Aluminum ridge vents were common in the 1980's and 1990's because they were easy to install, inexpensive, and effective.
Continuous ridge vents are more effective because they are installed at the peak of a roof's ridge, allowing for warm air to escape from the attic. It also works better because it creates a vacuum.
While all homes should have soffit vents on the bottom of the roof, they also need to have another kind of vent near the ridge. Most homeowners typically choose between ridge vents and box vents. But which is better for your home? It depends on a few factors, including climate and roof slope.
Cons of Ridge Vents: Installation: Ridge vents must be installed properly to function effectively. Incorrect installation can lead to leaks and reduced ventilation efficiency. Requires Soffit Vents: Ridge vents rely on soffit vents to draw cool air into the attic.
Some of it should flow up under the roof sheathing to keep it cooler, then exhaust out near the peak of the roof. This airflow out of the roof peak keeps it cooler during summer and much colder during winter to minimize condensation and ice dam formation.
The average lifespan of a roof vent is about 10-20 years, but the lifespan of your roof vent will depend on a variety of factors. Some factors that will affect the lifespan of your roof vent include the type of roof vent, the material your roof vent is made from, and the care your roof vent receives.
Ridge vents are also some of the most effective roofing vents because of their size. They will run the length of your roof's peak, making them cover a great distance without much effort or exposure.
If you had to choose just one—and your attic has a great need for ventilation—an attic fan is your best bet. Attic fans in the $300 to $400 range can move upwards of 5,000 CFM. For lower capacity ventilation at a steep cost savings, a ridge vent might be your best choice.
Look Out for Flashing
In this case, rain can enter your roof through the vents. As for damage to the vents themselves, old age is a factor. Eventually, certain areas of your roof may be worn down, including the flashing that supports ridge vents. You will likely be unable to predict when your flashing is going to fail.
The average roof ridge vent installation cost is $300 to $650, including labor and materials. While it is a pricier option than some of the others, you are treating yourself to the most effective non-powered roof ventilation system. It also blends in with your roof for a much sleeker look than other vents.
Unlike most other roof vents, the amount of ridge vent is calculated per linear foot. The standard ridge vent without a baffle is 4 feet long and covers 72 square inches of net free area. With that in mind, you'll need a total of 20' of ridge vent to ventilate a 1,500 square foot attic properly.
Most of the estimators mention the option of a ridge vent installed at the top of the roof, some mention it in passing and don't really push it too hard one way or the other, and others, while not exactly insisting it be installed, say that without the installation of a ridge vent, the attic would receive inadequate ...
Install a ridge vent like the Certainteed filtered ridge vent. Using the correct roofing nails, install cap shingles over the ridge vent.
Aluminum ridge vents were common in the 1980's and 1990's because they were easy to install, inexpensive, and effective.
Which type of vent is best for my roof? In most cases, we recommend soffit vents for intake and a ridge vent for exhaust. For homes that cannot have a ridge vent, box vents are generally the second best option for exhaust.
A ridge cap is also a type of baffle used for ridge vents. A cap sits on the ridge vent itself and creates an overlapping shield to prevent water from getting in. Ridge caps also create the vent system pull that sucks fresh air into the attic or roof space and expels stale air.
When you're having a new home built then installing a ridge vent is the best way to maintain the optimal temperature of your home. Since there are vents on the roof, heat can escape the house naturally. It doesn't have to be vented out like a normal house would, which keeps things cool inside.
It's important to keep the ridge vent free of obstructions such as leaves, debris, and ice to maintain proper ventilation. If debris buildup is a regular problem, consider trimming back nearby tree branches or hiring a roof cleaning company.
Ridge vents are not supposed to leak. In most cases, leaky vents are due to poor installation. There are specific types and sizes of nails, for instance, that your roofers should use. Ridge vent section overlaps also require a specific measurement.
It is absolutely possible the ventilation system on your roof is excessive. Maybe your home is older and prior ventilation was installed by a homeowner, or incorrect vent sizes were used in an older roof layout. Too much ventilation can negatively influence the attic's and home's insulation as well.
In my experience, a mix of passive and active ventilation tends to work very well; combining an attic fan with ridge vents will improve what the natural process starts, which makes sure your attic remains healthy.
While each type—metal, hard plastic shingle-over, and soft foam shingle-over—has its merits, the hard plastic 4-foot shingle-over ridge vent stands out for its unparalleled air exhaust capabilities, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking optimal ventilation performance.
Ridge vent installation costs $7 to $15 per linear foot or $350 to $600 total, depending on the roof length, pitch, and style. The vent itself costs $8 to $12 per 4-foot section. Ridge vent replacement may also include replacing nearby shingles.
“Metal vents — can be susceptible to bent flanges and denting from shipping and handling. Plastic vents are a lot lighter and much more durable.” Donna Burtch, Duraflo® Product Manager at Canplas. Unlike metal roof vents, Duraflo® products do not collect as much condensation with temperature changes.
First, you'll want to consider the size of your attic. The larger the attic, the more vents you'll need to ensure proper ventilation. As a general rule, you should have at least one square foot (144 square inches) of ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space.