Any home or commercial property needs the right kind of ventilation for optimal air passage and temperature regulation. Yet, many homes with functioning vents do not experience the full range of benefits. Poor ventilation can lead to several issues including mould, rotting wood, and excess moisture. The right type of ventilation is also needed to keep away ice dam formations. But how do you know what vent type you need? Read on to find out about different types.
The Broad Distinction – Intake and Exhaust Vents
The two broad classifications of vents are –
* Intake vent – As the name suggests, intake vents suck in air to either a roof or attic.
* Exhaust vent – This type is designed to flush out air from roofs or attics.
Both are actually necessary for the average property, in order to ensure appropriate air circulation, and protection of your property. Whether you have slate roof tiles or metal roofs, vents are equally important, Now let us look at further classifications of different roof vent types.
Most Common Roof Vent Types
- Ridge vents – A ridge vent is a vent installed on the topmost portion of a roof’s ridge, and it follows the line on either side. This vent type is more common in factories and industrial buildings, to help in the escape of heated air. Slate shingle roofs generally have ridge vents, to maintain the overall uninterrupted look.
- Gable vents – Gable vents are panels with openings and sit on the surface of roof gables. You can use them to augment the functions of your exhaust vents. They come in different shapes including round, square and rectangular.
- Power attic vents – Power vents placed on the attic can help to aggressively draw out hot air. You can find variants that are connected to thermostats and start running when a temperature threshold is reached. They are particularly effective during the summer season, to keep your house cool.
- Soffit Vents – This vent type is intended for drawing in air to enhance the flow of air. Installations are done in the eaves and soffits, and soffit vents also supplement other vents. Many modern homes have soffit vents installed to get better overall ventilation. They look elegant and might also be barely visible to the casual looker.
- Off-ridge vents – Off-ridge vents are placed near to the ridge of roofs and are useful for drawing hot air from the interiors. They are not as good as ridge vents but still find usage across various property types. Off-ridge vents can be different shapes and sizes and do not require any power to operate.
- Box vents – Box-type vents are quite similar to the off-ridge variety, and are also installed right off the ridges of roofs. It works by the principle of convection and you should get several installed for effectiveness.
- Whirlybirds – Also known as wind turbines, they have similar functioning to power vents but do not need electricity. They run on winds, but do require some maintenance from time to time.
These are the main roof vent types you can consider for your property. Please contact The Slate Roofing Company today to get expert advice on the right ventilation for your property.
