5 Best Types Of Roof Vents & Top Products

Considering the importance of properly ventilated roofs, it’s essential to look into the many types of roof vents and products available when choosing some for your home, including the wind-directed efficiency of gable vents and static options like ridge vents. Exploring different types of vents is essential for making well-informed choices during your upcoming home remodeling project.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into five popular roof vent types and products currently available on the market.

What Are Roof Vents, And Why Are They Important?

Roof vents are important for maintaining a healthy and efficient home. They release warm air from the attic and allow cooler air to enter, helping to regulate humidity levels, prevent mold growth, and support HVAC systems. By moderating interior temperatures, roof vents reduce energy consumption and protect against ice dams and roof damage.

There are two main types of roof vents: 

> Active: These fans circulate air in and out of the attic, providing adjustable airflow control. They run on electricity and might require regular maintenance.

> Passive: Passive vents use natural forces to generate airflow, making them energy-efficient without electricity. They have lower costs for installation and maintenance compared to active vents.

Roof ventilation extends roof life and reduces energy costs by allowing hot air to escape in summer and preventing ice dams in winter. A well-ventilated attic, with intake and exhaust vents like soffit and ridge vents, is essential for a healthy, safe, and comfortable home year-round.

What Are The Different Types Of Roof Vents?

Now that you know what roof vents are, let’s delve in to learn about five different types of roof vents homeowners can go for: 

1. Ridge Vents

One kind of roof vent used to remove hot air from an attic is called a ridge vent. They span the whole roofline and are positioned along the roof’s peak. Because they are at the highest point of the home, they are the best place to expel hot air. They are often used along with intake vents, such as soffit vents, to create a vertical ventilation system. 

Cool air can enter through the intake vents and exit through the ridge vents, resulting in a constant airflow that controls the humidity and temperature in the attic. Ridge vents are trendy for new roof installations, as they can be installed alongside the shingles.

> Top Product: ShingleVent II Class A Shingle-Over Ridge Vent by Air Vent

With a Class A fire rating, the Air Vent ShingleVent II ridge vent is built with an advanced design that includes both an internal filter and an external baffle to prevent debris and weather intrusion. 

These vents are made with sturdy copolymers and blend in perfectly with shingles while providing both practicality and style. Designed with residential buildings in mind, they maintain constant ventilation beneath the roof deck, which efficiently controls excess heat and moisture. They also have a lifetime limited warranty and come with 5-year Replacement Plus™ Protection.

2. Soffit Vents

For pitched roofs with a loft or attic area, soffit vents are a must. They are essential to a home’s ventilation system, allowing consistent airflow and preventing issues like mold and moisture. Small holes or vents in the soffits let air flow through the attic, improving ventilation and preserving the roof’s structural integrity. 

Soffit vents efficiently control moisture buildup, improve energy efficiency, and lessen problems like winter ice dams by encouraging air circulation. Proper installation of soffit vents enhances the overall health and longevity of the house by working in line with other ventilation components, such as ridge vents, to create a balanced airflow.

> Top Product: Amerimax 12 Ft. Fully Vented Aluminum Soffit

Your home’s attic ventilation can be improved with Amerimax 12-foot Fully Vented Aluminum Soffits. These vents, which are placed beneath the eaves of your home, stop moisture and heat from building up. Made from solid aluminum with an anti-rust coating, they provide a polished look with little upkeep. 

The vented design efficiently covers large areas and guarantees optimal airflow. These vents improve attic health and prevent water damage, they’re simple to install and fit into a variety of architectural styles. Amerimax soffit vents are a reliable solution for both residential and commercial use.

3. Gable Vents

Gable vents, a type of exhaust vent, are usually installed on roofs with gable ends. They help remove moisture and hot, humid air by releasing unwanted air from the attic. Gable vents are available in multiple shapes, including rectangular and triangular. 

They may, however, be less successful when the wind is blowing parallel to the gable ends because they rely on a breeze to enter the attic to push the hot air out. Equal spacing between gable vents along the roof ensures maximum effectiveness. 

> Top Product: Ekena Millwork Vertical Surface Mount PVC Gable Vent

A home exterior can be enhanced by the Ekena Millwork PVC Surface Mount Vent. Since this vent is made of weather-resistant PVC, which is known for being a durable material, it lasts a long time. With its versatile sizes and shapes—from octagonal to round and rectangular—it meets project-specific requirements and is made for surface mount installation. 

It is available in a variety of colors and finishes, such as white, black, and wood grain. In addition to its aesthetic value, the vent allows air to circulate through the attic, controlling temperature and preventing moisture accumulation, which saves energy and extends the life of the roof. 

4. Turbine Vents

Whirlybirds, also called turbine vents, are inexpensive roof vents that release hot air from the attic or roof space and replace it with cooler outdoor air by using wind power to spin a turbine. They can withstand a variety of weather conditions because they are usually made of sturdy materials like aluminum or galvanized steel. 

This constant circulation keeps the home cooler, prolonging the life of roofing materials and lowering energy expenses. Turbine vents are also low maintenance and long-lasting, requiring few repairs over their lengthy lifespan. This contributes to their cost-effectiveness and indirectly raises the home’s efficiency.

> Top Product: Wind Turbines by Air Vent

As a non-electric ventilation option, Airhawk® Wind Turbines use air pressure and wind to release stagnant attic air. They provide affordable and effective ventilation year-round and are especially well-liked in regions with average wind speeds of at least 5 mph. These turbines are made of sturdy aluminum and feature a dual-bearing system for maintenance-free operation. 

They guarantee a balanced system and are compatible with other ventilation products, such as soffit vents. Their movable base, which is backed by a limited lifetime warranty for quality assurance, fits different roof pitches and types. They provide an environmentally friendly attic ventilation solution and come with a 5-year Replacement Plus warranty.

5. Power Vents

Equipped with a blower or fan, power vents use electricity to continuously ventilate an attic. Power vents are a type of active vent, meaning they are wired into your home’s electrical system. Some options also include solar panels for a more eco-friendly solution. They prevent moisture buildup in the winter and summer overheating of the roof by drawing out hot, humid air from the attic. 

In addition to preventing problems like mold growth, ice dams, and excessive electricity costs from poor ventilation, power vents also help to control indoor temperatures. On the other hand, because they run on electricity, they are more expensive to maintain than passive vents like ridge vents.

> Top Product: GAF Master Flow™ Power Attic Vents

Modern roof-mounted ventilation systems like GAF Master Flow Power Attic Vents are made to effectively remove moisture and heat from attic spaces. They guarantee long-lasting performance since they come with a permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor, extra-rigid brackets, and a heavy-duty insect screen. Their small size and modern design blend well with the look of your roof. It has an adjustable thermostat for increased functionality, and a humidistat can be added. 

These vents are durable can withstand a range of weather conditions, and have been tested to withstand rain driven by winds of up to 110 mph. They come with GAF warranties when installed by a certified contractor and can be customized to match your home’s color scheme. 

Conclusion

Choosing the best type of roof vent is crucial for better ventilation and to ensure the longevity of your roofing system. Regardless of the type of vent you choose, high-quality products from reliable manufacturers are essential for achieving optimal performance and energy conservation. 

When it comes to roofing services, look no further than BRH Enterprises. With a commitment to excellence and expertise in the roofing industry, we deliver top-tier solutions for your specific needs. From installation to maintenance, our skilled professionals ensure that your roof gets the care and attention it deserves, providing peace of mind and long-lasting protection. Choose BRH Enterprises for roofing services that stand the test of time. Call us today at (920) 249-4228.