Abstract:
A ridge vent for tile roofs. The vent includes first and second sub-flashing portions for spanning air gaps provided between the upper reaches of a roof deck and below a centrally located ridge beam. A plurality of ventilation apertures are provided in each of the sub-flashing portions. A top cap flashing is provided for attachment above the ridge beam. Included in the top cap flashing are a plurality of ventilation apertures defined by edge wall portions. A tile roof is provided, of the flat, low profile undulating, or of the S-tile (undulating) type. Tiles are provided in rows up to the edge of the sub-flashing. The gap between the top of the tiles and the bottom of the top cap flashing is preferably provided with a weathertight seal. Ridge cap tiles are provided in conventional stacked fashion running along above the top cap flashing. As a result, a generally triangular ventilation gap is provided along and below the lateral edges of the ridge cap tile, which allows air to enter and leave the attic space below the tile roof, while providing high resistance to wind blown water.

Description:
PRIORITY 
   This application is a Continuation application and claims priority under 35 USC § 120 of non-provisional application Ser. No. 09/905,585 filed on Jul. 12, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,509 which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of prior U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/218,023 filed on Jul. 12, 2000, the disclosure of each is incorporated herein by this reference. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   This invention relates to ridge type roof vents, and more particularly to a novel ridge type roof vent designed for placement on the ridge of a tile roof, including heavy or light tiles, whether slate, clay, or of similar looking material, to allow ventilation of the space below the tile roof. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Although a variety of designs exist for roof vents, historically, “ridge type” roof vents have not been widely used for tile roofs. This is rather easy to understand, since although such a design would reduce the number of roof penetrations necessary to achieve adequate ventilation, the cumbersome and weighty nature of roof tiles has not been generally conducive to incorporation of a ridge type vent system in the roof design. And, although a few designs have been proposed or actually used, in so far as is known to us, prior art ridge vent designs have not adequately addressed the problem of preventing ingress of wind blown water, as might occur during a thunderstorm or hurricane, for example. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a new ridge vent design that is resistant to entry of wind blown water, especially if such a design were provided in a structurally strong, low profile, artistically pleasing ridge top roof vent system suitable for tile roofs or the like. 
   SUMMARY 
   We have invented a novel ridge type roof vent for incorporation in tile or tile type roof applications. The ridge vent design may be easily adapted for various tile roofs, ranking from flat tile to high profile (undulating design) tile roof structures. The ridge vent design is simple and strong enough to support the necessary tile and weather loads (wind, water, snow, ice, etc.), even though relatively lightweight. The roof vent designs are relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture, and otherwise superior to heretofore known roof vent designs for tile roofs. Importantly, my ridge type roof vent for tile roofs provides exemplary protection against entry of wind driven water, as well as unwanted debris, insects, or vermin, while allowing a preselected ventilation volume per running foot of installed roof vent. 
   The new ridge vent design utilizes (a) a pair of opposing sub-flashing portions, each having therein a longitudinally running, preferably substantially vertically oriented vent apertures that allow passage of air therethrough, and (b) a top cap portion, having therein longitudinally running vent apertures spaced a preselected distance from the center longitudinal axis thereof. 
   Each of the sub-flashing portions spans a gap in the roofing deck adjacent the longitudinally running ridge support. Preferably, a top batten is longitudinally attached above the sub-flashing to affix the sub-flashing to the roof deck. Tiles are mounted above the top batten, in conventional fashion, sloping down the roof. 
   An elongated top cap portion is then affixed above the ridge beam. The top cap portion supports the ridge cap tiles. Also, when a low profile or S-type tile design is utilized, an appropriate weather block is affixed between the top of the undulating tile and the lower side of the top cap portion. In a flat tile design, the underside of the top cap is directly sealed to the top of the adjacent flat tiles. 
   OBJECTS, ADVANTAGES, AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION 
   An important and primary object of the present invention resides in the provision of a novel, ridge type vent that is easy to manufacture and install on tile type roofs. Other important objects, advantages, and novel features include a ridge vent which: 
   can be manufactured in a simple, straightforward manner; 
   in conjunction with the preceding object, have the advantage that they can be configured by installation personnel to quickly and efficiently utilize the method disclosed herein to provide a ridge vent in a tile roof; 
   provides a ridge type vent that is fully protective from windblown debris, large insects, and vermin; and 
   that are structurally designed to provide sturdy support for heavy tiles; 
   that provide appropriate variations in the design for use in either flat tile roofs or in undulating type tile roofs. 
   Other aspects of various embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing and from the detailed description that follows and the appended claims, evaluated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     In order to enable the reader to attain a more complete appreciation of the invention, and of the novel features and the advantages thereof, attention is directed to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary ridge vent system installed in a flat type tile roof, showing the use of the sub-flashing to span a gap in the roof deck, and a ventilated top cap flashing that supports a tile cap. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the ridge vent system shown in  FIG. 1 , now showing the various parts and pieces that make up the system, including (a) a roof decking having therein voids defined by sidewall portions to allow upward flow of ventilation air through the roof deck, (b) first and second sub-flashing portions, one for each side of the roof, (c) first and second battens for securing the first and second sub-flashing portions, respectively, (d) a ridge beam that extends longitudinally across the ridge of a roof, (e) a top cap flashing portion that is mounted above the ridge beam, and over which a top cap or ridge-cap row of tiles is mounted. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of the vent apertures in flashing, provided to more clearly show construction details of vent apertures. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective of the roof first shown in  FIG. 1 , now showing construction details, including the installation of first and second sub flashing portions, and a top flashing portion which is covered by a top cap row of roofing tiles. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the roof vent system first illustrated in  FIG. 1  above taken across line  5 — 5  of  FIG. 1 , now showing the ridge cap tiles at a longitudinal location where the lateral edges extend down to the flashing. 
       FIG. 6  shows a side view of a finished roof with ridge vent, installed utilizing the ridge vent system disclosed herein, and, in particular, illustrates the generally triangular space below the outer edge of slanted ridge-cap tiles which allows ventilation air to escape outward. 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the ridge vent system installed in a low profile S-type roofing, further illustrating the version which is useful in “S-tile” or “undulating” type tile roof construction, here showing the use of sub-flashing on both sides of the ridge beam, and a top beam mounted above the ridge beam to support ridge-cap tiles. 
       FIG. 8  is a vertical cross-section of a ridge top roof vent installed on a roof having low profile type roofing types as just illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective of view of a ridge vent system adapted for use in S-tile roofing. 
       FIG. 10  is a vertical cross-section of a ridge top roof vent installed on a roof having an S-tile roof as just illustrated I  FIG. 9  above. 
       FIG. 11  is a top plan view of a section of subflashing, shown flat during manufacture of the subflashing, before the subflashing is formed and shaped for installation. 
       FIG. 12  is a close up view of a portion of  FIG. 11 , taken to more clearly show construction details of vent apertures. 
       FIG. 13  is yet a closer view of a portion of the sub-flashing shown in  FIG. 12 , provided to more clearly show construction details of one exemplary type of vent apertures. 
       FIG. 14  is a top plan view of a section of top cap flashing for a flat type tile roof, shown flat during manufacture of the top cap flashing, before the top cap flashing is shaped for installation. 
       FIG. 15  is a close-up view of a portion of  FIG. 14 , taken to more clearly show construction details of the top cap flashing. 
       FIG. 16  is yet a closer view of a portion of the top cap shown in  FIG. 7 , provided to more clearly show construction details of the top cap flashing. 
       FIG. 17  is a top plan view of a section of sub-flashing, shown flat during manufacture of the sub-flashing for an undulating tile roof, before the sub-flashing is formed and shaped for installation. 
       FIG. 18  is a close up view of a portion of  FIG. 17 , taken to more clearly show construction details of vent apertures. 
       FIG. 19  is yet a closer view of a portion of the sub-flashing shown in  FIG. 18 , provided to more clearly show construction details of one exemplary type of vent apertures. 
       FIG. 20  is a top plan view of a section of top cap flashing for use on an undulating type tile roof, shown flat during manufacture of the top cap flashing, before the top cap flashing is shaped for installation. 
       FIG. 21  is a close-up view of a portion of  FIG. 20 , taken to more clearly show construction details of the top cap flashing. 
       FIG. 22  is yet a closer view of a portion of the top cap shown in  FIG. 21 , provided to more clearly show construction details of the top cap flashing. 
   

   The foregoing figures, being merely exemplary, contain various elements that may be present or omitted from actual implementations depending upon the circumstances. An attempt has been made to draw the figures in a way that illustrates at least those elements that are significant for an understanding of the various embodiments and aspects of the invention. However, various other elements of the ridge vent system and accompanying roofing system are also shown and briefly described to enable the reader to understand how various optional features may be utilized in order to provide an efficient, ridge vent. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Attention is directed to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , where respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional view are shown of a ridge vent system installed in a flat tile type roof system  28 . Roof rafters  30  and  32  have ridge ends  34  and  36  ending at a center beam  38 . Above the center beam  38  is mounted a longitudinally running ridge beam  40  which extends across the roof system. First  42  and second  44  roof decking is affixed above the upper sides  46  and  48  of the respective rafters  30  and  32 . Either through roof deck  42 , or preferably above the upper end  49  of first roof deck  42  and up to the first side  50  of ridge beam  40 , a first air gap G 1  is provided. First air gap G 1  is provided to allow air to flow upward or downward in the direction of reference arrows  60  and  62 , respectively. Between the upper end  64  of second roof deck  44  and the second side  66  of ridge beam  40 , a second air gap G 2  is provided to allow air to flow upward or downward in the direction of reference arrows  70  and  72 , respectively. 
   A first longitudinally extending sub-flashing  80  having a plurality of ventilation apertures A 1  therein is provided to span gap G 1 . A second longitudinally extending sub-flashing  84  having a plurality of apertures A 2  therein is provided to span gap G 2 . A first top batten  90  is provided to affix first sub-flashing  80  to the first roof deck  42 . A second top batten  92  is provided to affix the second sub-flashing  84  to the second roof deck  44 . Each of first and second top battens  90  and  92  may be secured to first and second roof decks  42  and  44 , respectively, by nails or other suitable fasteners N as indicated in  FIG. 2 . First water proof roof felting  96  is provided above first roof deck  42 , below flat tiles generally noted with reference numeral  100 , but in this case, more specifically shown as  100   1  and  100   2 . A second water proof roof felting  102  is provided above second roof deck  44 , below flat tiles  100   3  and  100   4 . 
   A top cap flashing  120  is mounted over the top  122  of ridge beam  40 . The top cap flashing  120  is longitudinally extending to support a plurality of ridge cap tiles  130 , or as more specifically identified, cap tiles in a series from  130   1 ,  130   2 , to  130   Z , where Z is a positive integer. In the embodiment shown in this  FIG. 1 , the top cap flashing  120  has a downwardly directed U-shaped center section  132  and a pair of opposing first and second outward wing portions  134  and  136 , each of which may be bounded at the outer tip T thereof by a an upwardly directed flange portion F. Preferably, a sealant layer S is provided between the lower side  138  and  140  of wing portions  134  and  136 , respectively, and the adjacent tiles  100   1  and  100   3 , respectively. 
   In  FIG. 1 , a view of an exemplary ridge vent flashing is in place on a roof, showing the position of (a) the sub-flashing  80  and  84 , and (b) the top cap flashing  120 , and including flat tile roofing  100  and the longitudinally oriented ridge cap tiles  130 . Also, the various figures provide general views of certain embodiments, without limitation as to details of exact size, for convenience of stocking distributors and for contractor installation, one set of exemplary dimensions for my ridge vent system as applied to flat type tile roofs can be provided, as detailed in  FIGS. 11 ,  12 , and  13 . For example, sub-flashing  80  and  84  can be provided in convenient widths, often of about 6.5 inch width, when measured flat, before forming into an “S” shape for installation, and in standard lengths of 48 inches. Also, I have found it convenient to provide apertures A 1  and A 2  spaced at about 0.25 inch centers vertically (Y dimension) and at about 0.20 inch centers longitudinally (X dimension) as also noted in  FIG. 3 . Also, for strength of sub-flashing  80  and  84 , I have found it useful to provide apertures A 1  and A 2  in rectangular strips of about 10.8 inches long, and slightly over one inch wide, with about 1.2 inch strips of solid metal provided longitudinally between rectangular strips of apertures, and with the first aperture spaced about 1.1 inches from the edge E (see  FIG. 12  for this detail). However, these are merely exemplary embodiments and the actual dimensions and sizes may be varied to suit individual needs, without varying from the more general teachings hereof. 
   Turning now to the top cap  120 ,  FIG. 14  shows a top plan view of a 48 inch long section of top cap flashing  120  for a flat type tile roof, shown flat during manufacture of the top cap flashing in a 14.25 inch width, before the top cap flashing  120  is shaped for installation in the roofing system. Apertures A 3  and A 4  are provided in generally rectangular strips of about 10.8 inches long, longitudinally spaced apart by solid strengthening portions  150  of about 1.2 inches long, longitudinally (see  FIGS. 15 and 16  for this detail). Also, it has been found it convenient to provide apertures A 3  and A 4  spaced at about 0.25 inch centers vertically and at about 0.20 inch centers longitudinally (see  FIG. 15  for this detail). Drain holes  152  are provided, about 0.1875 inches in diameter and spaced inward from tip T about 0.75 inches and spaced longitudinally apart about 2 inches or so (compare  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 6  for these details). 
   Returning now to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , a series of steps in an exemplary method for installing a ridge vent system for flat type tile roofs is shown. A first step in a method of installation of a ridge vent in a flat tile roof system is shown in  FIG. 2 , wherein the roof decks  42  and  44  are is cut back to provide an air flow space, optionally, but not necessarily U-shaped, defined by edge wall portions  154 , and providing space between roof decks  42  or  44  and the center beam  38 . Next, a second step involves covering the roof decking  44  with felt  102  prior to tile installation. Next, a third step in a method of installation of the ridge vent in a flat tile roof system, involves installing (a) the sub-flashing  84  is installed, and (b) securing the sub-flashing by use of a top batten  92  which is nailed over the sub-flashing  84 , to hold the sub-flashing  84  in place over deck  44 . It is easily understood that the first sub-flashing  80  and first batten  90  are similarly installed, either before or after installation of the second sub-flashing and the second batten. Now, a fourth step in a method of installation of a ridge vent in a flat tile roof, includes centering the top cap  120  and fastening it to the ridge beam  40 . the top cap flashing  120  is preferably fastened to the ridge beam  40  using a #6 or better galvanized roofing nails N spaced 12 inch on center. Further, as best seen in  FIG. 5 , a bead of caulking S is used to seal between the bottom  156  of first wing  134  and tile  100   1 , and between the bottom  158  of second wing  136  and tile  100   3 . 
   In  FIG. 4 , a fifth step in a method of installation of a ridge vent in a flat type tile roof is shown, wherein the “ridge cap” tiles  130  are centered over the top cap flashing  120 , and sealed together per the tile manufacturer&#39;s specifications. 
   To understand the functionality, it should be recognized that air escapes outward (or inward, as the case may be) between the ridge tiles  130  and the top cap flashing  120 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 6  between adjacent ridge tiles  130 , a slight triangular shaped gap is created between bottom edges  160  and  162 . and the upper surface  164  of the top cap flashing  120  therebelow. In  FIGS. 1 and 6 , the gap is indicated by the area between bottom edges  160  and  162  and the broken line of position  170  therebelow. In other words, from the line of position indicated in broken lines, to the bottom edges  160  and  164  of the ridge tiles  130  directly thereabove, a gap exists through which an adequate amount of ventilation air can escape, as indicated by arrows V in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 6 . Of course, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a first laid ridge tile  130   1  may be provided flat against top cap flashing  120 , or, alternately, a suitable height block may be provided to allow ventilation to occur. 
   Attention is now directed to  FIGS. 7 through 10 , where the installation of an exemplary ridge vent in two types of S-tile or “undulating” tile roof is shown. First, in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the installation of tile in a low profile type undulating roof is shown. Roof rafters  230  and  232  have ridge ends  234  and  236  ending at a center beam  238 . Above the center beam  238  is mounted a longitudinally running ridge beam  240  which extends across the roof system. First  242  and second  244  roof decking is affixed above the upper sides  246  and  248  of the respective rafters  230  and  232 . Between the upper end  250  of first roof deck  242  and first side  254  of the ridge beam  240 , an air gap G 3  is provided to allow air to flow upward or downward in the direction of reference arrow  260 . Between the upper end  264  of second roof deck  244  and the second side  266  of ridge beam  240 , an air gap G 4  is provided to allow air to flow upward or downward in the direction of reference arrow  270 . 
   A first longitudinally extending sub-flashing  280 , preferably but not necessarily in a general S-shape, and having a plurality of ventilation apertures A 5  therein is provided to span gap G 3 . A second longitudinally extending sub-flashing  280 , preferably but not necessarily in a general S-shape, and having a plurality of apertures A 6  therein is provided to span gap G 4 . A first top batten  290  is provided to affix first sub-flashing  280  to the first roof deck  242 . A second top batten  292  is provided to affix the second sub-flashing  282  to the second roof deck  244 . Each of first and second top battens  290  and  292  may be secured to first and second roof decks  242  and  244 , respectively, by nails or other suitable fasteners N (not shown). Also, a water proof roof felting  296  is provided above first roof deck  242 . A similar waterproof roof felting  202  is provided above decking  244 . Low profile type roof tiles  200  are shown affixed on the roof. 
   A top cap flashing  220  is mounted over the top  222  of ridge beam  230 . The top cap flashing  220  is longitudinally extending to support a plurality of ridge cap tiles  290 , as clearly shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the top cap flashing  220  has a relatively flat, outwardly spreading center section  232  with a slight downward U-shape, and a pair of opposing first and second outward wing portions  234  and  236 , each of which may be bounded at the outer tip T thereof by a an upwardly directed flange portion F. Placement of overlapping ridge cap tiles  290 , and resultant generally triangular air gap below the outer edges  292  and  294  thereof, is generally as just described above with respect to the flat tile type of ridge cap. 
   In  FIGS. 17 through 22 , I have provided a set of exemplary detailed dimensions for one embodiment of a ridge vent system as applied to undulating tile type roofs. For example, sub-flashing  280  and  284  can be provided in about a 8.5 inch width, when measured flat, before forming into an “S” shape for installation, and in standard lengths of 48 inches (see  FIG. 17  for this detail). Also, it is convenient to provide apertures A 6  and A 7  spaced at about 0.25 inch centers laterally and at about 0.20 inch centers longitudinally (see  FIG. 19  for this detail). Also, for strength of sub-flashing  280  and  284 , it is useful, but not necessary, to provide apertures A 6  and A 7  in rectangular strips of about 10.8 inches long, and slightly over one inch wide, with about 1.2 inch strips of solid metal provided longitudinally between rectangular strips of apertures, and with the first aperture spaced about 1.1 inches from the edge E (see  FIG. 18  for this detail). 
   Attention is now directed to  FIG. 20 , where the top cap  220  is shown. In this figure, a top plan view of a 48 inch long section of top cap flashing  220  for an S-tile type roof is provided, shown flat during manufacture of the top cap flashing in a 15.5 inch width, before the top cap flashing  220  is shaped into generally recognized W-shape for installation in a roofing system. Apertures A 7  and A 8  are provided in generally rectangular strips of about 10.8 inches long, longitudinally spaced apart by solid strengthening portions  250  of about 1.2 inches long (see  FIGS. 21 and 22  for this detail). Also, I have found it convenient to provide apertures A 7  and A 8  spaced at about 0.25 inch centers laterally and at about 0.20 inch centers longitudinally (see  FIG. 22  for this detail). Drain holes  252  are provided, about 0.1875 inches in diameter and spaced inward from tip T about 0.75 inches and spaced longitudinally apart about 2 inches or so (see  FIG. 20  for these details). 
   A method of installing a ridge vent system for an S-tile (undulating) type tile roof system can be easily understood in view of the previously provided method for installing an exemplary roof vent system for a flat tile roof. A first step in a method of installation of an exemplary ridge vent in an S-tile roof system is shown, wherein the roof deck  244  is cut back from the center beam  238  and the ridge beam  240  in the roof, to provide an aperture defined by edge wall  299 . A second step in a method of installation of a ridge vent in an S-type tile roof system is to cover roof decking  244  with a conventional roofing felt  296  prior to installation of the tiles  200 . Next, a third step in a method of installation of a ridge vent in an S-tile roof system, involves (a) installing the sub-flashing  284 , and (b) installing a top batten  292  by nailing it over the sub-flashing  284 , to hold the sub-flashing  284  in place. Although the second sub-flashing and second batten installation procedure is discussed, it is easily understood that the first sub-flashing  280  and first batten  290  are similarly installed, either before or after installation of the second sub-flashing and the second batten. Now, a fourth step in a method of installation of a ridge vent in an S-tile roof, involves centering the top cap  220  and fastening it to the ridge beam  240 ; this is preferably accomplished using a #6 or better galvanized roofing nails N spaced 12 inch on center. Finally, a fifth step in an exemplary method of installation of a ridge vent in a tile roof system is to install the “ridge cap” tiles  290 , centered over the top cap  220  flashing, and sealing the ridge cap tiles per the tile manufacturer&#39;s specifications. 
   In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , yet another embodiment of a ridge vent for tile roofs is illustrated, wherein the top cap flashing  320  includes a slight downwardly U-shaped center section  322 . This top cap flashing section  320  is provided with apertures A 9  and A 10  each of which are defined by edge portions, preferably as illustrated in  FIG. 3  with respect to apertures A 1 . Wing portions  334  and  336  are similar to portion  234  and  236  previously described. Otherwise, larger S-shaped tiles  396  are provided, but remaining parts are structurally and functionally the same as previously identified with respect to the discussion of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and thus the parts are identified accordingly. 
   In the various sub-flashing and top cap flashing designs, apertures are provided for passage of air therethrough. It is also a desirable function of such apertures, whether A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 4 , A 6 , A 7 , or A 8  to resist the passage of water therethrough. Consequently, note that an exemplary design applicable to any of the just mentioned apertures is set forth in  FIG. 3 . Rather than the provision of a mere punched hole, in one embodiment it has been found desirable to provide the apertures in an outwardly directed “volcano” or “cheese grater” shape, wherein water that is wind blown from the outside does not funnel toward passage through the aperture. In contrast, water would have to hit the aperture opening itself, since sloping sidewalls  400  provide for a narrow throat  402  that ends at the interior periphery (circumference  404  as shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the preferably annular face portion  406 . Thus, the “volcano” shaped vent apertures protrude, in the outward direction (against ingress of water) for a preselected height H, as shown in  FIG. 3 , which height H may vary depending upon the desired ventilation and water intrusion results to be achieved. And, as currently seen in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10 , ingress of water is further thwarted when the intermost aperture A 9  in the top cap flashing  320  is laterally outward with respect to the intermost aperture (below A 5 ) in the subflashing  280 , for example. 
   Although the various embodiments of an exemplary ridge vent design have been described herein in detail, it is important to note that such ridge vents have been tested according to the Metro Dade County Florida Number PA100(A)-95 Test Procedure for Wind and Wind Driven Rain Resistance, and the designs described herein passed such testing. In particular, the test results indicated that there was no lift of movement of any tile or ridge vent components during the test. Also, the amount of water which entered through the vent opening during the test was well below the regulatory limits. In one test, 830,720 ml of water was delivered to an 8 foot by 6 foot test roofing area during 50 minutes of testing. In that test, the maximum amount of water infiltration allowable, per the test procedure, was 0.05% of the water delivered to the test area. Given the delivered quantity of water, a maximum of 415 ml was the regulatory limit established for the test. However, the novel ridge vent system disclosed and claimed herein was able to limit water passage to a total of only 194 ml; in other words only 0.023% of the water which was applied to the roof deck tested actually passed through the ridge vent system. 
   In another test, where the ridge vent system was tested on a High Profile Spanish “S” Tile type roof, a total of 830,720 ml of water was delivered to an 8 foot by 6 foot test area during 50 minutes of testing. Again, the maximum amount of water infiltration per the test procedure was 0.05% of the water delivered to the test area, or, given the delivered quantity of water, a maximum of 415 ml of leakage was permissible during the test. However, the test, as conducted by outside engineering experts, determined that only 1 ml of water (0.0001%) of the water applied to the test deck entered the vent opening throughout the test. It is interesting that a portion of the two tests involved simulated rainfall of 8.8 inches per hour during wind velocity tests of 35 mph, 70 mph, 90 mph, and 110 mph. Moreover, during the tests, there was no lift or movement of tile or vent components. These results were totally unexpected by the test facility. Thus, the performance of the ridge vent design set forth herein represents an important advance in the state of the art of ridge vents for tile roofs. 
   It is to be appreciated that the novel ridge vent system provided by way of the present invention is a significant improvement in the state of the art of ridge type roof vents for tile roofs. The vent is lightweight, being normally manufactured of lightweight metal or other structurally strong material, and is capable of being easily packaged and shipped. 
   Importantly, the ridge vent for tile roofs allows installation of a ridge vent system even in locales where it has heretofore been impossible to do so and comply with building code requirements, since the ridge vent system is fully capable of passing the most stringent regulatory tests for wind and wind driven rain resistance. 
   Although only a few exemplary embodiments and aspects of this invention have been described in detail, various details are sufficiently set forth in the drawing and in the specification provided herein to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use such exemplary embodiments and aspects, which need not be further described by additional writing in this detailed description. Importantly, the designs described and claimed herein may be modified from those embodiments provided without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages provided by this invention, and may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, this disclosure is intended to cover the structures described herein and not only structural equivalents thereof, but also equivalent structures. Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Thus having described some embodiments of the invention, though not exhaustive of all possible equivalents, what is desired to be secured by letters patent is claimed below. Therefore, the scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims, and as indicated by the drawing and by the foregoing description, is intended to include variations from the embodiments provided which are nevertheless described by the broad interpretation and range properly afforded to the plain meaning of the claims set forth below.