from the attic or rafter cavity below.