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Different Types of Roof Vents & Their Functions

Posted on August 28, 2024

types of roof vents

As a homeowner, it is important to choose the right ventilation system for your roof. Proper ventilation is key to maintaining your roof’s structural integrity and longevity. Improper roof ventilation can lead to humidity and moisture buildup in your home.

There are many types of roof vents available on the market. Proper knowledge of these types is essential to choosing what is best for your roof. At B&A Roofing, we are known for providing the best roofing solutions to homeowners in Mississippi. In this complete guide, we will discuss different types of roof vents, including their pros and cons.

Understanding Roof Vent Types

You need both exhaust and intake vents to keep your roof in good shape. These work together to create constant airflow in your attic. We will discuss them in more detail below. 

A. Exhaust Vents

Exhaust vents are important parts of roof ventilation systems. They are openings in your roof that allow hot air to leave your attic. Exhaust vents help keep your attic cooler by letting hot air escape, reducing the strain on your air conditioning system. It also prevents moisture and condensation buildup on your roof, reducing the risk of moss and algae growth. 

1. Ridge Vents

Ridge Vent
Ridge Vent

These are long, narrow vents installed along the peak of your roof. Roof ridge vents provide a continuous flow of air along the entire roof length and have a slim appearance that blends with your roofline. Ridge vents are efficient in removing hot air from the highest point of your attic. Also, it does not require regular maintenance. 

2. Box Vents (Louver Vents)

Box Vent
Box Vent

Also known as louver vents, box vents are simple yet effective roof ventilation options. These are really easy to install and do not require any moving parts or electricity. Box vents provide reliable performance in various weather conditions. 

They are available in various sizes, so you can choose one that suits your attic’s requirements and your budget.

3. Gable Vents

Gable Vent
Gable Vent

Gable vents are placed on the outer walls of your attic, and they provide cross-ventilation when paired with other vent types. Various styles are available on the market, and you can choose one based on your home’s overall appearance and architectural style. 

Gable vents, depending on the direction of the wind, can either let air into the attic (intake) or let air out of the attic (exhaust). Their high placement on the roof makes them particularly effective at venting hot air out of the attic. To increase airflow, you can use gable vents with fans. 

4. Turbine Vents

Turbine Vent
Turbine Vent

These wind-driven vents feature a series of curved vanes that spin in the wind. These are highly effective in removing hot air, especially in windy areas. You do not require any electricity for turbine roof vents. These vents can reduce the cost of your energy bills by improving the flow of air in your home.  

5. Powered Attic Vents

Powered attic vents are fans that help remove hot air from your attic. They are connected to your homes electrical system and can be switched on and off depending on the temperature of your attic. The main role of all roof vents is to keep your attic’s temperature balanced. Power vents can be a good choice for places that need extra ventilation, like areas with high humidity. 

While powered attic vents can lower attic temperatures, they might not always be the best choice. In homes with air conditioning, these fans could actually make your AC work harder. This happens because they might pull cool air from rooms into the attic. Also, powered vents use electricity, which can increase your bills over time. Consider the ventilation needs of your building before making a final decision. 

B. Intake Vents

Intake vents are equally important in a roof ventilation system. They allow cool and fresh air to enter the attic, creating a balanced airflow when working in conjunction with exhaust vents. There are four main types of intake vents:

1. Soffit Vents

Soffit Vents 1

Sofit vents are located under the eaves of your roof, and they offer even distribution of incoming air along the roof’s edge. 

These vents work well with roof ridge vents to create a continuous airflow. Soffit vents can keep your attic dry and cool year-round.

2. Fascia Vents

Installed along the fascia board, these vents are an alternative to soffit vents. They are ideal for homes where soffit vents aren’t feasible. 

Fascia vents are really durable, low-maintenance, and effective in bringing fresh air into the attic space. They are also available in various styles to complement your home’s exterior.

3. Gable Vents

Gable Vent
Gable Vent

As we have already mentioned in the previous section, gable vents are one of the simple types of roof vents that are suitable for both types of ventilation. 

Gable vents help bring fresh air into attics. For intake ventilation, they’re placed on the outside walls at the roof’s pointed ends. When the wind hits the house, it pushes air through these vents into the attic. This helps push out any hot, stuffy air and dampness. 

4. Drip Edge Vents 

Drip edge vents are a type of roof vent that are built into the roof’s edge or added when the roof is installed. Drip edge vents work with other types of roof vents like ridge vents. They let cool air in at the bottom of the roof, which pushes warm, damp air up and out through the top vents. This movement of air helps keep the attic dry and prevents mold.

How To Choose The Right Roof Vent For Your Roof

The weather where you live plays a big role in choosing the best types of roof vents for your home. Different climates need different approaches to keep your attic healthy and your home comfortable. Let’s look at how weather affects your choice of roof vents.

  1. Hot Climate Solutions

In hot climates, your main goal is to get rid of heat. You’ll want to focus on exhaust vents that can move a lot of air. Roof ridge vents are great for hot areas because they run along the peak of your roof, letting out hot air all along the way. You might also want to add some powered vents to help push out even more hot air on really warm days.

  1. Cold Climate Considerations

For cold climates, the challenge is balancing heat loss with moisture control. You need enough ventilation to keep your attic dry but not so much that you lose all your heat. In this case, a mix of different types of roof vents might work best. For example, you could use soffit vents to bring in cool air and box vents to let out warm, moist air. The main goal is to maintain a balanced airflow in your home or building.

  1. Dealing with Humid Areas

Humid areas need special attention to prevent mold and rot. In these places, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of airflow. Using a combination of intake vents like soffit vents and exhaust vents like turbine vents can help keep air moving and reduce moisture.

Does The Size Of An Attic Space Matter When Choosing The Right Type Of Roof Vent?

The size of your attic also matters when picking types of roofing vents. Bigger attics need more ventilation. As a general guideline, aim for one square foot of vent space for every 300 square feet of attic floor. This ratio helps ensure proper airflow in your attic. 

You might also like: 5 Best Options For Metal Roof Vents In 2024

Call B&A Roofing for Top Quality Roofing Services In Hattiesburg, MS

If you are looking for reliable roofing services in Hattiesburg, MS, and the nearby areas, we are here to assist you. At B&A Roofing, we aim to serve our community’s homeowners and commercial property owners with high quality roofing services. 

If you need a roof inspection, minor repairs or a whole new roof, you can trust us to do a great job. We’re certified experts who have put on hundreds of roofs all over Mississippi. We work fast and make sure your new roof will look good and work well for many years.

We’re proud to be one of the best-rated roofing companies in Mississippi. Our customers love us because we do high-quality work and treat them right. We know roofs inside and out, and we’ll make sure yours is installed and functions perfectly.Want to talk about your roof? Give us a call at (601) 520-3183. One of our friendly roofers will be happy to chat with you and answer any questions.

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