Proper attic ventilation is crucial for preventing moisture buildup and regulating your roof’s temperature. That’s why it’s important to have the best types of roof vents installed on your roof. But where do you start when it comes to choosing your roof vents? Discover how different types of roof vents can enhance ventilation and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Why Are Roof Vents Important?
Roof vents play an important role in maintaining overall roof health as well as enhancing energy efficiency by facilitating proper airflow in the attic space. During the warmer months, vents expel the heat, which prevents it from accumulating and potentially damaging the roof structure or causing shingle deterioration. In colder conditions, good ventilation prevents condensation by allowing moist air to escape, reducing the risk of attic rain.
On top of that, a well-ventilated attic helps regulate indoor temperatures, which reduces the strain on HVAC systems and improves energy efficiency. By promoting a balanced airflow, roof vents contribute to a healthier and more durable roof while simultaneously supporting energy conservation efforts within the home. Of course, different types of roof vents offer varying degrees of protection for specific climates and needs. Which type of vent best suits your needs?
What are the Different Types of Exhaust Roof Vents?
There are two types of roof ventilation, intake and exhaust. Today we will discuss the different types of exhaust vents and how to decide which one is best for your roof. A knowledgeable roofing company will help you by ensuring you have the proper number of vents based on the square footage of your home and what can be done to mitigate issues like attic rain and ice damming. There may be an opportunity to upgrade your ventilation from basic to enhanced, and some of the options are included below.
Square Roof Louvers
Also called “turtle vents” on account of their square configurations, these are one of the most common types of roof vents. They are lightweight, easy to install, and effective. . Their job is to expel warm air from the attic and they should always be placed on the same horizontal plane near the top of the roof. 2 very common brands of turtle vents are GAF’s RT65 and Duraflo’s WeatherPro 50 which are commonly used on Calgary homes.
Plumbing Vents
Plumbing vents are vertical pipes running through the roof and attach to a home’s drain line. These are an essential component of any plumbing system and are designed to regulate air pressure within your home’s plumbing system, prevent syphoning of water from traps, and eliminate sewer gas buildup. These pipes do not have a cover on the top which is an important part of their function and design.
Ridge Vents
Ridge venting is installed along the length of the roof ridge and allows warm air to escape the attic.. If you do not want turtle vents on your roof you can use ridge venting instead. The ridge cap shingles are placed on top of the ridge venting once it’s in place.
Turbine Vents
These vents use wind power to create a suction effect to draw air out of the attic. They are equipped with spinning blades that turn with the wind. These were a popular choice for a long time but can be easily damaged in high winds and by debris. If they are bent they will also need to be replaced as they will no longer spin.
Duraflo PRO Ventilator
These vents are static and stand taller than turtle type vents, which can be a benefit in the winter during large snowfalls as they won’t be as easily buried. One of these vents can replace several smaller turtle type vents. The chimney style design allows the PRO Ventilator to harness wind energy and create pressure variances that powerfully draw air out from within the attic space.
Primex Goose Low-Profile and Neck Vent
From Primex, these vents are built for through-roof dryer exhausts, bathroom and kitchen fans, stove vents, furnace intakes, fresh air make-up, and attic venting. They are easily installed and adaptable to fit 4 to 8-inch ducting.With a basic knowledge of all these different types of vents, you should now be able to make an informed decision to protect your roof and home’s ventilation system. For more on vents and proper attic ventilation, visit our Roof & Attic Ventilation service page. Contact us to get started or get a quote online today!
