

Choosing the best type of roof vent can depend on various factors, and knowing your options is essential before deciding. As homeowners, we know how much we value our homes, and it’s vital that we understand how to properly care for them.
In Australia, roof vent installation is crucial due to the extreme weather conditions that can occur. With high temperatures outside, a secure and effective roof vent can help to remove trapped air and prevent it from causing damage to your home.
The right roof vent can make all the difference on metal or tiled roofs, and we’re here to help you decide on the best one for your home.
Why is roof ventilation important?
For a comfortable home, choosing the best option for your home’s ventilation needs is essential. For many reasons, ventilation is vital to keeping you and your family healthy in your own home.
Let’s look at some reasons why roof ventilation is key:
Prevents the build-up of mould
Condensation can build up in your attic and roof cavity without proper airflow, leading to mould and rot. Our homes can produce a lot of moisture; as it rises, it needs a place to exit to prevent the air from becoming trapped.
Energy efficiency
In a climate like Australia’s, the heat from inside can make an indoor space just as hot and uncomfortable. As a result of the heat, you’ll find your air conditioning has to work harder, and your energy consumption will increase if the hot air can’t escape.
Prevents structural damage
The longevity of your roof will increase and improve if it’s properly ventilated. Hot attics can damage your roof’s framing, rafters, and other parts. Vents let the trapped warm air out, preventing structural damage.
What are the different types of roof vents?
Living in the ever-changing climate of Australia, roof vent installation is crucial for a comfortable and healthy home. If your roof needs ventilation and you’re wondering which one is the best option, here’s a list of the most common vents used:
Ridge vents
We all know that hot air rises and ridge vents work by helping to release hot air as they’re installed at the top of the roof. Ridge vents improve the airflow in your attic and work alongside intake vents to prevent the build-up of mould.
Ridge vents can sometimes leak in bad weather due to the movement of the rain getting in at the right angle. However, if installed correctly, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Box vents
As one of the most popular vent styles, box vents are static, have no moving parts, and work by drawing warm air from the roof. A benefit of a box vent is that you can place it in a specific place to help tackle the problem.
However, high winds or bad weather can sometimes damage box vents. It may not be a suitable choice if you live in a particularly changeable climate and experience extreme weather like hailstorms.
Soffit vents
You can install soffit vents into the soffit (eaves) of a building that allows for airflow as trapped hot air is released. They work as active and passive vents, using natural resources like the wind to help the air circulate and a mechanism, like a fan, to do the same. Air is drawn up through the attic and roof space, letting in the cool air as hot air is released.
There are two types of soffit vents, continuous and individual. Continuous soffit vents are long and narrow and create openings all along the underside of the roof, and individual vents are single ones that you can add to existing soffit joints.
Whirlybird vents
Whirlybird vents are a popular choice of roof ventilation as they work to remove hot, trapped air from an attic space. They work as the wind blows, and it causes them to spin and circulate the air. In humid climates, whirlybird vents are a popular choice as they help to prevent the build-up of moisture and mould.
With no running costs, whirlybird vents are a great option in unpredictable weather, as they work well in hot and cold weather. Relying on the wind, this type of vent may be inconsistent and ineffective on still days, which is worth considering depending on your climate.
Gable vents
A gable vent is an exhaust vent that’s typically at the peak of a gable roof at both ends, beneath the roof eaves. A gable vent is a popular choice for a metal roof. Usually, you’d have two gable vents that work by letting cool air into the roof or attic space.
Gable vents work with cross-ventilation, drawing cool air in and letting hot air flow out. The circulation of the air helps with any moisture or mould build-up, especially in hotter temperatures with humid air. Gable vents are less subtle than other types of vents and can be seen on the exterior of your house as they work as both intake and exhaust vents.
Solar-powered vents
Solar-powered vents are an excellent option for a more sustainable, eco-friendly roof ventilation system. Working as exhaust vents, they remove hot air from your attic with fans that use energy from the sun to work, saving you money on your electricity bills.
Solar-powered vents are often a more expensive option, especially if installed by roof ventilation experts, but they can save you money in the long run as you’ll need to spend less money on cooling your home. You may find that they don’t fit on every roof type.
How to choose the best vent option
With different options, knowing what kind of roof vent is the best choice for your home can be difficult.
Before you make a decision, here are some factors to consider:
The shape and size of your roof
The shape and size of your roof can affect which type of roof vent is best for you. For example, gable vents work best on a sloping roof and may be incompatible with some roof types. Soffit vents work with most roof types, but you’ll need another type of ventilation for them to work as part of a ventilation system. Speak to a roofing professional to understand the constraints of your roof shape and size and for advice on what’s best.
Cost
The cost of the vents is worth considering as you’ll want the most cost-effective vent for your home. Installing your vent with a roof ventilation expert may be expensive, but it will benefit you and your home in the long run. Solar panels are costly, yet their running is cheaper, meaning less expensive power bills and an eco-friendly benefit.
Climate
Depending on where you live, consider the climate before deciding which roof vent type would work best for your home. High winds or heavy hail can damage box and whirlybird vents. Whirlybird vents, in particular, rely on regular winds to work well. If you live in a particularly hot climate, you may feel it’s necessary to go with fan-assisted vents. The amount of direct sunlight your home gets may affect the performance of solar-powered vents.
These considerations are just a few of the different ways in which your climate can affect the vent type you should opt for.
Consider RapidRidge
At EvoBuild, we’re proud to offer a fantastic ventilation solution that suits many roof types.
With our RapidRidge ventilation system, you can experience the many benefits of a passive natural cooling system.
These benefits include:
- Easy installation and maintenance
- More efficient airflow
- Reduced air pollution levels in the house
- Energy-efficient
- Not-invasive (doesn’t affect your roof’s aesthetic)
Consider RapidRidge for your ventilation needs!