What we found hiding in this roof might surprise you

We were working on a roof repair the other day—not just patching it, but actually pulling the whole thing apart. Taking off the metal roofing, adding new roof purlins and underlay, then putting the same metal back on. Nothing too unusual… until we got to the ridge vent.

Now, the original ridge vent was just a screen between the trusses—no real protection. Birds had been getting in, building nests and making a mess. But what really stood out was what else had found its way in: burnt pine needles. Leftovers from the forest fires a couple of years ago. They were sitting right on the screen, pushed up against the trusses.

Here’s the thing—this building is in the middle of town, surrounded by houses, and it’s made of brick. Not exactly where you'd expect wildfire risk. But those little needles had made it in, and if even one had stayed hot long enough... it could’ve been a disaster.

That’s why we’re installing a proper vented ridge. One that keeps everything out—birds, debris, embers. With the new system, stuff just bounces off. Nothing gets in.

So if you’ve got a metal roof, it might be worth checking that ridge vent. If it’s just a screen, it could be leaving your building more vulnerable than you think.

If you’re unsure whether your roof vent is up to par, hit us up. We’re happy to take a look before nature does.

– The Farrow Built Team