What is a ridge vent and how does it work?
What Is a Ridge Vent? A ridge vent is usually made from aluminum or a mesh-type material and is installed underneath the final layer of shingles to create airflow across the exterior roof. It draws hot, moist attic air out through the ridge vent and pulls fresh air into the attic through the soffit vents.
What are the different types of ridge vents?
There are two primary types of ridge vents: shingle-over vents and aluminum vents. A shingle-over vent is installed over the ridge of a roof and is covered over by asphalt shingle caps that match the surrounding roof shingles.
Does a ridge vent need a baffle?
To prevent leaks from off-ridge vents, they need external wind baffles to direct airflow up and over the vent. This helps to create an area of low pressure over the vent openings, effectively pulling air out of the attic.
Do ridge vents work when covered with snow?
Ridge vents with external baffles are not only better at keeping clear of snow (drawing right) but they are also more efficient at exhausting air from the roof cavity.
What is the best type of ridge vent?
The shingle-over-ridge vent is a nicer, more consistent look compared to the aluminum vents, which are very susceptible to leaks further down the road because all of the fasteners are exposed—they go right through the surface of the vent and into the roof decking.
Are roof baffles necessary?
To have a properly airy and insulated roof, you’ll want to have attic vents baffles. So while not every home will have attic soffit vents and baffles, it may be a necessary part of keeping your home safe from mold, condensation, and costly repairs.
Should you see daylight through a ridge vent?
At most there should be a glow of light at the eaves (end of rafters by floor) you should not be able to see your neighbor. If you have a ridge vent there could be light at the ridge but again it should be a glow more than a ray of light.
Can rain get into ridge vents?
There are various entry points for moisture in your roof; rain can enter your roof through any of these. One potential entry point is the ridge vent. Ridge vents prevent moisture problems by letting warm air out, but wind-blown rain can enter if the vents are damaged.