If you’re like most homeowners, then you’re always looking for ways to lower your power bill. One way to do this is by installing the correct roof vents. There are a variety of roof vents available on the market, and each one has its unique benefits.

These types of vents work to expel hot air and moisture from your attic area and not only makes the home more comfortable to live in, but it also helps to protect your roofing materials from heat damage.

What is a Roof Vent?

A roof vent is part of the ventilation system for your roof. It helps to circulate air which removes moisture and keeps your roof healthy and extends  its lifespan. Vents also help improve your home’s energy efficiency by allowing you to control the temperature better inside.

There are several different types of roof vents, and each one has its benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll look at how roof vents work and look at the different types of roof vents, and help you decide which one is right for your home.

How do Roof Vents Work?

Roof vents work by drawing in fresh air from the outside and expelling stale air from the inside. This helps keep your roof healthy by removing moisture and preventing the formation of ice dams. It also helps to improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce cooling costs in the summertime.

There are several different styles of Ventilation:

Intake Vents

Intake vents are a style of Ventilation that brings fresh air in from the outside. They are typically installed in the roof ridge or eaves and can be categorized as passive Ventilation, as discussed below.

Exhaust Vents

An exhaust kind of Ventilation takes stale air out from the inside and is installed on the roof. They expel air by natural convection or forced Ventilation with fans.

Types of Attic Ventilation Systems

Ventilation is the process of exchanging indoor and outdoor air. There are two main types of ventilation systems:

Active Ventilation systems

These systems use fans to move air in and out of your home. They pull air from the outside and push it into your home, which helps to expel hot air and moisture. Active ventilation systems are ideal for homes with high humidity levels or that experience a lot of weather-related damage.

Passive Ventilation Systems

These systems rely on natural airflow to move air in and out of your home. They work by drawing cool air in through the bottom of your home and expelling hot air out the top. Passive ventilation systems are ideal for homes with low humidity levels or don’t experience much weather-related damage.

Types of Active Roof Vents

Active exhaust vents come in various shapes and sizes, but they all use fans to expel hot air and moisture from your home. The most common types of active roof vents are:

Turbine Vents

The first type of roof vent is the turbine roof vent. These exhaust vents are installed in the roof ridge and use a spinning turbine to move air in and out of your home. They work best in low wind speeds, ideal for homes with multiple stories.

The turbine vents are available in both manual and powered models. The powered model has a built-in fan that helps move air more quickly, while the manual model relies on wind power to spin the turbine.

The main downside of turbine roof vents is that they can be noisy when the fans are running. They also require regular cleaning to keep them from becoming clogged with debris.

Solar Powered Vents

Solar-powered vents are roof vents that use solar power for the fan. They work by converting sunlight into electricity, which then powers the fan. This makes them an excellent option for homes with limited or no access to traditional power sources.

The downside of solar-powered roof vents is that they can be more expensive than other types of roof vents. They also require a fair amount of sunlight to operate, so they may not be ideal for homes located in shady areas.

Power Vents

These circular-shaped exhaust vents use a motor to power the fan. They work by drawing air in through the roof and expelling it out the side of the vent.

They can be installed in either the roof ridge or roof eaves, and they come in both powered and non-powered models. The powered model has a built-in fan that helps move air more quickly, while the non-powered model relies on wind power to spin the turbine.

Power vents are an excellent option for homes with multiple stories, as they can be installed in the roof ridge to provide airflow to all levels of the house. They’re also a good option for homes with high humidity levels, as they help to expel moisture from home.

Power vents can help prevent ice dams from forming on the roof when used in the winter.

The main downside of power vents is that they should be used with a humidistat during the winter months to prevent over-ventilation and damage to roofing materials.

Ridge Vents With a Baffle

The most commonly used roof vents, ridge vents, are installed in the roof ridge and work by drawing air from the soffit vent and expelling it out the ridge.

The ridge vents with a baffle are the best option for many homes since they are not noticed from the ground.

The main downside of ridge vents is that they can allow moisture and pests into your home if they’re not correctly sealed. They also require regular cleaning to keep them from becoming clogged with debris.

Off Ridge Vents

Off ridge vents, another roof vent is installed with three-tab asphalt shingles on the roof peak. The vents extend out and away from the roof, allowing hot air to escape. This type of roof vent is less common than ridge vents but works well in high winds.

They are not as popular as ridge vents because they are not as effective in removing attic heat. They are also smaller in size and can be blocked by snow.

Types of Passive Roof Vents

The Passive roof vents are the roof vents that do not require any power to operate. Instead, they use natural forces, such as wind or gravity to move air in and out of your home.

The most common types of passive roof vents are:

Gable End Vents

Gable vents are roof vents installed in the gable ends of your roof. Mostly come in a triangular shape; these roof vents allow air to flow into and out of your home.

They work by using the wind to create a pressure difference between the inside and outside of your home. This pressure difference causes air to flow into and out of your home, which helps to cool it down during the summer months.

Most Gable vents are made out of wood, and they come in a variety of colors to match the roof of your home.

Static Vents

Another type of passive roof vent is the static roof vent. Static roof vents are roof vents that do not have any moving parts. They are box-shaped roof vents that allow air to flow in and out of your home.

They work by using the wind to create a pressure difference between the inside and outside of your home. This pressure difference causes air to flow into and out of your home, which helps to cool it down during the summer months.

The biggest downside to static roof vents is that they can get clogged with debris over time, which will prevent them from working correctly.

Soffit Vents

One of the most common roof vents is the soffit vent. Soffit vents are installed in the roof’s eave and work to draw cool air into your attic. This type of roof vent is typically made from plastic or metal and can be easily installed by a professional roofer.

There are two types of soffit vents depending on the type of home: Individual soffit vents and continuous soffit vents. Individual soffit vents are best for older homes with smaller roof overhangs. Continuous soffit vents are installed along the entire roof’s eave and are ideal for newer homes.

Ridge Vents Without a Baffle

Very similar to ridge vents but does not have the baffle. They are less common than ridge vents because they can allow moisture and pests into your home if they’re not correctly sealed. They also require regular cleaning to keep them from becoming clogged with debris.

Drip Edge Vents

A drip edge vent is a roof vent that is a part of the drip edge system. It is a small, rectangular-shaped roof vent that helps to draw air into your attic.

Drip edge vents work by using the wind to create a pressure difference between the inside and outside of your home. This pressure difference causes air to flow into and out of your home, which helps to cool it down during the summer months.

Drip edge vents are a newer type of roof vent and are not as common as other roof vents. They are made out of metal and come in various colors to match the roof of your home.

What Are The Benefits of A Roof Vent?

The following are some of the benefits that roof vents can provide to your home:

1. Extends the life of your roof

A roof that is not exposed to excess heat and humidity will last longer than a roof that is, so we are adding years of life to your roof. Too much heat in the roof can cause a multitude of issues for all components of the roofing system.

2. It prevents the formation of condensation, mold, and rot.

Roofs need to breathe in order to prevent condensation, mold, and rot. Condensation can cause damage to your roofing materials, while mold and corrosion can lead to structural damage to your home. You would be surprised how much moisture you cause everyday such as cooking, bathing, and washing clothes. By properly venting this outside, we are protecting our home.

3. Makes the home energy efficient

By keeping the attic moisture free and cool, you will save money on your power bill. A superheated attic can make your air conditioning system work overtime, costing you an arm and a leg!

4. Reduces indoor temperature extremes

As mentioned in the last point, a top benefit of a proper roof vent is that they help to reduce indoor temperature extremes. In the summer, roof vents help cool down your home by drawing in cooler air from outside.

In the winter, roof vents work in conjunction with insulation to keep the warm air in your home. By properly ventilating your roof and attic spaces, you can create a more comfortable indoor environment all year round.

5. Prevents ice damming

One of the essential benefits of roof vents is that they help prevent ice damming. Ice dams can form on your roof when the snow melts and refreezes, which can cause water damage to your home.

For those who live where snow is expected, proper roof ventilation is the most important thing you can do to prevent ice dams from forming.

So What Is The Best Roof Vent?

There are several types of roof vents available, and the best style for your roof will depend on your home’s individual needs.

Pretty much in all cases, vents integrated with your soffit, combined with a ridge vent is the best option. If you have a newer home or looking for a more comprehensive ventilation solution, then continuous ridge vents are a better option.

No matter which type of roof vent you choose, ensure that it is properly installed to get the most benefits. Most roofing professionals can guide you in the right direction.

Conclusion

Many homeowners are unaware of the benefits (or lack thereof) that their roof ventilation system is providing. can provide their homes.

A good roof vent will extend the life of your roof, prevent moisture damage, make your home more energy-efficient, and reduce indoor temperature extremes.

When choosing a roof vent, be sure to consult with a roofing professional to find the best option for your home.