Which Type of Roof Vent is Best For Your Home?
Pick the Best Ventilation Roof System for Your Home
When installing a new roof or upgrading the existing facilities, it’s imperative that you pay attention to every element. However, reliable roof vents are crucial for the overall ventilation and the structural integrity of the roof. Your choice of roof vent will also influence the appearance of the home’s exterior.
Roof vents use a similar function in that they enable air that has entered the attic via the soffits to exit via the top of the roof. This means that moisture and condensation are taken out of the home before structural damage or insulation issues can occur.
All roof vents fall into two main categories, passive and powered, while there are three variants of passive vents. This means that a qualified roofer contractor can offer you a total of four air vent types, all of which have their individual pros and cons. Here’s all you need to know about the four solutions:
Ridge Vents
Ridge vents are designed to look a lot like the shingles of the roof because they will run across the length of the roof peak. They utilize a smart system to ensure that air is the only thing to enter through the roof, ensuring that bugs and other materials are kept at bay. The fact that they run along the length of the roof peak also offers an even distribution of air, which is something the other roof vents cannot match. Similarly, this encourages a more even temperature in this part of the home.Ridge vents are very good at avoiding mold and humidity within the attic. They are a very popular option for small homes and larger properties alike.
Pros:
They are conspicuous, meaning there is no negative impact on the roof’s esthetic.
Ridge vents are the equivalent of several conventional roof vents.
They provide even distribution for a more comfortable living space.
Cons:
They are a little more expensive than alternative options.
They can take a little longer to install.
For the best results, you may need to install them along every roof peak.
Roof Turbine Vents
Roof turbine vents, otherwise known as metal pot vents and roof exhaust fans, utilize large rotating blades to remove hundreds of cubic feet of air every minute. They work particularly well in windy conditions. Given the speed of airflow, it’s vital that the soffits are kept clear in order to allow new air to enter the roof at the same speed that it is leaving. Extracting air that has already been heated or cooled would be a little pointless. Aluminum solutions with lubricated ball bearings are the best option by far.While roof turbine vents aren’t available for all roof types, it is an option worth considering for those with the right facilities.
Pros:
Extracts vast amounts of air in very quick times.
When maintained well, they can offer years of reliable service.
Not as expensive as some of the alternatives.
Cons:
The noise can be annoying if you haven’t lubricated the ball bearings.
They are quite big and stick out from the roof.
Prone to rusting if you don’t choose the right product.
Low Profile Roof Vents
Low profile roof vents, also known as louvered vents, are the most common solution and are seen on millions of houses as part of the roof ventilation system. They are manufactured from either aluminum or galvanized steel. They are usually installed to the rear of the home to reduce their visual impact, but homeowners will need to install multiple vents. While four should suffice for roofs of up to 1,000 sq ft, additional vents will be needed when the surface area increases.Their function works by sucking air from a localized area, which explains the need for several vents on one roof.
Pros:
Relatively cheap to install.
Low profile roof vents are available in several colors to match the roof.
If one becomes faulty, the others will still work to offer respite.
Cons:
No guarantees of an even ventilation, unlike other options.
Their pull is very limited.
Large roofs may need over a dozen vents, which are very hard to ignore.
Electric & Solar-Powered Roof Vents
The active type of roof vents are the electric and solar-powered solutions. They are becoming increasingly popular as they help reduce utility bills on a monthly basis.Vents extract hot air at a very quick rate, but the electric options are reliant on electricity while solar-powered options need Mother Nature. If the circumstances aren’t on your side, they simply won’t work. While it’s not a regular occurrence, it is worth considering.They work best when the roof is tightly sealed. When it isn’t, there’s a chance that conditioned air will be sucked out too.
Pros:
An eco-friendly option, particularly the solar-powered solutions.
Work faster than some of the passive alternatives.
Most homes require only one solution.
Cons:
Can temporarily fault due to electricity or sunlight issues.
Efficiency can be compromised by roof seal.
They stand out on the roof.
Top Tips To Get The Best Roof Vent For Your Home
If you want to find the best roof vent for your home, it’s vital that you choose the most appropriate type for your property. However, it’s equally crucial that you find a solution that is the best color, material, and size for the property.Aside from the materials, you need to know that they are installed by a trustworthy and accredited roofer. Poor workmanship will compromise the quality of the ventilation regardless of the products that have been selected for the project.
Next Steps
Whether you have made your final decision or still require a little help with this crucial selection, it’s essential to get a GAF Certified roofer to analyze the property and proposed project. ARP Roofing & Remodeling offers a FREE Roof Inspection and no obligation quote to all clients. Moreover, we’re more than happy to discuss the various options and provide our unbiased opinion.Take the first step to upgrading your home’s roofing facilities and ventilation by contacting via phone or email today!
