Which is a better ridge vent?
Pros:
- This ridge vent comes with external baffles which deflect rain and wind
- You will get a lifetime limited warranty if the ridge-vent is installed on shingle roofs
- Installation is straightforward and does not require any technical skills
- It can be installed on 3:12 to 16:12 sloped roofs especially because of its flexible hinge design
Are ridge vents the way to go for attic ventilation?
The majority of roofing experts agree that ridge vents are the most effective and cost-effective roof vents available. Without baffles (blinders that prevent outside air from crossing over the vent), a ridge vent may create almost no ventilation at all. Gable vents may circulate air through only a small percentage of your attic.
Is a ridge vent really needed?
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.
Does a roof need a ridge vent?
Does my roof need a ridge vent? Yes, If you live in a hot or humid climate a roof ridge vent can lower your cooling bills and lower you attic temperature. … While there are many types of roof vents available, many experts agree that ridge vents are the most efficient and cost-effective ventilation system.
Which is better ridge vent or 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 I need soffit vents if I have an attic fan?
Ventilation is important and can help keep an attic dry and lower air temperatures, but not having any ventilation isn't the worst case scenario. If you don't have soffit vents, we recommend you add some other vents in the lower part of the attic that can function like soffits.
Do I need a ridge vent?
Does my roof need a ridge vent? Yes, If you live in a hot or humid climate a roof ridge vent can lower your cooling bills and lower you attic temperature. A roof ridge vent is the best way to allow damp air to escape your attic, providing proper ventilation.
Do whole house fans work with ridge vents?
If you have a home with a ridge vent... the type of vent that runs along the peak of the roof, you don't even have to measure. A 40ft long ridge vent is equivalent to 20 sq. feet of gable vent... more than enough venting for even the largest whole house fans.
Will soffit vents work without a ridge vent?
Installing only a ridge vent and no or inadequate soffit venting is likely to result in unnecessary heat loss from the building as convection currents of rising warm air in the attic, unable to easily draw in air from outside, will "suck" warm air from the building, thus increasing unnecessary heat loss and increasing ...
Are ridge vents better than roof vents?
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.
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 better than gable vents?
The combination of a ridge vent along with continuous soffit vents gives you a flow through of air similar to the way a chimney works. Even without soffit vents, a ridge vent is much more effective than gable vents.”
Should you have ridge vents and gable vents?
Do Gable Vents and Ridge Vents Work Well Together? The simple answer is: Not really. If your home features both ridge vents and gable vents operating simultaneously, you should think about sealing up the gable vents. Different types of exhaust vents actually prevent each other from working effectively.
Are attic vent fans worth it?
By removing hot air and circulating air-conditioned air, an attic fan may improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. Prevents ice in winter and humidity in summer. When hot air builds up in your attic in the winter, it can melt the snow on your roof that then refreezes, causing damage to your roof.
Are gable attic fans worth it?
Even if your roof already has ridge vents and plenty of ventilation built in, it's a good idea to install gable fans or roof fans to help blow hot, humid air out of the attic. Attic ventilation fans also tend to be quite energy-efficient in terms of their own operation.
Will attic fan help cool house?
An attic's fan cools and ventilates the space, bringing attics to outside temperatures instead of allowing them to warm to extreme temperatures. Therefore, your air conditioning will not need to work as hard. However, an attic fan will not cool an entire house.
What happens if you dont vent soffit?
The Bottom Line On Attic Venting Without Soffits If your attic has inadequate ventilation, it can act like a "heat trap" and lead to premature shingle aging, warp wood sheathing, lead to mold issues, and increase your HVAC costs.
Are soffit vents important?
Soffit helps your home achieve the right amount of airflow circulation without allowing moisture to accumulate around the beams and interior elements of your home. This ventilation is achieved through mini-holes or vents in the soffit. These vents make your home breathable and provide air circulation to your attic.
Are attic vent fans worth it?
By removing hot air and circulating air-conditioned air, an attic fan may improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. Prevents ice in winter and humidity in summer. When hot air builds up in your attic in the winter, it can melt the snow on your roof that then refreezes, causing damage to your roof.
Should I install soffit vents?
Should I Add Soffit Vents? If your home is fitted solely with small gable-end vents or a ventilator high in the roof, you might want to consider adding soffit vents to increase airflow. These vents allow outside air to enter the attic at the lowest point of the roof—along the underside of the eave.
Ridge Vents vs. Attic Fan
Ridge vents are openings at the peak of a room that allow hot air to escape from a warm attic passively. Since hot air rises, warmer air exits the attic through the attic roof vents as cooler air is pulled in from outside through the lower openings under the eaves (soffit vents).
Running an Attic Fan With Ridge Vents
According to HVAC SEER, an attic fan isn’t only unnecessary in a properly designed attic but it can also be detrimental. The purpose of an attic fan is to blow hot air out of the attic, of course, but the fan interferes with the natural process of roofing vents.
Tips for Using an Attic Fan
Most homeowners keep their attic no more than 10 to 15 degrees warmer than the rest of their home; attic fans are usually set up to operate on this premise. However, you may have different temperature preferences. Furthermore, finding this sweet spot depends on the climate in which you live and the weather in and around your area.
How much air does an attic fan move?
This fan moves 1,000 or more cubic feet of air per minute , creating low pressure in your attic. Electric attic fans, however, often increase energy consumption and cancel out any savings, unless the attic is not insulated at all. Advertisement.
What vent should I use for my roof?
Roof Vents. Instead of installing an attic fan, Carter recommends using ridge vents on your roof. After installing a ridge vent, a homeowner might feel a temperature change, says Jerry Alonzy, a handyman working in Canton, Connecticut.
How to reduce humidity in attic?
To reduce humidity, the center recommends checking the building's duct system and air pressure when some doors are closed, replacing an inefficient air conditioner and turning off an attic exhaust fan. Turning off the exhaust fan reduces building pressure, causing a large decrease in the ventilation rate and indoor relative humidity, the center says. Some homeowners are attracted to solar fans because they can operate for 50 years without needing repairs. They don't use electricity and are easier to install, but can be expensive. Prices start at $500 for a 1,200 square foot home, not including installation. When the Solar Energy Center tested solar fans, however, it reported that if your attic is already well-insulated, the cost reduction is only about 6 percent, or 460 kilowatt hours each year. Since most older homes have only 3 to 6 inches of insulation, beefing up the attic's insulation might be the best solution.#N#The federal Department of Energy recommends up to R-49, or about 16 inches of fiberglass insulation, for most attics.
How much insulation should I put in my attic?
Since most older homes have only 3 to 6 inches of insulation, beefing up the attic's insulation might be the best solution. The federal Department of Energy recommends up to R-49, or about 16 inches of fiberglass insulation, for most attics. Advertisement.
Why turn off exhaust fan?
Turning off the exhaust fan reduces building pressure, causing a large decrease in the ventilation rate and indoor relative humidity, the center says. Some homeowners are attracted to solar fans because they can operate for 50 years without needing repairs.
Can a roof vent suck air?
Air leaks. By installing more roof vents, such as a ridge vent, you increase the possibility that most attic air will come from outside, says Tim Carter, a residential contractor in Cincinnati. If you have few vents in your attic, most of the air will be drawn from inside the house. A fan may actually suck air-conditioned air from your home ...
Can I install a roof ridge vent?
A roofer installs a ridge vent. Purchasing an electric or solar attic fan may not provide the savings that homeowners expect. Installing roof ridge vents and more attic insulation are better options, experts say. Adding roof ridge vents can reduce summer air conditioning costs, prevent roof mildew and rot and keep your roof in better shape longer.
What is the difference between a ridge vent and an attic vent?
They work differently. Ridge vents are those exhaust ports that run along the ridge of your roof. They can be only spotted by a trained eye. They are tiny in size, but they provide ample space for hot air to exhaust from the attic.
What is an attic vent called?
Since attic fans work by consuming energy and since they forcibly exhaust air from the attic spaces, they are called active ventilators. Since ridge vents don’t draw energy from any sources and since they work on natural forces, they are called passive ventilators.
How do attic fans work?
Attic fans work on electricity or solar energy while ridge vents work by natural convection. Those attic fans that work on solar energy won’t run during the night but ridge vents work whether it is night or day. Since attic fans work by consuming energy and since they forcibly exhaust air from the attic spaces, they are called active ventilators.
Why is the attic fan used?
This is the most popular passive ventilation method for the attic. Attic fans are used to forcibly exhaust air from the attic. They are useful when there isn’t proper attic ...
What is an electric fan?
An electric fan that is used to forcibly exhaust air from the attic. Exhaust ports that run along the ridge of a roof. An active ventilation method. A passive ventilation method. Can cause a negative pressure in the attic. No chances of negative pressure in the attic. Has moving parts.
Is it bad to use an attic fan with ridge vents?
It is a bad idea to use an attic fan along with ridge vents. Ridge vents act as exhaust ports for hot air. However, if you install a powered attic exhaust fan near the ridge vents, the fan will disrupt the natural flow of air and draw outside air through these vents.
Do ridge vents consume energy?
Ridge vents do not need supervision to run and they do not consume any energy. They are also maintenance-free. So basically if you are using vents you won’t even know they are there. Attic fans on the other hand require control, and some intervention even though minimal. They also cause noise in the attic.
What vents pull air from the soffit?
Two: the highest vent will pull air from the next biggest opening below it. So if you have a ridge vent it will tend to pull air from the soffits unless you have another opening before the soffit—ie box vent, electric vent, whirly bird, or gable vent. Best solution is Electric attic roof mount with soffit vents only.
Do attic fans work?
The only effective means are more insulation (preferred) or a radiant barrier up against the inside of the roof. Attic fans suck air out of the attic to the outdoors. This means that every leak in your house allows cool, air conditioned air to be sucked into the attic.
Can you use a ridge vent with a power vent?
Combining an attic power vent fan with a ridge vent is usually not recommended because: It could reverse the natural flow of hot air out the ridge vent. If air is drawn in through the ridge vent while it’s raining, it might pull rainwater in with it, which could lead to leaking or mold in the attic.
What is ridge vent?
This is different from soffit vents, which allow air to travel into the attic. Ridge vents are a passive system, simply allowing hot air to rise up through them rather than pushing it out as a fan does .
What is an attic fan?
An attic fan is an active system that actually forces air out. Unlike ridge vents, attic fans use electricity and need regular maintenance to keep working properly. Attic fans can also make a lot of noise.
Can I install a ridge vent in my attic?
Installing either a ridge vent or an attic fan can be a good way of getting adequate ventilation in your home. You naturally want to choose the very best one for your situation, though. First-timers may find it difficult to decide between different types of vents, such as a ridge vents or attic fans. They both work, but do so by different means.
Is a ridge vent better than an attic fan?
When you are deciding between a ridge vent or an attic fan, consider the needs of the attic. If you have suitable intake venting, a ridge vent might be a better choice, while larger attics and those with poor ventilation might be better served by an attic fan.
How big should an attic vent be?
It’s best for larger attic spaces that are 1000 square feet or more. If you have a congested attic, you should go for a fan too. A ridge vent works best in a smaller space (less than 1000 square feet). It’s also good for places where the intake ventilation is good.
What temperature should an attic fan be?
It’ll turn itself on when the temperature balance changes. The optimum temperature suggested by most specialists is 110-110 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do ridge vents last?
Exhausts the indoor air of the attic using the natural air exhaustion. Active venting mechanism. It works in a passive mechanism. Attic fans last up to 15 years if taken care of properly.
Why is ventilation important?
Ventilation ensures the moisture balance of a house. It also passes out smoke created by pellet stoves or fireplaces. Besides, they control the airflow and ensure the house is getting rid of indoor odor and pollutants. Without ventilation, airborne viruses, and diseases could transmit easily.
Is a ridge vent better than an attic vent?
So, in terms of cost-efficiency, ridge vents are more efficient. They cost much less than attic fans. The installation charge of the attic fan is a bit higher than the ridge vent. But when your attic space can’t be properly ventilated through ridge vents. You shouldn’t go for it.
Is it wise to install an attic fan?
Even though ridge vents don’t require energy to run. But it doesn’t always serve your purpose correctly. So installing it isn’t wise in those cases. You can use solar-controlled attic fans which are very energy-efficient.
Do attic fans work?
The air gets hotter and lighter, and eventually, they get higher. Then the air gets exhausted by the vent. They can’t work properly without baffles (that directs the air out of the vent). On the flip side, attic fans kind of forcefully drive the air out. They use energy (solar or electricity) to do it.
How hot can an attic be?
With any attic ventilation system, the attic can be 20 degrees hotter than outside. Attic ventilation should protect the roof sheathing, insulation, and shingles from temperature and moisture extremes.
What factors affect the temperature of the attic?
Other factors are the geographical location, sun intensity, orientation of the primary roof plane, and amount of total ventilation.
What happens when a power vent goes off?
When the power vent goes off, it acts like a roof louver (an opening on the roof without a motor.
How do attic vents work?
Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises, primarily utilizing two types of vents: 1 Intake vents, located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves, allow cool air to enter the attic. 2 Hot air exhaust vents, located at the peak of the roof, allow hot air to escape.
How many sq ft of venting in attic?
In order to facilitate this exchange of warm and cool air, the general rule of thumb suggests installing at least 1 s q. ft. of vent for every 300 s q. ft. of attic floor. Building codes vary, though, ...
Why insulate your attic?
At first glance, it can seem counter-intuitive: You insulate your home to reduce temperature fluctuations and save on utility bills, but then you allow fresh air to flow through the attic no matter the time of year. The science behind attic ventilation, however, is sound. Sealed attics trap excessive heat and moisture, ...
Where are vents on a gable roof?
Houses with gable roofs may also have vents located on the side of the house as high as possible within the peak of the gable. Whether round, triangular, or rectangular, these gable vents can be painted to match either the siding or the trim work so that they add to rather than detract from the home’s exterior.
Can wind enter through vent?
When there is wind flowing perpendicular to the roof and of sufficient speed, it can enter through the opening; however, winds that are too light or not flowing directly at the vent’s entrance will do little work to cool down the space. Advertisement.
Can you heat an attic without venting?
With square-foot living space at a premium, many homeowners turn to their attics for a little extra room. When the attic becomes part of the home to be heated and cooled, open-wall gable vents and roof vents are no longer feasible, but the underside of the roof (the sheathing and rafters) can still get blazing hot without airflow.