Installing roof ventilator

In a typical passive attic ventilation design, fresh air enters the attic through soffit vents below the eaves and rises to exit the attic at vents near the peak of the roof. In many cases, this design does not exhaust hot air at a rate sufficient to keep attic temperatures below degrees. Installation of a turbine roof ventilator near the roof peak augments natural passive ventilation, increasing circulation and exhausting a greater volume of hot air from the attic.

Climb into the attic and select a location to install the turbine roof ventilator. A spot approximately 16 inches below the peak of the roof centered between two rafters is ideal. Drive a nail through the center point of the location to mark it. Make sure the roof is dry and set up a ladder in a secure location.

Climb up on the roof and find the spot where the marker nail emerges. Center the template provided by the manufacturer over the installation location and cut a circular hole through the shingles and roof sheathing with a reciprocating saw to match the size of the template.

Roof vent cap replacement. A roof vent allows rising hot air to flow out of the home. Roof vents work together with intake vents at the gable or soffit to facilitate airflow through the attic and prevent moisture buildup. Roof ventilation improves energy efficiency for all climates, extending the roof's life by reducing condensation.

Ridge vents are the most cost-effective and energy-saving ventilation type when paired with soffit vents. Ridge vents provide a streamlined look and do not require putting multiple holes in the roof or walls. Some ridge vents come with screens to prevent rodent intrusion.

Homes with vapor barriers need 1 square foot of venting per square feet of attic space. Double the venting to 1 square foot per square feet of attic space for homes without a vapor barrier.

Ridge vents should not go all the way across the roof, but a vent cap may be installed at each end to create the seamless appearance of the ridge vent running the entire length of the roof.

An attic fan is unnecessary and is not recommended with ridge vents. Running an attic fan with ridge vents may prevent heat from rising to the ridge vents and pull rainwater into the attic, causing moisture damage and increased AC costs. Roofers or carpenters install soffit and gable vents. Roofers install whirlybirds because turbine installation requires cutting a hole in the roof. Before hiring a roofing company or carpenter near you to install or replace a roof vent, be sure to:.

How much does it cost to install a roof vent? Get free estimates. How much will your vent cost? Roof and gable vents have a single point of entry and exit. Any ventilation is better than none, though. Installing vents is just one of the ways you can further protect your home. This is a fairly simple job for those who have experience with roofing projects.

Get started on installing your vent s today by calling us at or filling out a contact form here. Your message has been sent and our manager will contact you shortly. Get an estimate or schedule your appointment today. What is the Purpose of Roof Ventilation? Do Roof Vents Really Work? You can check if your attic is underventilated by following these four steps: Look at your roof and the eaves.

Some vents look different than traditional roof vents, though, so also keep your eye out for ridge vents, which are low-profile vents that run along the peak of the roof. Your roof may also have gable vents, which are louvered openings at the top of the gables.

Inspect your attic during the winter using a flashlight. Warm air contains moisture that will condense on a roof sheathing or rafters if it escapes from the living spaces in your home. If you see frost or dampness, you need better ventilation. If there are thick ridges of ice on them, it could be a sign of underventilation.

Warm air could be escaping from rooms in your home and getting trapped in the attic. This can cause snow to melt and refreeze on the cold eaves, which creates ice dams.