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When most homeowners in Stark, Summit, or Portage Counties think about protecting their homes from nuisance wildlife, they picture obvious trouble spots—chimneys, soffits, or gaps in siding. But one of the most vulnerable and commonly overlooked areas on a roof is the ridge vent.
At Frontline Animal Removal, we work on homes across the Canton, Akron, and Kent area every week, and ridge vent issues are something we spot frequently. These vents are designed to ventilate the attic by allowing hot air and moisture to escape. When installed correctly, they help prevent mold, ice dams, and heat buildup. But when installed incorrectly, they create a perfect wildlife entry point.
Recently, during an inspection, we found a ridge vent that hadn’t yet let animals inside—but it was well on its way. And the problem came down to something surprisingly simple: the wrong nails.
A Ridge Vent That’s a “Future Problem”
The ridge vent on this home wasn’t failing today—but it was almost guaranteed to cause a nuisance wildlife intrusion in the near future. Even though no bats or squirrels had entered the attic yet, the vent was loose enough that you could slide a hand underneath it. That’s a red flag.
Why was it loose?
Because the installers used smooth-shank nails that were too short, rather than long, ring-shank nails designed for secure holding power. Over time, Ohio’s temperature swings cause roof materials to expand and contract. When the wrong nails are used, they pop out little by little. Eventually, the ridge vent lifts, leaving gaps along the ridge line.
Those gaps become entry doors for:
- Bats
- Squirrels
- Birds
- Mice
Even a tiny space—⅜ of an inch—is all a bat needs to enter an attic.
Video Overview: What Ryan Found on the Roof
In the video accompanying this post, Ryan walks viewers through the exact issues visible on this particular ridge vent—and why the homeowner is almost certain to face a wildlife issue if the vent isn’t corrected.
Here are the key moments shown in the video:
1. The Ridge Vent Is Barely Attached
Ryan demonstrates that the ridge vent is essentially being held in place by gravity alone. He slides his hand fully underneath the vent—something that should never be possible if a ridge vent is properly installed.
He explains:
“It’s basically sitting on there simply by the act of gravity.”
This means nothing is securing the vent tight against the shingles.
2. Wrong Nails = Future Wildlife Problem
Ryan points out that the roofers used nails that were too short and lacked the textured barbs (ring-shanks) needed to grip into the roof decking. As he puts it:
“The roofers used the wrong nails. They used nails that are too short, and they didn’t use the nails that have little barbs around the shank… So there’s nothing holding these nails into the roof securely.”
Because of that, animals will eventually exploit the ridge vent:
“Eventually animals will get underneath it… in particular bats and squirrels.”
3. The Ridge Vent Material Requires Long Nails
Ryan demonstrates the thickness of the ridge vent and how many layers the nails must penetrate:
- The ridge vent itself
- Two to three layers of shingles
- The roof decking
4. A Common Problem Roofers Overlook
Ryan explains that he sees this issue constantly, and he pays attention to it because wildlife frequently uses these weak points to enter homes:
“I see it all the time… The only reason why I pay attention to it is because of the critters.”
And he ends with a simple message for homeowners getting new roofs:
“Make sure they do the ridge venting correctly… If they’re not using nails that are long enough, you’re gonna have a problem.”
The Wildlife Risks of a Loose Ridge Vent
A ridge vent that lifts even slightly becomes a perfect access point. Once animals enter your attic, you may face:
From Bats:
- Droppings (guano)
- Odors and staining
- Potential disease exposure
From Squirrels:
- Chewed wiring (fire hazard)
- Nesting in insulation
- Noisy early-morning activity
From Birds:
- Nest debris
- Parasites and mites
No matter what animals get in, the damage always grows over time.
Permanent Protection with Ridge Guard
Ridge-Guard for Ridge Vents
To correct an improperly installed ridge vent—or seal a ridge vent that wildlife has already discovered—we install Ridge Guard, a specially engineered product that reinforces the entire ridge line against animal intrusion.
Ridge Guard:
- Secures loose ridge vents
- Prevents wildlife from prying or chewing entry points
- Maintains proper attic ventilation
- Provides a long-term, professional-grade barrier
Once installed, the ridge vent becomes one of the strongest parts of the roof instead of one of the weakest.
Ensuring Proper Ridge Vent Installation
If you’re having a new roof installed or your ridge vent replaced, insist that your contractor uses:
- Ring-shank nails (for grip)
- Nails long enough to penetrate all layers
- Consistent fastening along the entire ridge
- Proper alignment and seating of the vent
Small shortcuts during installation lead to big wildlife problems later.
Call Frontline Animal Removal Before Wildlife Moves In
If you notice:
- A lifted ridge vent
- Popped nails
- Gaps along the ridge line
- Strange noises in your attic
…it’s time to call the professionals.
Frontline Animal Removal provides:
- Wildlife inspections
- Animal removal
- Ridge vent reinforcement and repair
- Installation of Ridge Guard
- Long-term prevention solutions
We proudly serve homeowners across Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties, including Canton, Akron, and Kent.
Protect Your Home Today
Don’t wait until animals move into your attic.
Whether you need wildlife removed, a ridge vent repaired, or permanent protection installed, Frontline Animal Removal is here to keep your home safe and animal-free.