For most roofs, a continuous ridge vent is superior to traditional box (roof) vents. Installed at the peak, it provides even, natural airflow across the entire attic length. By contrast, standard roof vents are point-specific and require cutting multiple holes in the roof, increasing potential leak points.
You should avoid using ridge vents if your roof has no intake vents, a very low pitch (below 3/12), a complex hip structure, or if you already have other exhaust systems like gable vents or attic fans.
For a 2000-square-foot home, you need roughly 6.56.5𝟔.𝟓 to 13.513.5𝟏𝟑.𝟓 square feet of total Net Free Area (NFA), which translates to about 77𝟕 to 1414𝟏𝟒 standard static roof vents.
Yes, rain can get into ridge vents. During severe storms with heavy, wind-driven rain, moisture can be forced up and under the vent system. However, high-quality, properly installed ridge vents have built-in baffles and weather filters specifically designed to block water while allowing warm air to escape.
A ridge vent makes your house feel cooler or more comfortable by continuously venting trapped, superheated air out of the attic. It does not magically change thermostat temperatures on its own, but it lowers attic temperatures from extreme highs (e.g., 150∘F150 raised to the composed with power cap F150∘𝐹) by allowing hot air to escape naturally as cooler air is pulled in from the soffits.
The benefits of ridge vents include: Complete ventilation: Because they're installed at the highest point of the roof, they provide complete attic ventilation with continuous airflow. It's not possible to install them too low as it is with a box vent.
Yes, mice can absolutely get into your vents. Because their flexible skeletons allow them to squeeze through holes as small as a nickel, they easily travel through HVAC ducts, wall cavities, and floor vents to move around your house.
Ridge vents without external baffles typically have a portion of the shingle overhanging the vent. This overhang creates an area that can trap snow. The wind blows the snow up against the unbaffled ridge vent and gets trapped under the shingle overhang.
Yes, a shower, sink, and toilet can absolutely share the same vent, often referred to as a "wet vent" configuration. This setup—where the sink drain also acts as the vent for the toilet and shower—is highly efficient and saves space, but it must strictly follow specific plumbing codes regarding sizing, slope, and distance.
To tell if a roofer is lying, watch out for high-pressure sales, suspiciously low bids, and demands for large upfront cash payments. Honest roofers provide clear, detailed contracts and verifiable credentials. Always check their local license, avoid signing contingency agreements before fully committing, and get a second opinion.
Generally, the late fall and winter months can be the most cost-effective times to schedule a roof replacement. This is typically the slow season for roofing contractors, and as business wanes, you might find that they are more willing to negotiate on price.
Yes, you can absolutely have too many roof vents, especially if your ventilation system becomes unbalanced or if you mix different types of exhaust vents together. The problem is rarely the total amount of ventilation, but rather how the vents are placed and whether they work against each other.
You can also use gable vents. They can be installed directly in the gable ends for additional ventilation. Box vents are also an option or an alternative to ridge vents. Soffit vents can be installed in the soffits under the eaves to provide intake ventilation.
Neutral and timeless roof colors like black, charcoal, gray, and brown consistently deliver the highest return on investment. These classic shades have universal appeal, seamlessly match nearly all architectural styles, and attract the widest pool of potential buyers.
It is very common, even for a new home, for soffits to be installed with a small gap for mice to slip through. As homes expand and contract through the seasons these gaps have the opportunity to become even more pronounced.
Pouring salt down your drain at night is a popular DIY plumbing trick used for routine maintenance. The goal is to take advantage of the salt's coarse texture and natural moisture-absorbing properties.
In plumbing, the "135-degree rule" is a code standard that dictates how much a horizontal drain pipe can bend or change direction. It limits the total cumulative angle of pipe fittings before a system requires an access point (cleanout) or must be vented, ensuring proper flow and preventing chronic clogs.
It is almost always better to vent a bathroom fan through the roof.
Because your home's HVAC system is designed to regulate the temperature of the entire house, when ducts are closed, this pressure can build up and may eventually cause damage to your ducts or heating system. To sum it up, closing your air vents may mean that: Your HVAC system must work harder.
Ice dams are not caused by roofing, ventilation or gutter problems, as often believed. The real problem is a home that is leaking warm air. Due to inadequate air sealing, heat from the home's interior gets into the attic and melts the underside of the snow on the roof.
Mice have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell and absolutely despise strong, pungent, or spicy aromas. These smells overwhelm their senses and act as natural deterrents.
Mice are unlikely to climb on you when you sleep unless they are already in the bedroom. The best way to keep them out is by not giving them a reason to stay.
The Amish control mice through non-chemical, self-sustaining methods, relying on active trapping, natural scent repellents, and structural exclusion. Rather than using commercial poisons, they focus on physical barriers and natural predators to keep rodent populations in check.