Knowledge Builders

are ridge vents better than box vents

by Elyse Ernser IV Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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 in your attic.Apr 23, 2018

What is a Box Vent?

Why are ridge vents so expensive?

What is ridge shingles?

Why vent a house when it's hot?

What is a turtle vent?

Do you need a box vent for a roof?

Is ridge vent better than box vent?

See 2 more

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What is the most effective roof venting system?

Soffit vents are a favorite amongst home builders and roofers because they are unquestionably the most effective intake vent for the cost. If a home's style allows for it, most new construction builders include soffit vents in their home's blueprint.

Are ridge vents worth it?

The truth is, most experts agree that though other roof vents allow some ventilation (which is better than none), ridge vents are the most efficient and cost-effective roof ventilation system around. Our recommendation is yes. Especially if you are installing a new roof, you want to extend its life as long as possible.

Do I need ridge vents and box vents?

Ridge vents look like a raised portion of the very top ridge or peak of your roof. They sit right on the top peak so it almost blends right into the look of your roof. As far as box vents go, they are a good option as well, but your roof will need many of them to allow hot air to escape from your roof and attic areas.

Are box vents any good?

Box vents are better than no attic ventilation. However, I always recommend upgrading box vents to an active ventilation system. Box vents are popular because they're the cheapest type of roof vent you can find. But because they're the cheapest, box vents are also the least effective type on the market.

Does ridge vent make house colder in winter?

The unintended consequence of your recently installed roof vents is that your house got colder. In the winter months, warm attic air is vented to the outside through the ridge vents and is replaced by colder outside air sucked in through the soffit vents.

Can rain get in ridge vents?

Ridge vents prevent moisture problems by letting warm air out, but wind-blown rain can enter if the vents are damaged.

Do ridge vents help in winter?

Ridge vents provide an even temperature distribution to your roof and are installed along the entire ridge. Because they do not depend on the wind flow, they can perform well in any season.

Are ridge vents prone to leaking?

And since the vent is covering a hole, it is more prone to leaks. Moreover, wind-driven rain can find its way into your attic from the bottom of the vent, causing a myriad of problems to your roof's interior. The damage may not be immediately noticeable since the moisture is soaked up by the insulation.

Do ridge vents get blocked by snow?

While all ridge vents can become snowbound in very heavy snows, certain types of ridge vent are much better at keeping clear than others.

What is the best way to vent an attic?

5 TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR ATTIC VENTILATIONAssess Your Needs. Before you make any changes, it's important to determine if your attic actually needs additional ventilation, and if so, how much. ... Insert Roof Vents. ... Add Soffit Vents. ... Install Gable Vents. ... Use Fans to Improve Airflow.

Can you have ridge vents and box vents?

Box Vents and Ridge Vents Working Together It might sound odd to bring air into your home, but in this situation, it's the perfect solution to keeping this part of your home dry and not overly hot. The air circulation will flow through your soffit ventilation and box vents, and leave through your ridge vents.

How many box vents should a roof have?

But how many roof vents does one home really need? A general guideline is homeowners need one square foot of roof vent for every 300 square feet of ceiling space, if your home has a roof with a vapor barrier, or 1:300. If not, you should have one square foot of roof vent for every 150 square feet, or 1:150.

Is a ridge vent better than an attic fan?

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.

Do ridge vents get blocked by snow?

While all ridge vents can become snowbound in very heavy snows, certain types of ridge vent are much better at keeping clear than others.

Are ridge vents prone to leaking?

And since the vent is covering a hole, it is more prone to leaks. Moreover, wind-driven rain can find its way into your attic from the bottom of the vent, causing a myriad of problems to your roof's interior. The damage may not be immediately noticeable since the moisture is soaked up by the insulation.

Are ridge vents better than soffit vents?

Because of their placement, soffit vents are more protected from wind and rain as well. Should any wind forced rain get up into the soffit, it would greatly be limited due to the small holes in the soffit. They also look more pleasing to the aesthetic of the home rather than a ridge vent coming out of your roof.

Why Ridge Vents Don't Work (We Have The Answer) - Upgraded Home

It’s essential to have a budget whenever doing a home improvement project. Roof ridge vent installation can cost around $500 on average. If you’re replacing the vents, expect that price to double.

Ridge vents with/or box vent? - GreenBuildingAdvisor

Hi, I bought a house a few years ago. My shingles are old, so I want to refoof. A contractor came to give me an estimate and he said that the previous roffers did the “ridge vents wrong”, because I have a box vent already installed (is there a way to know which was installed first anyway?).

Continuous Venting Ridge vs Static/Box Vents: Which is better?

Roofing manufacturers’ warranties require a minimum of one square foot of ventilation for every 150sf of attic space for traditional systems, but only one square foot of ventilation for every 300sf when the ridge vent system is used.

Residential Roof Vents Explained: Ridge, Box, Turtle - All Weather Tite ...

Learn about three common static roof vents: box, turtle and ridge vent. Let All Weather Tite explain proper roof ventilation (941) 889-9085

Does a Roof Need a Ridge Vent? - Fine Homebuilding

Forum member “Pizza” has a sister with a house in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that was built in the mid-1980s. Like many others of the era, the house has a gable vent at each end of the attic, along with soffit vents at the eaves. Working in tandem the vents have apparently done their job.

Roof Venting: Are Ridge Vents Better Than Roof Vents?

With all the different types of vents currently available on the market and their different applications and possible combinations for intake and exhaust vents, it is essential to understand how each type of vent works and how the exhaust vents work in conjunction with the different intake vents.

Ridge Vents

Ridge vents are widely known for being more efficient. Roofing manufacturers’ warranties require a minimum of one square foot of ventilation for every 150sf of attic space for traditional systems, but only one square foot of ventilation for every 300sf when the ridge vent system is used. That is a good indication of the difference in efficiency.

Box Vents

Box vents are not mechanical vents and work better when used with soffit ventilation. They’re designed to work with open attics and do not need to be placed close to roof ridges to work optimally. They are also known as low profile vents because they are static and installed over a hole cut into the roof.

Roofing Ventilation Tips

Ideally, air circulates under the roof by being drawn up through a continuous soffit vent, through the attic space, and then out the ridge through a continuous ridge vent. This is the smoothest and most efficient system. But few houses have continuous soffit and ridge vents.

Roofing Ventilation Choices - Roof Vents 101

Roofing ventilation is incredibly important when it comes to your homes breathability, circulation, and safety. Ventilation allows air to flow and moisture to be removed from the attic by allowing hot air to rise and remove the moisture at the same time. Thereby keeping your insulation dry, your air flow efficient, and your temperature comfortable.

What is Ventilation? Your House Breathing

Ventilation is the intentional introduction of outdoor air into a space. Ventilation is mainly used to control indoor air quality by diluting and displacing indoor pollutants. It can also be used to control indoor temperature, humidity, and air motion to thermal comfort.

Roofing Intake Vents - Soffit Vents and More

Our Diamond Standard is to make sure your roofing system is secure, comfortable, and efficient. Intake vents are pivotal pieces of your roofing system, designed to allow cool air to push out hot or stagnated air within a structure. Traditionally, intake vents such as soffit vents are placed on the lower areas of your roof such as under the eaves.

Roofing Exhaust Vents - Ridge Vents vs Box Vents

Exhaust vents are installed at the top of the roof, they primarily provide an unobstructed exit for the heat, hot air, odors and moisture trapped in your attic. Improper exhaust in your attic/roofing system can lead to many problems including trapped heat and moisture in your home, leaks, roof damage, and even peeling paint.

Closing Notes

When clients ask us about Ridge Vents vs Box Vents, the Asscher Roofing Diamond Standard is to install Ridge Vents when possible for your exhaust vent. Vented soffit is our diamond standard for an in-take vent. We always look for ways to improve our clients quality of life and efficiency of their roofing system.

What Does a Ridge Vent Cost?

Ridge vent installation can cost between $400 and $500 on an existing roof. However, ridge vents installed while the roof is being built may decrease the price by a significant amount.

How much ventilation does a roof need?

Ridge vents are the most efficient option for ventilating a roof. Warranties applicable to roofing manufacturers require at least one square foot of ventilation for every 150sqf of attic space.

What is the best vent for a roof?

Roofing contractors consider ridge vents to be the most preferred option when ventilating the roof of any home. Ridge vents are less invasive than other vent types while remaining the most cost-effective and energy-efficient compared to other roof vent types.

How far apart are soffit vents?

Continuous soffit vents wrap around the entire overhang of the building, whereas individual soffit vents are placed approximately six feet apart on the ceiling of the roof overhang. The continuous soffit is naturally more effective as it possesses a larger surface area to allow air intake.

Why are exhaust vents placed on the roof?

For this reason, exhaust vents are placed as high as possible on the roof, ensuring the most efficient exit of air from the roof structure.

What is the advantage of ridge vents?

The main advantage that a ridge vent has over other types of vents is its location. The air moves from a point lower down in the roof and exits at the highest possible point, being the peak.

What is the role of air intake and exhaust?

Air intake and exhaust play an equally important role in ensuring that a roof is sufficiently ventilated. Understanding how these two concepts work together is essential before choosing the correct roof vent system for your home.

What Is Ridge Vent?

If not, then you might have seen a vent present or installed at the top of the roofs (mainly sloped roofs) of buildings or houses.

How Does a Ridge Vent Work?

Now, how exactly does a ridge vent allow the hot and humid air to escape the attic of your house? What is the working of it? Let’s see that in detail.

Why do roof vents need ridge vents?

Hence, a roof ridge vent can prevent that from happening. With its efficient mechanism, a ridge vent can facilitate the exchange of gases naturally. This helps the hot air in the attic to escape.

How much does it cost to install a roof vent?

So, keep in mind that installing a roof ridge vent can cost anywhere between $500 to $1000, depending on your roof. Moreover, if you have an old house, you will also have to spend extra on the soffit ventilation system. This can increase the overall cost of installation.

Why do we need roof vents?

To summarize, roof ridge vents are quite beneficial for houses with at least some air circulation or energy-efficient design. They can reduce the house from getting too hot or even too cold. Moreover, it can drastically reduce the accumulation of moisture too.

Why are roof vents good?

Allows Natural Exchange of Air. A great thing about roof ridge vents is that you don’t have to put in extra effort, as the whole air exchange process is quite natural. As the hot air rises, it escapes in the outside environment due to the pressure difference.

What happens when you install a roof ridge vent?

So, when you have a roof ridge vent installed, it facilitates the release of this hot air from the vent-like openings found in these ridge vents.

What is continuous venting ridge?

Continuous venting ridge is a type of ventilation that allows outward air flow along the ridge or peak of a roof. An opening is cut along the desired ridge line and the continuous ridge vent is laid over the opening and sealed with standard ridge cap shingles.

How much ventilation is required for a roof?

Roofing manufacturers’ warranties require a minimum of one square foot of ventilation for every 150sf of attic space for traditional systems, but only one square foot of ventilation for every 300sf when the ridge vent system is used .

What is a static vent?

This type of vent is exactly what it sounds like: box shaped vents that remove damaging heat and moisture from the attic. One reason that they are so popular is because they provide a very economical way to ventilate your attic.

Why are box vents so popular?

One reason that they are so popular is because they provide a very economical way to ventilate your attic. Box vents are ideal whenever you have an open attic. The vents must be placed very close to the ridge of your roof. Installation is simple, quick, and easy.

Does continuous venting ridge system save energy?

Using the continuous venting ridge system, when installed properly, can prolong the life of your roof and cut down on energy costs. When applicable, Ridge Vent is the way to go!

Do roofs need vents?

Regardless of the situation, all roofs need to be properly ventilated. There are a few differences between Static vents and Continuous Ridge Vents. Deciding which one to put on your roof depends on which one better fits the type and design of your roof. Either option requires adequate intake ventilation. Historically, the most common type of roof ...

What is a Box Vent?

They are placed over a hole cut into the roof, but they are not usually on or near the peak. Box vents are static vents, and while they can be effective, they are unmoving and less efficient on ridge vents that use natural airflow to their advantage.

Why are ridge vents so expensive?

Ridge vents are pricier initially because of the way they are built. The only other options are to choose ones that fit your budget. Older homes may require other vents with their ridge vents, which can get costly themselves as well.

What is ridge shingles?

They are specifically made to resist rain, snow, insects, animals, and debris from getting into your house. Typically, ridge shingles are installed to protect the ridge vent and make it look finished and even. However, metal ridge vents may not require ridge shingles.

Why vent a house when it's hot?

When hot and cold air comes into or out of a house, it can cause moisture to be built up and trapped where it’s most likely to escape the roof. You need to vent that heat or cold to prevent leaks, mildew, and mold caused by condensation.

What is a turtle vent?

Turtle vents, also called eyebrow vents, provide curved openings on roof slopes. These are most effective when used in pairs side by side to facilitate airflow.

Do you need a box vent for a roof?

If you have a roof that has multiple types of roofing, you could. If you have a roof and attic that can successfully support a ridge vent, box vents aren’t necessary.

Is ridge vent better than box vent?

Ridge vents can be more expensive, but they are more effective than box vents and hold up better against weather and wear. This will not work for all roof types, like flat roofs or complex roofs.

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1.Comparing Ridge Vents vs Box Vents - Roof Critics

Url:https://roofcritics.com/ridge-vents-vs-box-vents/

18 hours ago 5 rows ·  · In terms of durability, they are leak-resistant and less prone to damage during extreme weather ...

2.Videos of Are Ridge Vents Better Than Box Vents

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29 hours ago  · Venting your roof and attic is highly recommended and very beneficial to the health and integrity of your home. Ventilation can also reduce indoor air impurities and keep a nice, …

3.Ridge Vets vs Box Vents - Exterior Renovations

Url:https://www.exteriorrenovations.com/2018/04/23/ridge-vents-vs-box-vents/

9 hours ago  · Why? Because it conquers the two main enemies of a healthy roof – heat and moisture. Ridge and Box vents are used to ventilate (or exhaust) old hot air from inside your …

4.Box Vents or Ridge Vents? - Asscher Roofing Company

Url:https://www.asscherroofing.com/our-blog/2020/8/28/box-vents-vs-ridge-vents

15 hours ago  · Ridge vents have the ability to work with vaulted ceilings, and you only need one of them to get the job done for ventilation, as compared to multiple box vents. It is the more …

5.Roof Venting: Are Ridge Vents Better Than Roof Vents?

Url:https://homeinspectioninsider.com/ridge-vents-vs-roof-vents/

34 hours ago  · When clients ask us about Ridge Vents vs Box Vents, the Asscher Roofing Diamond Standard is to install Ridge Vents when possible for your exhaust vent. Vented soffit …

6.Why You NEED Ridge Vent! RidgeVent vs Box Vent

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHnELim2t6E

2 hours ago  · These vents are less effective than ridge vents because they do not sit as high up on the roof of the building, and they have a smaller surface area through which to expel air. At …

7.Roof Ridge Vent Pros And Cons - Roof Critics

Url:https://roofcritics.com/roof-ridge-vent-pros-and-cons/

14 hours ago  · Here are the 4 reasons why I think Ridge Vent is superior to traditional box vents on steep slope roofing systems. Ridge Vent Pros and Cons is an important subject and we will …

8.Continuous Venting Ridge vs Static/Box Vents: Which is …

Url:https://rhodenroofing.com/continuous-venting-ridge-vs-static-box-vents-which-is-better/

6 hours ago  · On the other hand, a roof ridge vent is an ideal choice for both your rodent problem as well as air circulation. Due to a ridge vent’s smart design, it can practically become …

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