A roof vent serves as an opening that facilitates air movement in or out of your attic. It plays a crucial role in your ventilation system, aiding airflow, temperature regulation, and humidity control. To ensure effective ventilation, every roof requires a combination of intake and exhaust vents.

Without proper roof ventilation, you may encounter various issues. Your roof vents assist in:

• Preventing moisture accumulation in the attic.
• Preventing ice dams and aiding in snowmelt.
• Eliminating musty odors from the attic.
• Safeguarding plumbing systems.
• Keeping moisture out of kitchen and bathroom areas.
• Preventing wood rot.
• Extending the lifespan of your roof.

However, roofing vents are not universally suitable; there are numerous types, styles, and functions available.

When getting a new roof, you can choose a vent that matches how you want it to look and works well with your attic’s ventilation. But there are so many vent options for roofs; what kinds are there?

The Two Types of Roof Ventilation Methods

Passive Ventilation

Passive ventilation works naturally, allowing air in the attic to move without using mechanical systems. This type of roof ventilation doesn’t need vents to help the trapped air escape, which is why it’s called passive. It relies on wind or convection (where cool air displaces warm air) to circulate the air in your attic. The best part about passive vents is they have no moving parts, make no noise, and need very little maintenance.

Active Ventilation

Active ventilation works by actively bringing fresh air in from outside and pushing out the air inside the attic. It operates by intake vents pulling fresh air from outside and exhaust vents pushing the air out of your attic, creating a drawing effect. This system actively ensures that air circulates in your attic, which is why it’s called active ventilation.

Both roof ventilation systems effectively do the job, and neither is inherently better than the other. The key is ensuring your roof and attic have proper ventilation, regardless of the method used. However, we recommend an active roof ventilation system. This preference is based on functionality, as active systems actively move air, which can be advantageous in certain situations.

The Best Types of Active Roof Vents

Turbine Vents

Residential roofs often have wind and turbine vents, also known as whirlybird vents. These vents have rotating blades like a turbine to move air. They bring in cool, dry air from outside and remove warm, humid air from the attic. These roof-mounted vents offer a cheap, non-electric way to ventilate the attic.

One advantage of wind and turbine vents is that they let warm air out of the attic, even when there’s not much wind. They’re affordable, need little maintenance, and are easy to install.

Ridge Vents with a Bafle

Ridge vents are an almost invisible ventilation solution, running along the roof’s ridge to provide steady airflow. By effectively ventilating the attic, they prevent issues like wood rot, mold, and moisture buildup. These vents let hot air escape the attic and work alongside soffit vents to maintain a consistent breeze, regulating interior temperature. While they’re great for homes with long ridge lines, they may not suit every property, especially in areas prone to heavy rain or strong winds. Installing a baffle can enhance their efficiency by ensuring unrestricted airflow.

Power Roof Ventilation

Power vents are circular vents powered by electricity, designed to remove hot air from the attic. They are typically installed near the roof’s ridge and have a low-profile design.

Solar Roof Vent

Solar-powered attic vents function similarly to traditional vents but are powered by the sun. They effectively reduce electricity costs compared to hard-wired vents but come with limitations. While they are energy-efficient, they shut off when the solar battery is charging. This may result in longer use of the air conditioner as the battery recharges, potentially increasing monthly energy bills.