FlexPro Ridge Vent

FlexPro Ridge Vent is a profile-cut venting material from Marco Industries for ridge ventilation on metal roofs. It is supplied as a profile-cut strip or a roll. It sits under the ridge cap on exposed-fastener panels, the panel type used in metal roof replacement work.

The material is made with Marco's polyester fiber. It is a polyester nonwoven material. Marco sells it as part of the Marco Weather-Tite System and calls it the newest addition to its line of ventilation solutions. FlexPro is sold exclusively by Marco.

FlexPro combines features of two other Marco products, LP2 and Flex-O-Vent. Marco ranks its polyester vents as good, better and top. Flex-O-Vent is the original polyester-based ventilation product and the good step. FlexPro is the better step. LP2 Ridge Vent is the top step.

The vent provides cooling air flow. It reduces utility bills through added attic ventilation. It eliminates condensation and prevents moisture, pests and dust from entering the structure. Marco backs it with a 40-year limited product warranty.

FlexPro is available in box or roll quantities. Three lengths are offered.

• 3' stick
• 20' roll
• 50' roll

FlexPro comes in various panel configurations and in roll and stick package options. The profile-cut version fits most roof panels. Its rib-cut profile fits most metal roofs. The profile-specific cut creates a more secure fit to the roof panel.

The panel-fit version is listed at a free-standing height of 1-1/8". Its net free area is 26 sq. in. Effective net free area varies based on product height, panel profile and installation methods.

FlexPro is a polyester nonwoven material. The polyester is specially formulated and coated. It is manufactured from recycled material and is recyclable. Marco labels FlexPro a green product, and the info sheet carries a made-with-recycled-material mark.

The material has a high density. That density gives quick, full material recovery after installation. The contours are custom-cut, and they are matched to the roof ridges during installation.

Polyester and polyurethane behave differently. Polyurethane products constantly expand as they soak up water and contract as they dry out. That cycle causes them to disintegrate and fail. Polyurethane absorbs moisture and can freeze and block ventilation. The polyester in FlexPro prevents moisture absorption and holds together to keep out pests. FlexPro is made to perform in all seasons.

The material is also highly durable, flame resistant, clog resistant and tear resistant.

FlexPro ships with adhesive already applied. The adhesive is Marco's proprietary M63 continuous double-bead adhesive, listed as M63 All-Weather Adhesive. Two beads run along the product. This adhesive is the key to quick, easy FlexPro installation and gives a strong hold.

The adhesive is strong. Once the vent is placed, it is hard to move. A backing paper covers the adhesive until the vent is applied to the roof.

The material properties are listed as follows.

• Air permeability: more than 800 cubic feet per minute
• Tear strength: 3.5 ppi
• Tensile strength: 16 psi, with elongation of 175%
• Compressive strength: 1.8 psi at 75%
• Abrasion: no damage
• ASTM testing: D1929 and D737
• Net free area: 26 sq. in. for the panel-fit version at a free-standing height of 1-1/8"

One person can install FlexPro. The product is peeled and stuck to the metal roof. The custom-cut contours are matched to the roof ridges. The ridge cap is then put in place and fastened down-slope from the FlexPro product.

1. FlexPro comes in various panel configurations and roll and stick package options. Apply the FlexPro Ridge Vent to the metal roof by removing the backing paper.
2. Align the FlexPro Ridge Vent 1/2"-1" up-slope from the edge of the ridge cap. Place it onto the metal roof with the adhesive side down. The adhesive is strong, and once the vent is in place it is hard to move. The vent has to go in the right place the first time.
3. When attaching consecutive FlexPro vents, butt fit the pieces together. Marco Weather-Tite Metal Roof Sealant can be used to seal the butt joint. Place the ridge cap over the FlexPro. Secure it with Marco QuickGrip/QuickDrill fasteners. Fasten through the metal roof ridge locations and avoid penetrating the FlexPro material. A screw gun is used.

The 3' stick, the 20' roll and the 50' roll are the three lengths. Consecutive pieces are butt fit together at joints. The butt joint can be sealed with Marco Weather-Tite Metal Roof Sealant.

The profile-cut versions are made for panels with ribs. The cut follows the rib shape, so the vent fits the roof panel at the ridge. That fit supports the three jobs Marco lists: prevent leaks, protect property and assure ventilation.

Compared with other Marco ridge vents, FlexPro sits between two products. Flex-O-Vent is the universal venting material. LP2 uses Python polyester vent material inserts in a custom-cut vent strip, with custom contours that fit most major metal roofing profiles and pitches. FlexPro is the profile-cut strip or roll designed to fit most roof panels.

Related products named for the same job include Marco Weather-Tite Metal Roof Sealant for butt joints and Marco QuickGrip/QuickDrill fasteners for the ridge cap. Marco also lists a ventilation calculator for working out the amount of ventilation a balanced system needs.