Precipitation resistant ridge vent

Abstract

A precipitation resistant ventilator for a structure enclosing an interior space. The ventilator encloses a space that is in communication with the structure interior space. A thin sheet of air permeable water resistant material is disposed within the ventilator interior. The thin sheet of air permeable water resistant material forms a barrier that excludes the entry of precipitation and other foreign matter into the roof structure while still allowing air exchange.

1 . A ridge vent having, comprising:
 a top panel;   a pair of generally opposed vent portions contacting the top panel and with generally discrete airflow passages; and   a filtering fabric attached to an interior surface of the top panel and a bottom surface of each of the vent portions, the filtering fabric substantially blocking entry of precipitation into an interior of the vent.   
   
   
       2 . The ridge vent of  claim 1 , in which the filtering fabric comprises a nonwoven material. 
   
   
       3 . The ridge vent of  claim 2 , in which the nonwoven material is spunbonded. 
   
   
       4 . The ridge vent of  claim 1 , in which the filtering fabric comprises randomly arranged fibers. 
   
   
       5 . The ridge vent of  claim 1 , in which the filtering fabric comprises a synthetic polymer. 
   
   
       6 . The ridge vent of  claim 1 , in which an airflow exiting a building, on which said ridge vent is installed, contacts said filtering fabric before contacting said top panel or before contacting said vent portions. 
   
   
       7 . The ridge vent of  claim 1 , in which the filtering fabric is attached with an adhesive, with a fastener, or be heat fusing. 
   
   
       8 . The ridge vent of  claim 1 , in which the filtering fabric is attached to the top panel and the vent portions with an adhesive. 
   
   
       9 . The ridge vent of  claim 1 , in combination with a building roof, said ridge vent installed on said roof. 
   
   
       10 . A vent allowing an airflow to exit a building having a roof with a ridge when said vent is placed over said ridge, the vent comprising:
 a top panel;   a pair of vent portions having generally discrete air passages; and   a filter contacting the vent portions and positioned to filter the airflow before said airflow contacts the vent portions.   
   
   
       11 . A method of making a device for venting a building, comprising attaching a filter to a bottom surface of each pair of opposed vent portions, the vent portions having discrete air passages and disposed proximate to a top panel. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising attaching the filter to an interior surface of the top panel. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , in which the filter is attached with an adhesive, with a fastener, or by heat fusion. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , in which the filter is attached with an adhesive. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12 , in which the filter is attached so that the filter forms a tent-like structure when said device is installed on a roof of said building. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12 , in which the attached filter comprises a nonwoven fabric. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 12 , in which the attached filter comprises a nonwoven, spunbonded material. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 12 , in which the attached filter comprises a randomly arranged synthetic polymer. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising forming said device into a roll. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein a routed groove is formed in said top panel.