What is a Ridge Vent: Everything there is to know.

A ridge vent is a pipe placed near the roof that lets hot air escape from your attic. What does it do? Does it leak? What’s involved in installing one? What are the alternatives to ridge vents? This article will answer all these questions and more!

What is a Ridge Vent

A ridge vent is a pipe placed near the roof that lets hot air escape from your attic. It helps increase airflow between rafters by carrying heat out of an attic space, which can help reduce energy costs by up to 20%.

Ridge vents come in many different shapes and sizes – they don’t have to be round or square like most people imagine them being. They also differ as far as what materials they’re made with – some are plastic while others might be metal (aluminum). The key thing about this device is that it needs to have a one-way flap in order for air to flow out of the attic and not back into it.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Roof Decking: The Definitive Guide

What does Ridge Vent do?

A ridge vent reduces heat buildup by up to 20% which can lead to reduced cooling costs, increased home value, and less chance of mold or mildew growth. Another benefit they provide is improved indoor air quality because there will be better airflow when humidity levels rise inside the house during the summer months.

A ridge vent also helps keep attic spaces cooler by allowing water vapor that collects there from seepage or rainwater leakage (which can lead to rot if not dealt with) to dry quickly, which in turn reduces the chance of mold growth.

The exhaust vent also prevents heat from entering at a high velocity and helps to keep insulation dry by preventing condensation. What’s more, is that there are benefits associated with installing ridge vents as far as energy efficiency goes if they’re installed properly (which we’ll get into below).

One thing about ridge vents is that you don’t have to install them on every side of your roof – it can be done just for one or two sides so long as it doesn’t go against building codes. What this means is that when holes are drilled through the exterior walls near an attic space, air will still escape even without a ridge vent being present in those areas where supports occur between rafters.

Types of Ridge vents

There are two types of ridge vents to choose from:

– What is a Ridge Vent with continuous flow?

– What is a Ridge Vent with intermittent flow?

A ridge vent that has continuous airflow means it will operate the same no matter what time of day it is. This type requires attic access and installation work at night or on weekends when you can’t use your home’s heating system because it uses electricity as power, which goes against building codes in some areas so be sure to check before installing this type.

A ridge vent that operates intermittently costs around $500 less than one that runs continuously however it may not always stay open, especially if there are heavy winds outside (note: these devices cannot regulate airflow). What this means is that they require attic access and installation work during the day when your home’s heating system may be in use.

The good thing about ridge vents with intermittent airflow is that they don’t require a helper to hold them open, which can make for an easier installation process.

Other types of Ridge vents

There are two primary types of ridge vents: shingle-over vents and aluminum vents. The Shingle over vents is for a roof that has shingles, whereas the aluminum vent is for roofs made of metal. What this means is that if you have an asphalt or a certain kind of tile roof then you’ll need to use a ridge vent with continuous airflow because it won’t work with other types of materials.

The installation process varies depending on what type of ridge vent you use. What this means is that for ridge vents with continuous airflow, the installation process usually takes a day as it’s done during daylight hours when no heating or air conditioning systems are in operation; whereas, if these devices have intermittent flow they can be installed at night because there won’t be any interference from other appliances.

Also read: How to Vent a Bathroom with No Outside Access or Window

Problems associated with Ridge vents

Although ridge vents can be a great addition to any home, they do come with some minor downsides as well. What this means is that installing them requires the removal of old roofing materials which may involve stripping off tar and shingles from your roof before drilling holes in it; there are also times when you’ll need to call in professionals to complete the installation. What this means is that ridge vents are usually more expensive than other ventilation methods, with installations running around $200 to $400.

Can a ridge vent leak? Typically, ridge vents do not leak, but there are some instances where leaks can occur. What this means is that improper installation and weather conditions such as heavy winds may cause a ridge vent to leak so it’s important when installing these devices to ensure they’re positioned straight up and down in order for the seal between them to be airtight.

Also, Ridge vents can’t be installed at locations where there are gutters, chimneys or other obstructions. What this means is that they must also be spaced at least 24 inches away from any combustible material such as insulation and drywall

Ridge vent with continuous airflow usually has an external damper which will need to be adjusted regularly so it doesn’t stick open.

This type of ventilation device should not have water dripping on it when activated – if you notice drops then the seal may require replacement; likewise, if you see snow melting near your home, then this too is indicative of a potential problem with the seal. What this means is that if the seal between your ridge vent and roof becomes compromised, it could lead to a possible leak which will cause water damage to your property.

Are ridge vents required by code?

Ridge vents are not required by code, but many experts recommend them for homeowners. What this means is that although they may be expensive and require installation, these vents can be a great addition to your roof and will help prevent the buildup of moisture.

This means that ridge vents are beneficial because they allow for an even distribution of air inside your attic space; in turn, this helps regulate temperature which reduces energy costs associated with cooling or heating systems.

Ridge vent installation should not require more than one day. What this means is that ridge vents can be installed by homeowners without the need for a permit, as long as they’re not located in certain areas such as the attic and crawl spaces. What this means is that ridge vents are not a difficult installation, but there may be more expense involved with hiring contractors to complete the work for you.

Can a ridge vent be installed on an existing roof?

Yes, ridge vents can be installed on an existing roof. What this means is that they’re typically not recommended for new roofs but may work on older systems as long as there are no obstructions such as gutters or chimneys located nearby.

What this means is that if you want to install a ridge vent in your current roofing system, you’ll need to remove the old roofing material and replace it with new shingles. What this means is that ridge vents are not recommended for older roofs because there’s a high risk of leaks occurring.

Should a ridge vent go all the way across the roof?

A ridge vent should not necessarily go all the way across your roof. As earlier stated, there are two different types of ridge vents – continuous and intermittent; with the latter, these devices only run across a section of your roof so it’s important to ensure you’re installing one which covers as much space as possible.

What this means is that if you install an intermittent device, then water may accumulate on either side of it depending on how well they seal against adjacent sections.

What type of installation do I need?

Ridge vents come in both adjustable and fixed models, but experts recommend using the former because their design makes them easier to adjust for airflow needs. What this means is that although some homeowners may have experience or enjoy doing DIY projects, most people will want to hire a professional for ridge vent installation.

What this means is that even if you don’t think your roof needs an adjustment, it’s best to have professionals examine the site before proceeding with the installation. What this means is that in order to be sure of ridge vent quality and compatibility, experts recommend only installing one made by the same company.

How much does it cost to install a ridge vent?

The cost to install a ridge vent will vary depending on the model and specifications of your home. In addition, it’s important to note if you plan to hire professionals or do the job yourself.

With the latter, there may be some additional expense for materials such as shingles and sealant. What this means is that while installing a new roof can range from $5000 and up, ridge vents are typically priced between $750-$1000 which includes installation costs.

Are there any disadvantages to using ridge vents?

Ridge vents are not without disadvantages. What this means is that because they’re installed on the roof, it’s common for them to suffer from damage such as cracks or leaks caused by heavy winds and storms.

What this means is that ridge vent maintenance should be a priority with these devices; in turn, you’ll need someone to repair any damages which may occur during use.

Are ridge vents worth it? Should I install a Ridge vent?

Related: Is It Safe to Put a Bedroom in the Basement? Pros and Cons

Ridge vents provide a number of benefits, but that doesn’t mean they’re worth it for everyone. What this means is that ridge vent installation can improve the energy efficiency and durability of your home’s roofing system; in turn, you’ll be able to reduce heating or cooling costs by up to 15%.

With these simple adjustments, your home will be more comfortable and also less likely to suffer from a leaky roof. Average homeowners can expect reduced annual energy bills by up to $1000 each year.

This means that ridge vents can be are worth it – especially if you live in an area that experiences heavy rain or snowfall, such as New England. These devices provide protection against leaks caused by ice dams; with them installed, water won’t accumulate on your roof’s surface and cause damage.

Experts recommend installing one of these devices before winter arrives since they work well for cold climates like Maine or Vermont where there are high levels of precipitation during the fall/winter months.

Conclusion

Ridge vents are worth it – especially if you live in an area that experiences heavy rain or snowfall. Ridge vent installation can improve the energy efficiency and durability of your roofing system; with them installed, you’ll be able to reduce heating or cooling costs by up to 15%. What this means is that although they’re usually not cheap (installation fees cost between $750-$1000), these devices provide a number of benefits including protection against leaks caused by ice dams.

To sum things up: Ridge Vents should only go across regions on your home’s roof where there’s significant airflow for ventilation purposes. While installing one may seem like a quick and easy DIY project, most people will want to hire a professional due to the need for precise measurements. So in order to be sure of ridge vent quality and compatibility, experts recommend only installing one made by the same company.

Leave us a comment below if you have any questions!