The average homeowner doesn’t pay all that much attention to their roof. After all, that’s what roofing experts are for, right? If we say the phrase “roof vent,” and your first thought is, “…huh?” you are not alone. You may not even know that your roof has vents!

The fact is that roof vents are a vital part of maintaining your roof system and the interior of your home. Today we’ll be explaining:

• What roof vents do
• The different types of roof vents
• How to choose a roof vent that is right for your home

What Is a Roof Vent?

Okay, so you get it. A roof vent is, well, a vent. But why is it necessary?

Roof vents exist to help maintain optimal airflow throughout your home. Why is this important? Well, for many reasons, including:

• Water Damage Prevention – Without proper attic ventilation, your home is prone to moisture buildup and condensation formation. Having quality roof vents installed will help ensure that your home does not suffer from the negative effects of trapped moist air, including serious water damage.
• Prevents Mold Growth – If your home has trapped, warm, and moist air, you are at high risk for mold and mildew growth. Mold can be harmful to your respiratory health. Additionally, it can also cause an unpleasant smell to form in your home.
• Stops Ice Dams – If you live in a cold climate, you likely know the inconvenience that comes with ice dams forming in the winter. Ice dams are typically caused when warm air leaks through your roof and melts the snow on top of it. By adding proper roof ventilation, you will allow the hot air to escape safely while also helping your indoor temperature to regulate.
• Prevents Rot – Excess moisture build-up can lead to wood rot in your home. This can have serious consequences for the overall structure and can lead to safety hazards.
• Prolongs Roof Lifespan – Roofs are expensive investments. You want to make sure that your investment lasts as long as possible! This starts with taking good care of it. Adding roof vents can make sure that your roof has a good, long life while also saving you money.

Where Can I Find My Roof Vents?

If this is the first time that you are hearing about roof vents, you may not even know what to look for when you climb up onto your roof.

The good news is that roof vents are relatively easy to spot. They are typically made out of metal and protrude from the surface of your roof. While they come in different shapes and sizes, you can typically find them slightly lower than the roof ridge.

Intake Vents vs. Exhaust Vents

As you learn more about roof vents, it is important to know the difference between intake and exhaust vents. These two types of vents serve very different but equally important functions in your home.

Intake vents – you guessed it – allow fresh air from outside your home to enter it. This is healthy for both your home and you! Intake vents are placed in order to ensure that hot air does not get trapped in your home. However, in order for the hot air to leave it needs something to force it out. When cool air from outside your home enters via the intake vents, it forces the hot air back outside. But how does it escape?

We’re glad you asked! That brings us to our second type of vent called an exhaust vent. Exhaust vents are designed to take warm air from inside your house and allow it to safely release outside. This release of hot air ensures that your roof can function properly and that you do not have to deal with excess moisture.

7 Types of Roof Vents

Now that you understand how important roof vents are, you can start to learn about the different styles of roof vents available to you. Here are seven of the most common styles.

1) Ridge Vents

If there were one type of roof vent that reigned supreme, ridge vents would be it! Ridge vents are by far the most popular style of exhaust vents on the market. Some styles of ridge vents are installed strategically right underneath your roof’s ridge (the peak of your roof where two sides meet at an angle), but most are installed directly onto the ridge.

Homeowners love this style because it blends in with their roofing system and is highly efficient.

2) Box Vents

Box vents are also very common types of exhaust vents. However, they are less popular than ridge vents due to the fact that they stand out more. This means that your roof could potentially look less aesthetically pleasing than you’d like.

They are a great choice for homes that want to target specific areas where hot air rises, as you can install them in various spots along your roof line as needed.

3) Solar Powered Vents

Solar power is more popular than ever, and with good reason! It is eco-friendly and can save you lots of money when it comes to energy costs. But did you know solar power can also help you vent your home?

Solar-powered vents are perfectly positioned to use the sun’s rays as power to help you regulate your home’s temperature. That being said, while they are virtually free to run, it is important to remember that they are the most expensive type of roof vent to purchase upfront.

4) Off-Ridge Vents

Visually, off-ridge vents look very similar to box vents in the sense that they protrude upward from your roof. That being said, functionally, they are most similar to ridge vents. They are less efficient than a traditional ridge vent but are inexpensive and easier to install.

5) Electric Powered Vents

As much as we love the idea of solar-powered vents, we understand that for most homeowners, electric-powered vents are a bit more feasible. These vents are also sometimes referred to as power vents. They work well, too! Using a boost of electricity, they help to effectively expel hot air from inside of your home.

However, every rose has its thorn, and in the case of these vents, there can be too much of a good thing. They are so powerful that they have a tendency to pull air from the lower levels of your home, as well. This can lead to higher heating and cooling bills in the long run for you.

6) Cupola Vents

Want to ensure that your home is well-ventilated but don’t want to sacrifice style? A cupola vent may be the right choice for you.

Cupola vents are designed to look like a tiny cupola perched on top of your home. However, instead of a creative living space, it simply exists to help vent air. While these are undoubtedly one of the more beautiful options when it comes to ventilating your home, you can expect to pay a pretty penny to get one of these installed!

7) Roof Turbines

Roof turbines are another very common type of ventilation system. They use the power of the wind to help spin a turbine. The turbine vents hot air out of your home and keeps it nice and cool. However, if there is a day without much wind? You might be out of luck.

Talk to Your Roofing Pro Today!

Still not sure what style of roof vent system is right for you and your home? You don’t have to decide on your own! At Dreamworx Roofing, we have years of experience on our side that allows us to properly diagnosed your roof and offer the best possible solution. Contact us today to schedule your ventilation system installation appointment!

Charlie Anderson

“Living comfortably at home means living in a safe, cozy house that protects you from outside elements.” -Dreamworx Co-Owner, Charlie Anderson