Published on August 1, 2022 by Jason Reisman

Importance and Types of Roof Air Vents

Do you need new roof air vents? Call Eustis Roofing at (352) 343-4240.

You probably understand the importance of ventilation for the rest of your home, but what about the roof? Roof air vents are systems that release stale air outdoors while letting in fresh air into the home.

The right type of vent is essential to your roofing system’s overall functionality.

The Importance of Roof Air Vents

If your home has poor roof ventilation, you’ll experience the following:

  • Poor indoor air quality due to stale air coming through the attic space.
  • Temperature extremes in the floors closest to the roof, forcing the HVAC systems to work harder.
  • Higher indoor humidity due to the warm air in the attic.
  • Dry roof rot, damaging the sheathing.
  • Ice dams in the winter (for people living in colder climates).
  • Higher energy bills as the HVAC system struggles to keep the home comfortable.

What Are the Types of Roof Air Vents?

There are many types of roof air vents to consider. Each of them falls under the umbrella of active or passive roof vents. As the top roofing contractor in Leesburg, Eustis Roofing can install all of them.

We’ll look at the vents in each category below:

Active Roof Vents

The common types of active roof vents include:

Turbine Vents

These whirly systems combine convection and a drawing effect to refresh the air in the attic. They can completely swap the air in your attic up to 12 times per hour.

Power Vents

These circular-shaped systems, typically positioned near the roof ridge, rely on electricity to pull hot air from the attic. They feature motors that need replacing from time to time.

Solar Powered Vents

These vents move air around using the same mechanism as power vents. However, they rely on solar energy. On paper, they are more energy-efficient than standard power vents. However, the battery doesn’t last all day. Thus, you may lose any energy savings if the HVAC system needs to work harder when the solar vents lack power. For an even more efficient and eco-friendly solution, consider Kennedy Skylights for roof ventilation, which can enhance your home’s energy efficiency.

Baffle Ridge Vents 

These vents line the length of your roof’s ridge. The baffles are chutes designed to encourage airflow.

The inconspicuous nature of these systems makes them a popular choice for property owners. That said, without a filter, these vents leave your home vulnerable to insect invasion or leaks.

Passive Roof Vents

Passive roof vents don’t have any moving parts and don’t require power to function. Thus, they don’t need yearly maintenance. The main types of passive roof vents include:

Box Vents

Box, or exhaust, vents are small boxes positioned strategically on your roof. Heat escapes from these vents through convection.

Gable Vents

These wooden vents sit at the two slope joints on both sides of your roof. They rely on the wind from outside to move air in and out of your attic.

Get Professional Help

Proper ventilation can prevent a range of problems, including roof leaks due to rot. Check out this post to know the damage that a leaking roof can cause.

Do you need new or replacement roof air vents? Call the Eustis Roofing team in Tavares, FL, at (352) 343-4240.

Jason Reisman

About The Author: Jason Reisman

Jason Reisman, ERC’s General Manager is a problem solver! Jason is hands-on with finding solutions to difficult problems as well as constantly researching, exploring new concepts, discovering new inventive ways and is passionate about being the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most dependable in the roofing trade. He’s hands-on with training and instruction ensuring every job have the up to date and state of the art equipment to perform with precision to be in and out without delays. Jason loves competing with his Dad on the golf course!