Roof vents are a type of rooftop ventilation system that is installed on the roof of a building to help regulate the temperature and air quality inside. They are designed to allow hot air, moisture, and other pollutants to escape from the building and prevent them from accumulating inside.
Purpose of rooftop ventilation
- Vents are installed in roofs to improve the ventilation in the attic space, which helps to regulate temperature and humidity levels and reduce the risk of moisture buildup and damage.
- Vents allow hot air to escape from the attic space, which can help to reduce energy costs by improving the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
- Vents also allow fresh air to enter the attic space, which can help to prevent the buildup of harmful pollutants and improve indoor air quality.
Types of rooftop ventilation
- Ridge vents
- Soffit vents
- Turbine vents
- Gable vents
- Static vents
- Roof louvers
- Cupola vents
- Solar-powered vents
- Powered vents
- Chimney caps
A brief introduction to all types of rooftop ventilation
1. Ridge vents
Installed at the peak of a roof and allow hot air to escape from the attic space.
Ridge vents are a type of roof vent that is installed along the ridge of a sloped roof to allow air to flow in and out of the attic space. Ridge vents are often considered to be the most effective type of roof ventilation system because they provide a continuous opening for air to flow in and out of the attic.
Ridge vents work by allowing hot, moist air to rise and escape through the ridge vent, while fresh, cooler air is drawn in through other vents such as soffit vents or gable vents. This continuous airflow helps to regulate the temperature and humidity levels inside the attic space, which can help to prevent problems like mold, mildew, and ice dams.
2. Soffit vents
Installed on the underside of the eaves to allow cool, fresh air to enter the attic space and push hot, stale air out through the roof vents.
Soffit vents are a type of roof vent that is installed on the underside of a roof’s eaves or overhangs. They allow air to flow into the attic space to replace hot, stale air that is being vented out through other roof vents, such as ridge vents or gable vents.
Soffit vents work by drawing cool, fresh air into the attic space from outside, which helps to lower the temperature and humidity levels inside the attic.
This can help to prevent problems such as mold, mildew, and ice dams. Soffit vents are typically installed in a continuous line along the underside of the eaves or overhangs, which helps to provide a consistent flow of fresh air into the attic space.
3. Turbine vents
Wind-driven vents that spin to draw hot air out of the attic space.
Turbine vents, also known as whirlybird vents or roof turbines, are a type of roof vent that is powered by the wind. They are typically installed near the ridge of a roof and have a turbine-like structure that rotates as the wind blows.
Turbine vents work by creating a vacuum that draws hot air out of the attic space and exhausts it through the vent. As the wind blows over the vent, it causes the turbine to spin, which creates a suction effect that pulls hot air out of the attic. The faster the wind blows, the faster the turbine spins, which increases the ventilation rate of the roof.
Turbine vents are typically made of metal or plastic and come in a range of sizes and styles to accommodate different roof types and sizes. They are relatively easy to install and require no electricity or other power sources to operate, which makes them a cost-effective ventilation option for many homeowners.
4. Gable vents
Installed on the gable ends of a roof and allow hot air to escape from the attic space.
Gable vents are a type of roof vent that is installed on the gable end of a roof, which is the triangular portion of a wall that is formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes. Gable vents work by allowing hot air to escape from the attic space through the vent.
Gable vents are typically made of metal or plastic and come in a range of sizes and styles to accommodate different roof types and sizes. They are relatively easy to install and require no electricity or other power sources to operate.
5. Static vents
Stationary vents allow hot air to escape from the attic space through natural convection.
Static vents, also known as roof louvers or box vents, are a type of roof vent that is installed near the ridge of a roof to allow hot air to escape from the attic space. They are called “static” vents because they do not have any moving parts, but rely on natural convection to draw hot air out of the attic.
Static vents typically consist of a box-shaped structure with a hood or cap on the outside to prevent rain and debris from entering the attic. The vent is installed near the ridge of the roof and is typically made of metal or plastic.
6. Roof louvers
Designed to provide both ventilation and daylighting for commercial and industrial buildings.
Roof louvers, also known as louvered vents or box vents, are a type of roof vent that is installed near the ridge of a roof to allow hot air to escape from the attic space. Like static vents, they rely on natural convection to draw hot air out of the attic.
Roof louvers typically consist of a box-shaped structure with a series of slats or louvers on the sides to allow hot air to escape from the attic.
7. Cupola vents
Decorative venting structures are often found on historic or traditional buildings.
Cupola vents are a type of roof vent that is installed on the rooftop of a building, typically near the ridge of the roof. Cupola vents are typically decorative and can be a distinctive architectural feature of a building.
Cupola vents can be made of a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and vinyl, and come in a range of sizes and styles to accommodate different roof types and sizes. They can be square, rectangular, or round in shape and are typically topped with a decorative dome or finial.
8. Solar-powered vents
Use solar power to operate a fan that helps to draw hot air out of the attic space.
Solar-powered vents are a type of roof vent that is powered by solar energy. They work by using solar panels to collect energy from the sun, which is then used to power a fan or motor that draws hot air out of the attic space.
Solar-powered vents can be a cost-effective and energy-efficient option for homeowners who want to improve the ventilation in their attic space. They do not require any electricity to operate and can be installed on roofs that are not equipped with electrical wiring.
9. Powered vents
Electrically powered vents that use a fan to draw hot air out of the attic space.
Powered vents, also known as electric vents, are a type of roof vent that is powered by electricity. They work by using an electric fan or motor to draw hot air out of the attic space.
Powered vents are typically installed on the roof, and are connected to an electrical power source.
10. Chimney caps
Designed to prevent rain, snow, and debris from entering the chimney, while also allowing air to escape.
Chimney caps with vents are a type of roof vent that is installed on top of a chimney. They work by allowing air to flow in and out of the chimney, which helps to improve the ventilation in the attic space and reduce the risk of moisture buildup and damage.
Chimney caps with vents are typically made of metal or masonry and come in a range of sizes and styles to accommodate different chimney types and sizes. They feature a vented design that allows air to flow freely in and out of the chimney, which helps to prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
