Turbine Vents Vs Roof Ridge Vents: Which Is Better
| Roof Turbine Vents | Ridge vents |
| They have moving parts | They are static vents |
| Turbine vents remove air by active venti ... | Remove air by convection |
| Visible from outside | Hidden from view |
| Move more air than ridge vents | Move less air than whirlybirds |
Are ridge vents or turbine vents better?
While ridge vents win for their subtle appearance and functionality, turbine vents may be better in especially hot or humid climates where more dynamic airflow is necessary. If you are not sure which to use, consult a roof professional who can examine the needs of your home and draw up a venting plan for you.
How do wind turbines improve attic ventilation?
However, turbines aren’t passive—they work with wind energy to actively move warm air up and out of the attic space. In most cases, two or three of these get installed across the rooftop to get the best possible attic ventilation.
What is the best type of ventilation for an attic?
This is because once the hot air is exhausted from the attic the lack of air there needs to be filled with the cool air from the outside, and soffit vents are the best choice for this. Ridge vents are very shallow even though they run the whole length of the ridge.
Why ridge ventilation is important for your home’s roof?
With ridge ventilation, the hot air escapes naturally, which helps in maintaining the overall cool of the house. Likewise, during the cold seasons, the warm air inside the vents is prevented from escaping by the cold air outside, making the home warmer. This is made possible by the design of the vents. Complement the design of your house
Is ridge vent better than turbines?
While ridge vents win for their subtle appearance and functionality, turbine vents may be better in especially hot or humid climates where more dynamic airflow is necessary. If you are not sure which to use, consult a roof professional who can examine the needs of your home and draw up a venting plan for you.
What is better ridge vent or roof vent?
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.
Is ridge vent enough attic ventilation?
Ridge Vents Alone Won't Do the Job We see many older homes with no attic ventilation and some that have recently had ridge vents installed. While this provides an outlet for air flow, it does not provide an inlet to complete the convection cycle needed for proper ventilation.
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 a good idea?
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.
How much ventilation does a ridge vent provide?
Types of Ridge Vents and Net Free Venting Area per Linear FootRoof Ridge Outlet Ventilation Product ExamplesSq.In. of net free ventilationGAF Cobra® rigid Ridge Vent-2, Ridge Vent 3, & Snow Country ridge vent products18 sq.in. per linear foot, covered by cap shingles9 more rows
What type of ridge vent is best?
The shingle-over-ridge vent is a nicer, more consistent look compared to the aluminum vents, which are very susceptible to leaks further down the road because all of the fasteners are exposed—they go right through the surface of the vent and into the roof decking.
Do ridge vents leak?
With proper installation and care, ridge vents should not leak. However, improper installation leads to leaky vents. In some cases, installers will use the wrong nails or shorter nails to secure the vents to the structure.
How many Turbine vents do I need?
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.
Are turbine roof vents any good?
Highly Effective In low wind situations, turbine vents do an admirable job of moving warm air out of the attic areas of a property. However, when the wind is blowing, these vents turn into a powerful vacuum of warm air, drawing it up through the vent as effectively as any powered alternative.
What is the best way to vent an attic?
Rafter vents should be placed in your attic ceiling in between the rafters at the point where your attic ceiling meets your attic floor. Once they are in place, you can then place the batts or blankets, or blow insulation, right out to the very edge of the attic floor.
Where should a turbine roof vent be installed?
2:525:00Into place you get it in place you want to secure it at the top bottom and sides with roofing nailsMoreInto place you get it in place you want to secure it at the top bottom and sides with roofing nails with the base installed. You want to now level the top of the elbow by turning it counterclockwise.
Turbine Vents
A turbine vent consists of an array of wind-catching vanes that are arranged in a ring. They are like wind or water turbines used in other applications, and they work in much the same manner. Turbine vents are powered by the wind and require no other external power source.
Ridge Vents
Ridge vents are vents that run the span of your roof’s ridge or peak. They aren’t active in nature but are considered passive ventilation devices. Since the hottest air in your attic rises to the top, thermodynamics lead it to vent from the attic at the highest point, which is the ridge.
Which is more effective, a roof turbine or a ridge vent?
Roof turbines are more effective in winter than ridge vents. As mentioned before roof turbines can vent more volume of air at a time than ridge vents. Since ridge vents work on the principle of convection they are not very effective during winter.
Which is better for venting attic or roof?
Both roof turbines and ridge vents are great options for ventilating an attic. The answer to which one of them is better depends on your preferences and where you live. If you need vents that do not visually affect the roof then your only option is a ridge vent.
How does a roof turbine work?
Roof turbines remove air by active ventilation while ridge vents do that by passive ventilation. Even though roof turbines do not consume any energy they remove air just like active ventilators. This is because when the wind flows, it moves the fins of the turbine vent making it work as an active ventilator.
Why do roof turbines exhaust air?
Roof turbines exhaust air due to the spinning action of their blades which is caused by outside wind movement. When there is no wind blowing the turbine will remain stationary not moving any attic air. Since ridge vents work based on convection they work irrespective of the weather conditions.
How tall is a ridge vent?
A typical ridge vent has a height of only one inch or less and it cannot be seen from the outside. In contrast, you can spot a whirlybird from a mile away. From a distance, they look like large mushrooms sprouted on the roof. To be honest, they are hideous to look at compared to the more sophisticated ridge vents.
Can you use ridge vents in attic?
Also if you live in an area that doesn’t have much wind movement, again, ridge vents are the only option. On the other hand, if you care more about performance and you are located in an area with mild winds roof turbines are a great choice for your attic ventilation.
Do roof turbines need more maintenance than ridge vents?
Roof turbines require more maintenance than ridge vents. As you know roof turbines have moving parts. They are also made of metal which is likely to rust whereas ridge vents don’t have any such issues. Therefore roof turbines require more maintenance than ridge vents.
Why are vents good for ridge vents?
While this also works in a ridge vent, it is quite useful in turbines as they are attached to the roof making the dispersion a lot faster .
What happens when you have ridge ventilation?
During the hot seasons, you will notice that upstairs or in the attic, the air is sweltering. With ridge ventilation, the hot air escapes naturally, which helps in maintaining the overall cool of the house. Likewise, during the cold seasons, the warm air inside the vents is prevented from escaping by the cold air outside, making the home warmer. ...
What is a turbine vent?
Though it may look like something very complicated, it is a simple machine containing a circular fan which turns and starts circulating air when there is a breeze or wind. The benefits that you will enjoy if you install turbines are as follows.
How to tell if a house has vents?
It is hard to tell if a house has the vents installed or not if you look from the ground up. If you live in an area where the climate is consistently warm, you can have the vents installed along several ridges without making the roof look weird.
Do turbine vents require much space?
When it comes to choosing between the two types of vents, you have to decide which one best suits you. A turbine vent does not require much space to install compared to the ridge ones hence less expensive. When it comes to durability, ridge ventilation take the first place because turbine ventilation may get debris and malfunction ...
Do you need to use energy to install a turbine vent?
After you install the turbine vents, you will not incur any extra costs apart from when maybe they need replacement. In short, they are wind-powered and do not need to use any energy that will cost you. The fans inside the turbines are sensitive to wind or any breeze, which means that the turbines will move most of the time hence circulating more air without any energy cost.
Does the cold air inside the vents make the house warmer?
Likewise, during the cold seasons, the warm air inside the vents is prevented from escaping by the cold air outside, making the home warmer. This is made possible by the design of the vents.
Which is better, turbine or ridge vent?
While ridge vents win for their subtle appearance and functionality, turbine vents may be better in especially hot or humid climates where more dynamic airflow is necessary. If you are not sure which to use, consult a roof professional who can examine the needs of your home and draw up a venting plan for you.
What is a ridge vent?
turbine vent, two of the most popular styles. A ridge vent, as the name indicates, is located at the ridges where your roof peaks, ...
Where is the vent on a roof?
Ridge vents. A ridge vent, as the name indicates, is located at the ridges where your roof peaks, and runs along the top of those ridges. The vent is shaped around the ridge and covered with matching siding or tile, so that it is very unobtrusive and typically looks like a running cap or piece of extra roof trim.
Do you need ridge vents for turbines?
When reviewing turbine vent options, remember that they are very visible: If you want your vent s to have a low profile, you may prefer ridge vents. Lubrication and high quality materials are also important – depending on the climate, poor-quality turbines may rust or dry out, developing intolerable squeaks and groans.
Do all roofs have ridges?
The ridge must be installed along the entire roof to prove effective, and not all rooftops have enough ridge s for this method to work. For especially steep hip roofs, even full ridge vents may not provide enough airflow. Turbine vents do indeed look like small wind turbines installed on your roof.
Do turbine vents move more air?
When the wind blows regularly, these vents can move more air than other types of vents, but they are not effective when the air is still. Also, since the installation area for turbine vents is much smaller than ridge vents, they often cost less to install.
Do wind turbines work on roofs?
Turbine vents do indeed look like small wind turbines installed on your roof. As the wind moves across your rooftop, it turns these turbines and draws air up out of your attic area. No additional source of power is needed, and turbines are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles.
Why do wind turbines need ridge vents?
Because ridge vents span the length of the ridges, they take a lot more time and work to build than a wind turbine , which just requires the removal of a few tiles. Roof turbines require greater upkeep than ridge vents. Roof turbines, as you may know, contain moving components.
What is a ridge vent?
Roof turbines are the spinning objects that may be seen on the roofs of homes and businesses, while ridge vents are shallow vents that run along the roof’s ridge. Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between ridge vents and whirlybird roof turbines.
What happens when wind blows over a roof vent?
A gust of wind flowing over the ridge vent may produce a low pressure zone on the leeward side, speeding up air removal, although the volume of air moved is still less than a wind turbine. Roof turbines take up less space and are less expensive to build.
Why are roof turbines ineffective in winter?
Ridge vents are ineffective in the winter because they rely on the concept of convection.
How do turbines work?
3 Roof turbines use active ventilation to remove air, while ridge vents use passive ventilation. 4 Ridge vents blend in with the roof, while turbine vents stand out. 5 More air is moved by roof turbines than by ridge vents. 6 Roof turbines take up less space and are less expensive to build.
Why is passive ventilation used in roof turbines?
Because the hot air is not pushed out of the attic, but rather evacuated by providing an outlet , this is a passive ventilation technique. Despite the fact that roof turbines and ridge vents operate in different ways, both need the existence of air intake vents such as soffit vents to function properly.
What happens to a roof turbine when there is no wind?
When there is no wind, the turbine will stay motionless, and no attic air will be moved.
What is a turbine vent?
Turbine vents are those ice-cream cone looking vents that turn in the wind using a series of vanes – like a weather vane, allowing warm, moist air to escape at the top of your roof. They may not work as well in areas that don’t get enough wind, but they are easier to install.
Where are ridge vents located?
Ridge vents are located along the whole peak of your roofline and are covered with screening. This is a passive ventilation system, relying on the air pressure from inside your attic to release the warm air.
How much vent space do I need for an attic?
The rule of thumb for needed attic ventilation is that you need 1 square foot of ventilated balanced eve vents and roof vents space for every 300 square feet of ceiling.
Why do gutters get ice dams?
If your gutters are clean, you can still get ice dams because of condensation on your roof. Warm air from inside attic heats the roof, cold snow melts and then re-freezes at night on eves where there is no warm air. This causes a big back-up of ice that piles in your gutters and forms ice cycles.
What does it mean when your roof is bare?
If you are having an issue with heat escaping your home through the top (your home is the only one with a bare roof in the winter when there’s snow), it means you have an improperly insulated attic, and could be improperly ventilated one.
Do you have to have attic ventilation?
When it comes to attic ventilation, there are some myths circulating. One of them is, if you have attic vents, you must have attic ventilation. Another is that attic ventilation will let too much warm air out of your home in the winter. Neither of these is always true.
Ridge Vent vs. Attic Fan: Major Differences
Roof ridge vents and attic fans both promote airflow in attics. Unlike attic fans, ridge vents are passive, not mechanical, ventilation devices. Also, ridge vents move air both in and out of an attic; attic fans mostly move air outward, from the attic's interior to the outdoors.
Installation
A ridge vent is easier to install when the roof shingles are first installed, but ridge vents can be installed retroactively, too. Roof installers cut through the shingles and the wood roof deck but stop short of the roof rafters, creating a 6-inch continuous slot.
Appearance
Ridge vents blend in well with the roofline. Even with added shingles, ridge vents are barely more than 1 inch high. Since they follow the roof ridge, they are not usually visible.
Cost to Operate
Being passive venting devices, ridge vents are openings in your roof; they do not move. No motors are needed for operation. While ridge vents do occasionally need to be cleared of debris, there is no cost to operate them and little cost to maintain them.
Which Should You Buy?
Attic ventilation of some type is required by most building codes. 1 Ridge vents and attic fans can work in conjunction with each other. In this scenario, the ridge vent passively handles ventilation and cooling duties until it reaches its full capacity. Then, the attic fan takes over.
What are the advantages of turbine roof vents?
Another advantage of turbine roof vents is that they are quite effective . If you happen to live in low wind areas, turbines can do a tremendous job of moving the warm air out of the attic areas of your home. You should also note that when the wind is blowing, these vents can turn into a powerful vacuum of warm air and draw up the warm air through them effectively, just as any powered alternative would. Therefore, you need to keep in mind and clearly understand when thinking about using them.
Why do turbine roof vents have warm air?
Warm air is the one that will be drawn through because it is the one that rises, and the vents are mounted on the roof of your property. Turbine roof vents closely resemble a chrome chef’s hat protruding through the roof. These turbine roof vents are also carefully engineered to provide the best performance.
Why are roof vents important?
Since these roof vents depend highly on the wind to be effective, they are only beneficial in areas prone to high winds. The major drawdown to this factor is that winds are unreliable. This means that if you live in an area that doesn’t have enough wind, you may end up losing out.
Do turbine roof vents take up space?
Although turbine roof vents are visible from the ground compared to some of the other roof vents, they don’t take up a large space. For instance, it needs to take up almost the entire length of a roof for a ridge vent to be effective. However, a turbine roof vent can cover the same area with only a few strategically placed vents.
Is a turbine roof vent easy to install?
Cheap and Easy to Install. When you compare turbine roof vents with ridge vents, this type of vent is quite easy to install. Therefore, this means that installing these roof vents is not only easy but also cheap and affordable. Also, there are no electrical components found in a turbine roof vent because the wind directly powers them.
Do turbine roof vents have drawdowns?
Turbine roof vents also come with their drawdowns which I’ll highlight in this section. The good news is that the benefits outnumber the drawdowns, making them ideal to use in your property.
Can a turbine roof be used on a large roof?
Turbine roof vents are suitable for any size of the property. Therefore, there is no minimum or maximum size of the roof needed for this type of roof vent for it to be effective. This is highly unlikely with ridge vents because they are sometimes not suitable for small properties. Turbine roof vents can work perfectly in both small and large roofs, plus you can easily handle them by adding more vents.
Advantages of Ridge Vents
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.
Exhaust vs Intake Vents
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.
Exhaust Vent Types
Ridge vents are the most common exhaust vents in roofing projects across the country. This is due to their numerous inherent advantages, as mentioned above. Mainly, their position at the peak of the roof allows the hottest air to escape while allowing for the most surface area to expel the most air.
Intake Vent Types
Intake vents are equally essential to exhaust vents in that the two types work in conjunction to achieve the best ventilation for your roof.
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.
Conclusion
Overall, a ridge vent is preferable for a roof ventilation system for several reasons, as illustrated above. Combined with a soffit intake vent, the ridge vent will provide the best value for money, as well as the effectiveness required for a well-functioning roof system.
Sources
11 Best Types Of Roof Vents + Understanding Attic Ventilation Does My New Roof Need a Ridge Vent?