Types Of Roof Vents And How They Are Used And Tips

Roof vents are an easy way to keep your roof in good shape and your attic cool, dry, and ventilated.

Roof vents also increase the energy efficiency of your home by removing moist air from the attic space so it doesn't get trapped inside. This can lead to mold growth or ice dams on the roof during winter months.

There are many different types of roof vents for your home.

Box Roof Vent

More expensive than gable vents, box vents are installed inside the attic space. Box vent installation is quick and easy, but it does require a large hole to be cut into your roof.

The main benefit to this type of vent is that no part of the moving parts are exposed. This helps reduce noise and eliminates the risk for animal intrusion. ​

Gable Roof Vent

The most common type of vent, gable vents are a good option when you can't cut any more holes in your roof. ​ Some homeowners mistakenly believe that a gable vent is the best way to go if they don't have an attic space. Unless your home's eaves are deep enough, a gable vent won't work well. This type of vent is best for area's where there are no roof trusses or attic spaces.

Also, at least one side of the gable vent must be located in the attic space to help make sure it is properly vented. Gable roof vents are lightweight and less expensive than box roof vents.

A variation on this type is a louvered gable vent that has top and bottom panels which can be opened for attic ventilation.

Louvered Roof Vent

The main advantage to a louvered roof vent is that it can be installed even if you don't have an attic space.

This type of vent requires longer exhaust and intake pipes than other types, but because the entire top section opens, it's easy to install on very shallow roof pitches (3-5 degrees). Also known as "disc vents" they are generally available in two sizes which offer varying degrees of attic ventilation.

Shingle Roof Vent

The shingle roof vent is often a homeowner's best choice if they don't have an attic space or cannot cut any more holes into the roof. Since these vents rely on pressure from wind to fully open, homeowners who live in areas where there is little to no wind may need extra vents or attic fans for optimal efficiency.

Another type of shingle roof vent features adjustable louvers which can be moved into place to restrict airflow during periods of rain. This version has the same benefits as a regular shingle roof vent, only it provides additional protection against moisture and ice damming.

This type of vent is also often used in conjunction with attic fans, ridge vents, and soffit vents which helps to create an optimal ventilation system for your home.

Dormer Roof Vent

A dormer roof vent can be installed on the exterior wall of a house to connect directly into your attic space or it can be installed on the interior wall as a way to vent an attic space.

Dormer roof vents are typically made from aluminum so they can be easily attached to the outside of your home, but occasionally you'll find them made from fiberglass or composite materials. If you choose to have a dormer roof vent installed inside of you home, it's important to make sure that moisture and insects can't get inside.

Jack Roof Vent

This type of vent is similar in appearance to a dormer roof vent, except the bottom part can be left open for attic exhaust and the top section can remain closed.

This type of roof vent is a good choice for homes with steep roofs. The bottom section can be left open, allowing moisture to escape from the attic space. Homeowners who live in areas where there are strong winds may also want to consider this type of roof vent since it can remain closed during high wind storms.

A jack roof vent is another type of gable roof vent that is made from lightweight aluminum. It features an adjustable top section that can be opened for attic ventilation.

The biggest benefit to this kind of vent is its low installation cost and it's also fairly easy to install. However, in order to keep the top portion open for attic ventilation, homeowners must keep the bottom portion open for attic exhaust.

Off ridge vent

Off ridge vents is placed near the peak of your roof and are often used in combination with other types of vents (both attic and soffit vents).

The biggest benefit to this type of roof vent is that it can be more cost effective than other options. Furthermore, since it's mounted on top of the ridge board, off-ridge vents can be used on any type of roof pitch. However, this type of vent often causes ice dams and moisture buildup in the valleys and flat roofs are not suitable for off-ridge vents at all.

Cupola Vent

A cupola vent is the most popular type of roof vent because it can be attached to either a ridge or gable roof.

Dormer vents are often confused with cupola vents, but they are different in several ways. First off, dormers are usually installed through an existing exterior wall (whereas cupolas must be built onto your home). Cupola vents might be installed as a way to increase the attic space, but they are also commonly used as an art piece.

Cupola vents are generally made from durable materials (such as copper) so that they can withstand the elements for many years. A cupola vent is often made from one solid piece of metal, but you might find one that has a few sections.

The biggest benefit to a cupola vent is that it can be used on your most vulnerable roof sections, such as the ridge board and gable ends. Cupolas are also fairly easy to install since they don't require any special skills or tools; in fact, many homeowners have installed these vents without hiring a professional.

Hip Vent

This type of roof vent is part of a three sided hip that's used to cover each corner that meets at the peak. The bottom part of the hip vent is usually left open to provide attic ventilation.

The biggest benefit with this type of roof vent is that it's easy to install and very cost effective. However, if you don't want the back or side walls of your house exposed then a hip vent won't work for you. It's also important to make sure that you don't have any low-hanging branches near your home since they could be damaged from this type of vent.

Soffit Vent

This type of roof vent is mounted on the underside of your roof decking and can be installed in new construction or during an existing home addition or remodel. This type of vent provides attic exhaust for your roof and is often used in combination with other types of vents.

Soffit vents can be installed in an attic, but they are mounted on the underside of a decking system that wraps around the top of your home's exterior walls and overhangs the roof. The bottom part of the soffit is often left open for attic ventilation.

The biggest benefit to this type of roof vent is that you don't need to open up any walls or ceilings, making it a good choice if you want to keep the inside of your home free from exposure. However, soffit vents can present some problems, especially with insulation. If the vent is placed too near to your insulation it could trap moisture and cause mold or mildew.

Hardwired Roof Vent

A hardwired roof vent is for the maximum ventilation needs of your attic and are very often used in combination with other vents (such as soffit and ridge vents). This type of roof is often permanently installed and attached to a home's main air conditioning unit.

Depending on how you want to have the air flow through your attic, you'll need to make sure that you buy the right kind of hardwired roof vent. Some of these vents are designed to draw air from the attic through a duct system and out through the vent on the roof. Others are designed to pull air through an insulated pipe in the attic (which can be beneficial for reducing moisture buildup) and then push that air outside.

A hardwired roof vent is usually installed by a professional, but you can purchase a hardwired roof vent kit and install it yourself (depending on your skill level). However, there are some disadvantages when compared to other vents. For example, if you want to have the most efficient attic ventilation system possible then you might want to consider installing multiple types of vents combined with a duct system.

Another disadvantage is that hardwired roof vents are not very good if you have low-hanging branches near your home, since they could be damaged by the added weight of the vent.

Solar-powered Roof Vent

A solar-powered roof vent is a good choice if you want to reduce your energy costs and limit how much electricity you use.

These vents are powered by solar energy, which means that they operate independently of any other power source. You'll need to make sure that you install these vents in an area with plenty of sunlight (which could result in some obstruction for your roof). These vents can also be very expensive to purchase, which means that they are only a good choice if you want the most efficient attic ventilation possible.

A solar-powered roof vent is mounted on the top of your roof, and since it's powered by sunlight you'll never have to worry about replacing batteries or buying an expensive energy bill. When combined with other types of vents (such as a soffit vent) this type of vent can provide very efficient ventilation for your home.

Roof Turbines

A roof turbine is a good choice if you're looking for the most efficient way to maintain ventilation in your attic. They are more expensive than other types of vents, but they also require less upkeep and maintenance.

The two primary reasons why people purchase this type of vent are to reduce moisture buildup in their attics or to save money on their energy bills. These vents are screwed into the roof just like a hardwired one, but they cover more area and sometimes include fans that help to circulate air.

One of the best reasons to purchase a turbine vent is because it gives you so much flexibility in terms of what kind of installation you want for your attic ventilation system. You can install other vents or a duct system, and you can even purchase additional turbine vents to cover more of the top of your roof.

The only real disadvantage is that these vents require more effort to install than other ones, so they might not be a good choice for people with limited construction skills.

FAQS

How does a hardwired roof vent work?

A hardwired roof vent is mounted on the top of your home's exterior, and it draws air from the attic through a series of vents or ducts. This air is then expelled through another exhaust port that leads to the outside.

There also may be a fan that helps to circulate the air and maintain a balance of fresh and stale air. However, these fans will require electricity.

What kind of solar-powered ventilation system should I install?

The answer to this question depends on your needs. In many ways, solar-powered ventilation is more expensive than other types of venting systems, so you should only consider purchasing them if you really need their help. However, they are definitely the most efficient type of ventilation possible for your home.

If you choose to use solar-powered vents, make sure that they are securely mounted on the upper parts of your house's exterior and that they don't obstruct the sunlight. This will help them to work as effectively as possible.

What else can I do to make sure my system works efficiently?

Aside from choosing the right type of vent or fan for your attic, you should also consider installing devices that help to circulate air. This will ensure that you don't suffer from any temperature issues inside your house no matter how hot or cold it is outside.

A good example of this is an attic fan. This kind of device is mounted in your attic and attached to a series of vents that draw air from the outside into the attic (through a hole or series of holes) and release hot air back outside.

When combined with other types of ventilation, these fans can help you to create a more energy efficient home for your family.

Conclusion

Whether you're planning to purchase a hardwired roof vent or a solar-powered one, it's important to consider how water resistant your home is before making this decision. Furthermore, make sure that the vents are installed in areas that will help them work efficiently and effectively.

Now that you know all about different types of vents for your attic, you can be sure that you're making the best decision for your needs. This knowledge will help to keep your home safe and comfortable no matter what kind of weather it's experiencing outside.

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