This month’s energy bills have arrived. Everyone’s done their part by taking shorter showers and not touching the thermostat. Time to assess your progress!
Amount Due: Up 30% from last month.
But how? You start running through all the possible reasons. The house never seems to reach the temp set on the thermostat. And the attic has been more sweltering than normal.
You may have a case of inadequate ventilation on your hands. As for an affordable solution with a high return on investment (ROI), you may need roof ridge vents.
But what are they, and how can installing ridge vents on the roof benefit you? We’ll cover what ridge vents on roofs are and why you might need them. We’ll also show you how to find an expert local contractor to install your ridge vent at the best possible price!
What is a Ridge Vent?
A ridge vent is a ventilation system for your roof and attic, allowing hot air to escape from your attic and be replaced with new air. It runs along the entire span of the hip or peak of a sloped roof. Think of a ridge vent as a passive air-flow system for your roof and upper crawl space.
When hot air rises, it needs somewhere to go, or it can lead to moisture and mildew in your attic and harm the integrity of your roof. A ridge vent allows the hot air to escape. Because of convection, when the hot air rises and releases, cool air will replace it, allowing for optimal airflow.
Different Types of Ridge Vents
Just as there are different styles of roofs, there are also different ridge vents depending on your ventilation needs. The two main types are ridge vents on roofs are ridge vents with baffles and those without them.
Baffled Ridge Vents
A ridge vent with baffles is a part of an active ventilation system. The baffles are tiny chutes, allowing air to flow properly throughout your roofing and attic space. They also keep out rain, snow, debris, insects, and more.
Unbaffled Ridge Vents
Air chutes don’t exist with unbaffled vents, nor does a directed airflow. In this case, debris and “the elements” have a better chance of making it into your attic. As for the potential fallout? You’re looking at a greater likelihood of mildew, bacteria, water damage, and resulting maintenance down the road.
Why Do I Need Ridge Vents on the Roof?
Whether you should install roof ridge vents isn’t a cut-and-dry decision. The list of benefits is long, but it boils down to whether you want to experience better air circulation, higher energy savings, and improved safety and longevity of your roof deck.
Let’s dive into four of the main benefits you’ll reap by installing ridge vents on the roof.
4 Benefits of Ridge Vents on the Roof
1. Improves Indoor Air Flow and Quality
Keeping a well-ventilated roof and attic is essential for your roof’s safety and integrity and your family’s health. Hot air rises and needs somewhere to go. Without proper ventilation, it will accumulate in your attic and parts of the roof, pressing onto your structure over time. The continuous buildup will attract moisture, inviting mold and mildew, as well as structural and safety issues.
Ridge vents allow the hot air to escape and be replaced with cooler air that circulates throughout your attic. This continuous circulation and expulsion of moisture improves the air quality in your home. Ridge vents are also invaluable for family members coping with allergies or upper respiratory issues.
2. Keeps Out Rodents and Other Pests
Ridge vents have tiny openings, unlike other roofing ventilation systems with critter-accommodating gaps and spaces. They’re small enough for air to pass through but not for insects, rats, or other unwelcome pests. Every homeowner knows that the fewer access points available, the better.
3. Protects Your Roof & Extends Its Lifespan
When it comes to protecting and extending the life of your roof, ridge vents answer the call. They allow warmer air to escape while new, cooler air circulates through. This circulation will keep your attic’s internal temperature in line with the outdoors.
That’s especially important In the winter months. Ridge vents can help prevent ice dams and resulting water damage, which can chip away at the structural integrity of your roof, compromising it over time.
4. Lowers Your Energy Bills
A properly ventilated roof (and attic) means continuous airflow during every season. In the summer, for instance, ridge vents will keep the air moving (passively), easing the burden on your HVAC system (and your wallet).
Without ridge vents (or proper ventilation), however, excessive heat can accumulate in your crawl space with no means to escape. As a result, your HVAC system will work overtime to bring the temperature back to your preferred setting, causing your energy bills to rise (and your bank balance to fall).
What Do Ridge Vents Cost?
In general, expect to budget up to $2 to $3 per linear foot (on average) or approximately $8 per linear foot, including labor costs.
The cost of ridge vents can vary depending on:
- Roofing materials
- Type of ridge vents (baffled or non-baffled, etc.)
- Attic/crawl space square footage
- Local labor costs and more
Other Types of Roof Vents
Ridge vents aren’t the only roofing ventilation option out there. But they are known for being one of the most effective ventilation options on the market.
Alternative roof vents include:
- Box Vents
- Soffit Vents
- Aluminum Vents
- Dry-Ridge Vents
- Fascia Vents (aka, Over Fascia Vents)
- Off-Ridge Vents
- Shingle-Over Vents
- Drip-Edge Vents
To determine the best type of roof vent for your home, take the time to research experienced contractors in your area. They can listen to your specific needs and advise whether ridge vents (or an alternative) are best for your home.
Nail Down the Best Contractor for Your Ridge Vents With Directorii
Installing ridge vents on the roof is a low-cost investment with a high return. Not only will you keep your roof and attic well-ventilated and protect the integrity of your roof, but you’ll also save significantly on your energy bills.
Careful installation is essential for getting the most out of your investment in the long run. With Directorii, you can solicit free quotes for your ridge vents from the best pre-screened roofing and HVAC professionals near you. You can skip the research phase and leave your roofing ventilation in the most experienced hands with Directorii.
