What are the Different Types of Roof Vents?

What are the Different Types of Roof Vents?

roof vents

There are several different types of roof vents and each one can be utilized to maximize the airflow of your home in a different way. All the different types of roof vents can be used to create the attic ventilation system within a home or other building. You want to have roof vents installed by a professional as well. This isn’t just something you can order off Amazon and install on your own without some sort of expertise. We at Western Construction & Roofing pride ourselves on being able to provide the expert services you need in your life.

Every attic ventilation system is comprised of points of air intake and air exhaust. This system works to reduce the temperature and moisture levels in your home. Essentially, the roof ventilation system allows your house to breath. Like anything that breaths, any disruption the respiratory system is going to effects that can cause damage to the structure.

If you are looking into designing your dream home, replacing an existing roof or just interested in learning about roof vents and systems, it is a great idea to brush up on the different types of roof vents available to you.

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Intake Vent Types

Intake roof vents are found at the roof’s lowest point, often times under the eaves or small lip that juts off the lowest point of the roof. There are two types of intake vents for a roof ventilation system.

Soffit intake vents, or sometimes called under-eve roof vents, are the most common type of intake vent. Soffit vents come in variations of ventilated soffit panels, continuous strips or individual vents.

Rooftop intake vents are the other type of intake vent. These types of intake vents are used when a roof has limited or no soffits/eaves. Rooftop vents help eliminate the need to alter the roof or alter it to create soffits, ie: you don’t have to add an eve or extension to make it work.

Exhaust Vent Types

Exhaust vents are found at or very near the peak of the home – this is the highest point of the roof. There are many different types of exhaust vents and variations of those types.

Static vents use the natural flow of air to exhaust air.

  • Ridge vents are the most common type of static vent installed in homes today. The ease of installation and comparatively lower price make this vent a perfect match for most homes.
  • Hip vents are similar to ridge vents but are made for home with a hip ridge design. The hip ridge design features shorter, sometimes nonexistent ridges.
  • Roof louvers, also called box vents, are also a very popular choice for modern roofs. Roof louvers are great for a smaller roof or roofs with little to no ridgeline. Due to the smaller size, you will need to have several roof louver vents to achieve the desired ventilation effect. Although you will likely need several roof louver vents, the vent can be strategically installed on the back of a house to have a more aesthetic curb appeal. This type of vent can be added to existing buildings or new builds.
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Powered exhaust vents are a super-powered way to move air around in a ventilation system. There are electric, solar and hybrid versions of powered exhaust vents. The powered exhaust can be mounted on top of the roof or it can be gable mounted. Gable mounts can be installed from the attic and are a non-invasive addition to your roof. Gable mounts are appealing because they do not require any alterations to your existing roof structure.

Mechanical vents, like wind turbines, are also a great option, especially in windier climates. When there is a breeze, the turbines pick up the wind and begin to swirl around, turning the vent and exhausting the air within the attic. When there is not enough breeze to move the turbines, the exhaust vents still work as part of a static ventilation system.