In this post, the types of roof vents are featured.
It includes both exhaust and intake vents for a more versatile choice.
If you are looking for roof vents for your home, read on.
In this article
Related:Parts Of a Roof
What are roof vents?
They are an essential part of the roofing system.
Its main function is not to let the roof overheat during the summer or moisture buildup during winter.
Wrong roof vent installation can cost you a lot in terms of health risks and structural damage.
As such, it prevents overheating in the summer and ice dams in the winter.
Increase roofs lifespan
Attic overheating is a serious case.
When such happens, the shingles and other underlayment dry up and then eventually crack.
Aside from this, talk about a shrunk roof interior and how much it costs in the long run.
Prevents structural damage
Roof vents also function to deter moisture buildup.
They are installed in the roof system and come in many types.
Each has their own aesthetic and practical function.
It is entirely dependent on air movement and not electricity.
As it spins, the hot or stale air seeps out.
It is still one of the best exhaust vent choices for windy locations.
It needs at least 5MPH to be operated.
Aside from this, it is also durable and inexpensive compared to the other types of exhaust vents.
They are usually mounted on the roof or in the gable.
They are smaller, more low profile and are easier to blend with the homes aesthetics.
Power vents run on a fan, pushing hot and humid air out.
While it can be pricey, its noiseless operation and efficiency is worth the shot.
3.Hardwired power roof vents
This is the most common power roof vent.
It is typically paired with an intake vent.
When it comes to hardwired, its best fit would be the soffit vent.
Because they automatically push air out when it is needed, they are a good catch.
4.Solar-powered roof vents
As the term suggests, this one is powered by solar energy.
They come in many styles, and they can be mounted on the roof or by the gable.
5.Off-ridge vents
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This is a lesser-known vent punch in.
The purpose of this vent is to seep out moist, hot air out of the attic.
The disadvantage of this, however, is that it is low in coverage.
This bang out of vent is not powered by electricity and is perfect for open attic plans.
They are also the best combo for a soffit intake vent.
7.Ridge vents
It is the most recent innovation when it comes to exhaust vents.
They are specially designed to be installed on a sloped roofs peak making them practically invisible.
While they are pricey, they are cost efficient in the long run.
8.Cupola vents
This one is a vent bang out that is older than wind turbines.
You would see them in Spanish or Mediterranean home designs and in church convents.
Compared to other vent types, they are relatively expensive.
But for some aesthetic flair, this is a viable choice.
9.Hip vents
This one highly resembles a box vent.
It is pyramid shaped and is attached to hip roofs, hence, the name.
Specifically, they are placed in the hips seams where they are then covered with shingles.
To be more cost effective, it must be combined with a soffit vent.
Here are the most popular types of intake vents to check out.
While they are efficient, they need to be enforced with screens to prevent insects from niching on.
Aside from this, they do not offer that much coverage unless your home has multiple gables.
It is cost effective and really does the job.
They are mounted on the roofs drip-edge, with a netted design to ensure cool airflow.
It is the best intake vent for compact spaces with a drip-edge but without extra room.
Over fascia vents are more efficient in cooling roofs with a wider area.
Why do we need roof vents?
As we have since established, without roof vents, you are allowing attic overheating.
Too much exposure to heat cracks the shingles and other damages.
How many roof vents should you have?
As per rule of thumb, one vent can suffice for 300sq.ft.
roof area if the home has an existing vapor barrier.
If it does not have one, it should be one vent per 150sq.ft.
Do I need an attic fan if I have a ridge vent?
Which is better: ridge vent or roof vent?
Experts would say that ridge vents are better compared to roof vents because of three specific reasons.
One is in terms of location.
Since they are installed at the highest peak possible, they can accommodate more humid air to be released.
Second is in terms of length.
Continuous ridge vents can offer the largest air opening at once.
Third would be their appearance.
Because they are installed along the roofs ridge line, they blend well with the homes design.
How much are roof vents?
Just to give a specific figure,an average ridge vent can cost in between $300-650.
Where to place roof vents?
How far apart should roof vents be installed?
Another rule of thumb to follow is the spacing in between multiple roof vents.
By installation principle, there should be at least one square foot of space for every 150sq.ft.
Can a roof have too much ventilation?
Its most imminent danger would be an increase in electricity bills.
The second problem would be the onset of more moisture collection.
Moisture weakens certain spots in the structure and then leaks will come next.
How do you know if the attic is properly vented?
Its function is to stop all air movement.
Can roof vents get clogged?
And you would know that it is clogged when one of these three things happen.
One, when the drains in the home are so slow at their supposed job.
Two, when there are bubbles in the toilet right after you flush it.
How does a roof vent help in plumbing?
This one is such an underrated function of a roof vent.
Can two different exhaust vents be used at the same time?
Using them at the same time may result in short circuiting the entire attic ventilation system.
Conclusion
Roof vents are more essential than how they seem to be.
Note that there are specific roof vent combos that would do the job better if they are together.
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