Roof Vents

Your roofing system is a critical component of your home, and to ensure it performs at its best, balanced attic ventilation is essential. When you’re planning to replace your roof, it’s vital to discuss ventilation options with your roofing contractor. They should offer a range of ventilation products to help you establish a well-balanced system of intake and exhaust vents.

To make an informed decision about attic ventilation, it’s essential to understand the different types of roof vents and why they play a crucial role in your home’s well-being.

There are several types of roofing and attic ventilation products available for your home, often referred to as:

These products fall into three main categories:

Every attic ventilation system should strike a balance between properly placed intake and exhaust vents. Roof vents and attic fans work tirelessly year-round to:

Achieving the ideal ventilation means having the correct amount of both intake and exhaust vents. An imbalance, where one type of venting dominates, can lead to pressurization problems.

Pro Tip: Use our Ventilation Calculator to determine the right amount of ventilation for your attic.

But why worry about the attic? Depending on your roof’s shape and your home’s architecture, a portion or the entire underside of your roof deck is exposed to your attic space. Even small attic spaces need proper venting to manage heat and moisture. Neglecting balanced intake and exhaust vents can lead to problems like mold, mildew, and structural damage to your roof.

Pro Tip: Ask your contractor about ventilating small attic spaces or areas above cathedral ceilings.

Intake vents, as the name suggests, bring in fresh air from the outdoors, replacing the air that exits through the exhaust vents. These vents are typically located under the eaves of the roof and assist in maintaining balanced airflow.

Two common types of intake vents are:

Soffit Vents
Soffit vents are the most prevalent type of intake roof vents. They are placed underneath the roof eaves along the length of your house or between the joists. Be cautious not to let blown-in insulation obstruct the airflow to these vents.

Roof Intake Vents
If your home lacks soffit vents or exposed rafters under the eaves, roof-mounted intake vents can provide the necessary air intake. These vents have a low profile that seamlessly blends into your roofline.

Exhaust vents facilitate the flow of air out of the attic and into the outdoors. Examples of exhaust vents include attic fans and ridge vents, which are typically placed higher on the roof, where hot air tends to accumulate.

Ridge Vents
Ridge vents run along the very top of a roof on the ridge, where the two sloping portions of the roof meet. They are strategically placed to capture the wind blowing over the roof, expelling moisture and heated air from the attic.

Static Roof Vents or Roof Louvers
Static roof vents, also known as roof louvers, allow air to escape the attic and are evenly distributed near the ridge. They may go by various names depending on your region, such as slant-backs, box vents, turtle vents, half-rounds, or off-ridge vents.

In the western U.S., they are commonly referred to as dormer vents.

Wind or Roof Turbines
Wind or roof turbines feature built-in blades or vanes that turn with the wind, creating a spinning vacuum effect that helps draw hot, moist attic air out.

Attic Fans
Attic fans are typically situated on a wall inside the attic. Their purpose is to pull air from the attic and vent it to the outside. Attic fans are effective at removing large volumes of hot or humid air, helping control heating and cooling costs. Homeowners can regulate ventilation by turning attic fans on and off as needed.

Powered Roof Vents
Powered roof vents operate on a similar principle as attic fans but are located on the roof itself. Although a pricier option, they can be configured to run off electrical or solar power, offering enhanced air circulation and potential long-term cost savings.

Pro Tip: Ensure you have adequate intake ventilation when using powered roof vents to maintain balanced airflow.

Gable Vents

Some vents, like gable vents, serve as both intake and exhaust vents, depending on wind direction and speed.

Now that you’re familiar with the various intake and exhaust ventilation products for your roof and attic, let’s explore how balanced attic ventilation operates.

Imagine a hot summer day when you leave your front door open while unloading groceries from the car. Your house windows are also open, and a gentle breeze is blowing outside. Suddenly, the front door slams shut, startling you.

What happened? Your home was drawing in air through the open front door to replace the air escaping through the open windows – it was ventilating.

This is precisely what occurs in your attic through your intake and exhaust vents. First, air is expelled from the attic to the outdoors through the exhaust vents, creating a vacuum. Then, fresh air from outside rushes in through the intake vents, filling the vacuum.

Without the right amount of intake vents or if they are obstructed, air may be drawn from your living spaces to balance the pressure. Similarly, inadequate exhaust vents can allow warm, pressurized attic air to enter your conditioned living areas. Both scenarios are inefficient and can affect your energy costs.

If you find yourself constantly adjusting your thermostat, it may be indicative of a ventilation problem.

Pro Tip: Ensure proper venting for bathroom and kitchen fans to vent outside through the walls or roof, not into the attic.

In conclusion, achieving the perfect balance in roof ventilation is paramount. To ensure balanced airflow through your attic spaces, you must have the correct amount of intake and exhaust vents. These vents work together to remove warm, moist attic air and replace it with fresh, drier air while maintaining equalized air pressure.

If you suspect improper ventilation in your home, consult a roofing contractor. They can assess airflow obstructions and determine if you need additional vents of one type or another. Also, discuss ventilation solutions with your roofing contractor before starting a roof replacement project.

Remember, a well-ventilated attic not only ensures the longevity of your roof but also contributes to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.