Climatic conditions can be tough on houses and buildings, especially, if an attic is involved. If humidity is trapped inside the attic for too long, it can affect the structure leading to roof repairs. Therefore, it is essential to make roofs weatherproof. When you think about weatherguard roofing, vents are, probably, the first thing to pop in the mind. Here are some types of roofing vents to consider when choosing them:
Types:
Static Roofing vents
One of the most common types of roofing vents is static. They, as the name suggests, don’t move and typically are flat. Static deck vents are made of plastic and are suitable for people who don’t want the hassle of electricity or reduce the moisture in the attic, only by a little. They come in various designs, as shown below:
- Box
Box vents are the basic, with a square shape. They provide minimal ventilation and is best when placed near a Ridge vent for maximum benefits. However, when used by itself, one would require quite a few for a satisfactory venting. Box vents come in different colors and can be matched with your steel or wood shingling roofing.
- Ridge
Ridge roofing vents are reliable and a long-term solution that saves money. They don’t move, unlike turbines, but they are long and offer a number of vents. When used along with Soffits, they provide maximum ventilation. What makes most commercial roofing, like in the warehouses, use Ridge vents is how it maintains a uniform temperature within, unlike others, which leads to lasting roofs.
- Off Ridge
Off-ridge is similar, yet different from box vents. Both are, often, confused for the other due to their similarity. Off-ridge is static like the box, but unlike the latter, it is long and thin. It allows hot and humid air to escape from the attic, however, like Box vents, one would need several pieces for it to effectively vent.
- Cupola
Cupola vents serve mainly a decorative purpose. However, when used in conjunction with other types of vents, like Ridge, they can operate as a secondary or supportive vent. They are used to support a primary one because, by themselves, they are incapable to vent an attic effectively.
- Soffit
Soffit vents are used to provide an inflow of air into the ventilation system. They are the best option for fitted and small vents and usually made of PVC aluminum. Since they allow air inside the attic, they are most effective when used along with ridge roofing vents.
Moving Roofing vent
Moving roofing vents are a better choice than static ones. They give your wood shingle roof a much needed metallic splash. However, like vents, they are not as efficient as the electrical ones as they depend on wind to operate. Therefore, on a still day, your attic will not be vented. The most common type of moving vents is the wind turbine:
- Wind Turbine
Wind turbine, as mentioned above, does not require electricity to work. They use wind energy to effectively vent the attic and prevent roof repairs in the future. However, on a still day, they aren’t very useful. One can find wind turbines on commercial roofing like in warehouses, where they use multiple, sometimes along with ridge vents.
Electrical Roofing vents
Electrical vents are most suitable for ones who want continuous venting in their attic, especially if you live in a hot and humid area. These require an electrical connection to the vent but ensure steady airflow. With them, you don’t have to worry about the venting, but the utility bill is a whole different issue to fret over. However, you would need professionals like roofing contractors to help you install them.
- Power Vent
Power vents run on electricity and are extremely convenient. They are effective in maintaining airflow, especially, since some of them come with an adjustable thermostat that operates according to the conditions in the room. Moreover, since they come in different colors, they will blend with any decks or roofs, including steel roofing. However, due to its silent feature, it may be hard to spot when it requires repair.
Greenhouse Vents
Greenhouse vents are different from all the other types mentioned in this list. They are exclusive for greenhouses and operate manually. Unlike static or electrical ones that are automatic, these require one to open them every day to ensure airflow. However, the positive aspect is that the vents are large, and they quickly decrease the humidity and temperature within, saving the plants and seedlings.
- Solar Roofing Vents
If you want powered vents for residential roofing, but also wish to be environment-friendly, then solar roofing vents are the way to go. They essentially work similarly to electrical; the only difference being the source of energy when the latter uses electricity, the former has a solar panel to draw from, the power.