Proper roof ventilation is essential for any home and whether you’re installing a new roof or replacing an old one, it’s important to understand the different roof ventilation options so you can select which ones are best for your home. It helps regulate attic temperature, reduces moisture buildup (to reduce problems like mold and ice dams), and decreases the cost of energy bills. Ultimately, extending the lifespan of your roof.
Common Types of Roof Ventilation
Most roof ventilation systems fall into two categories: exhaust vents and intake vents. Exhaust vents allow warm, moist air inside the attic to escape. Intake vents draw cooler outside air. Both types of ventilation are essential for a balanced ventilation system. A balanced system means that the amount of air intake is equal to the amount of air exhaust. The goal is to create a consistent, natural flow of air through the attic space, which in turn helps to regulate temperature and moisture levels.
Let’s explore these ventilation types:
Intake Vents
Soffit vents are by far the most popular type of intake vent. They are a passive vent installed under the eaves, AKA the roof overhang, on the back of the soffit. They draw cooler outside air into the attic to help provide airflow. Made in a variety of shapes, from a variety of materials, they are essential to creating a ‘balanced’ intake/exhaust system for effective ventilation. Soffit vents also have premium options like built-in screens to keep out insects and debris, higher airflow options, and UV resistance for improved durability. Soffit vents are fairly low maintenance but you need to make sure that they are kept clear of debris to ensure proper intake.
When a home has no soffits, soffits that are too small or narrow eaves, over fascia vents, drip edge vents and edge vents can be used. Gable vents (below) can also be used as intake vents as part of a balanced ventilation system.
Exhaust Vents
Turbine Vents
Turbine vents, or whirlybirds, are active, wind-powered exhaust vents. When the wind spins the vent’s turbine blades, it actively pulls hot air out of the attic. Whirlybirds are ideal for areas with consistent wind; able to improve ventilation with using electricity. In these conditions, they provide an energy efficient method to increase airflow and circulation. There are a number of premium options for whirlybirds including sealed ball bearing for a smooth, quiet operation, rust-resistant materials and reinforced flashing for improved durability.
Gable Vents
Gable vents can be used as either exhaust vents or intake vents. They are installed in the gable ends of the roof – which are the triangular walls under the roof peaks. As exhaust vents, they allow hot air to escape from the attic and as intake vents can be used to pull in cooler air from outside.
In both use cases, they are unlikely to provide enough airflow and are often used with other ventilation types as part of an overall balanced system. It is important to note that the use of exhaust gable vents can interfere with ridge vent airflow. For that reason, we recommend that these two vent types are not used together. Premium upgrades for gable vents include designs that reduce rain intrusion and screens for pest prevention. In addition to their aesthetic improvements, gable vents are easy to retrofit on older homes.
Static Roof Vents
Static roof vents, or box vents or turtle vents, are passive exhaust vents. They are install near the roof peak. Like ridge vents, they allow rising air to escape from the attic without using any moving parts or electricity. They are typically square and made of plastic or metal and spaced across the roof as needed. While these vent types are inexpensive, durable, low maintenance easy to install, they often require multiple vents in order to achieve proper airflow based on the size of the roof.
Attic Fans
Attic fans are active exhaust fans that are powered by electricity or solar power. They are installed on the roof deck or gable wall and actively pull hot, moist air from the attic. They are controlled by thermostats, humidistats, or smart sensors and turn on when at a set temperature or humidity. They are ideal for hot, humid climates or homes with inadequate passive ventilation. It is important to remember that attic fans must be paired with proper intake vents. Otherwise the fan can create negative pressure and pull conditioned air from the living space. Powered attic fans are available with a number of premium options like solar panels, smart app connectivity, quiet, brushless motors and energy efficient designs. White attic fans can provide a fast way to reduce heat and moisture and automated function, it requires proper ventilation to work effectively.
Ridge Vents
Ridge vents are a type of exhaust vent. They are installed along the peak, or ridge, of your roof. They work by permitting warm, humid air to escape from the attic through the highest point of the roof. It’s a passive system – meaning it requires no electricity or moving parts and works continuously. Because they are a passive method of ventilation and draw warm air out, they are a very energy efficient option. They are also very low maintenance when properly installed. There are premium ridge vent options like baffles that block precipitation, filters to prevent entry to insects and debris and UV resistance options for durability.
Standard vs. Premium Ventilation Systems
Standard roof ventilation systems are affordable, easy to install, and effective for basic airflow. They’re made of basic materials like aluminum or vinyl. And work best in a smaller home in mild climates. However, they often provide limited ventilation, have shorter lifespans, offer minimal protection against weather and pests, and lack the energy efficiency and features of more advanced systems.
Premium roof ventilation systems offer superior airflow, better heat and moisture control, improved energy efficiency, and extended durability. Premium ventilation options are made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials to improve longevity. Many include advanced features such as baffles to block wind-driven rain, filters to keep out debris, and smart technology like sensors, humidistats, or solar power for automated climate control.
Premium ventiliation systems often feature sleek, low-profile designs that enhance curb appeal while delivering consistent performance. Examples include enhanced ridge vents, solar-powered attic fans, and high-end turbine vents with sealed bearings. However, premium systems typically come with higher upfront costs and may require professional installation to ensure proper function, avoid system imbalance, and maximize long-term benefits.
Choosing the right best ventilation system for your home depends on: roof design and pitch, climate conditions, insulation and attic layout, budget and aesthetic preferences. A balanced system properly combines intake and exhaust vents to deliver the best performance. For those focused on value and performance, investing in premium ventilation can improve energy efficiency, reduce repair costs, and prolong the life of your roof.
If you’re interested in adding or upgrading your roof ventilation, follow the link to get in touch and we’ll help you choose what roof ventilation would be best for you to meet your goals.
