

From ridge vents to intake vents, box vents to soffit vents, houses require cool air movement throughout the interior to keep fresh air movement constant and energy levels lowered. And there are many types of roof vents to choose from!
Read on for a description of different roof vents and the most common types used in buildings.
What Are The Different Types Of Roof Vents?
There are 12 primary types of roof vents, including several that are installed directly along the roof ridge itself, and other roof vents that can be placed into gaps in the shingles or within the roofing edges.
Ridge Vents
This type of roof vent runs along the pinnacle of the structure, using a passive ventilation system to pull air into the attic space and remove any hot and humid air from inside. Not only are ridge vents a more aesthetically pleasing system, but they are also great for energy efficiency and keeping air movement going.
Aluminium Vents
Metal ridge vents sound like a durable option, but the truth is, they seem to be going out of style in terms of types of roof vents. This is because of wider problems with leaks, should the exposed fasteners holding the aluminium plates in place slip.
Dry Ridge Vents
Dry ridge vents are static vents and provide constant roof ventilation by using vertical convection processes that let the house breathe, replacing hot air with fresh circulation in a continuous cycle of natural roof ventilation.
And, with ridge caps or baffles installed on the ridge vent, no water, debris, or rodents can make their way into the attic space, either, providing safe attic air circulation for years to come, maintenance-free.
Plus, when combining these types of roof vents with RapidRidge’s dry, fixed roofing system, intake ventilation and hot air removal works better than ever.
Shingle-Over Vents
Covered ridge vents are safer in terms of leaks and debris from getting inside the attic space, and a shingle-over model is quite reliable. Using a typically petroleum-based sealant where the shingles overlap the roof structure, it’s another durable option for a ridge vent, but does require some routine maintenance.
Roof Vents
Other than ridge vents, the other primary style of roof vent to choose from include power vents, box vents, and wind turbines, all of which sit on the flat sections of roofing and rely on the wind to push airflow inside. These comprise the remaining 10 types of roof vents.
Box Vents
A box vent is likely the most common type of exhaust vent. Essentially, these wind power vents use natural breezes to filter hot air within the roof space and push circulation throughout the upper floors.
Cupola Vents
One of the most striking options, a cupola vent perches atop the roof like a small tower structure. Cupola vents are typically installed near the roof ridge, working as static vents, and can accommodate most roofing shapes.
Drip Edge Vents
For homes with zero or very little soffit space or overhang, a drip edge vent is used. These intake vents sit underneath the edge of the roof, between the edge of the shingles and the gutter.
Electric Powered Attic Vents
There are several subsets of power attic vents, including hardwired power roof vents or motor exhaust vents. These power attic ventilators are attached to either the gable edge or an attic’s roof deck to provide more cool air in the home, but generally are not energy efficient or recommended for long term use.
Fascia Vents
For hip-style roofs, a fascia vent is handy to cool off wider areas of the roof’s surface. This type of roof vent also can be applied in new builds or re-roofing projects.
Off-Ridge Vents
The off-ridge vent functions similarly to a ridge vent, but is situated on the flat part of the roof instead of the peak. However, as this roof vent lacks the protection of a ridge cap or baffle, and is situated with more access to natural forces, off-ridge vents are sometimes known to leak.
Soffit Vents
A soffit ventilation system refers to roof vents underlying the eaves and extending past the house’s warm wall line. Preferably, a soffit vent system is combined with other roof vents, as a soffit vent alone doesn’t pull in enough fresh air.
Solar-Powered Vents
An eco-friendly model, the solar-powered roof vent uses renewable energy via solar panel circuits for these roof power vents, forcing hot air from the attic and fanning cooler air in.
Wind Turbine Roof Vents
The wind turbine roof vent or whirlybird vent is a naturally-powered model that pulls fresh air into the attic or roof space and forces hot air outside again. Wind turbines are another typical type of roof vent common in older buildings.
What is the Difference Between Ridge Cap and Ridge Vent?
A ridge cap is also a type of baffle used for ridge vents. A cap sits on the ridge vent itself and creates an overlapping shield to prevent water from getting in. Ridge caps also create the vent system pull that sucks fresh air into the attic or roof space and expels stale air.
Ridge caps are particularly important when employing RapidRidge’s dry, fixed roofing system with ventilation. Instead of using the traditional “wet” process of mortaring a ridge vent in place, not allowing for proper airflow and attic ventilation, this method uses clips and interlocking holders to secure the ridge cap.
Which Ridge Vent Is Best?
In summary, the right roof vent is essential for keeping your property aired out, and there are many options– from box vents to off-ridge vents, promoting proper roof vent systems prevent running the air conditioner and wasting energy.
And the best roof ventilation system for housing considerations is a baffled ridge vent, which is also the type used by the RapidRidge roofing solution.
Because ridge roof vents are the most energy-efficient roof venting options, and covered or baffled ridge vents are the most protected, they are the best option for builders and homeowners alike.