A roof vent can go a long way in keeping the structure of a house as intact as possible, which is why we wanted to talk more about the importance of such an overlooked thing.
We’ve ranked the best attic roof vents based on what they have to offer so that you can find all the information you need in one place. Ready? Let’s go!
| PRODUCT NAME | KEY FEATURES |
|---|---|
| Lomanco BIB-12 Mill Whirlybird Turbine Ventilator | ● 12-inch hole size. ● 17.25 inches in height. ● Resists winds of up to 147 mph. |
| Builder's Best 084635 Galvanized Steel Roof Vent | ● Removable front screen. ● Backdraft flapper. ● Made with 26-gauge galvanized steel. |
| Broan-NuTone 634M Steel Roof Cap | ● 24-gauge CRCQ steel construction. ● Backdraft damper. ● Bird screen included. |
| ● Universal RV vent cap compatibility. ● Polycarbonate construction. ● Built-in bug screen. |
|
| Remington Solar Store Solar Attic Fan | ● Thermostat and humidistat integration. ● Uses solar power. ● 2,500 square feet ventilation. |
| Hike Crew Fan | ● Doubles as indoor fan. ● 3-speeds on fan. ● Requires 11” x 11” sunroof opening. |
| 4 SEASONS Solar Powered Polycarbonate Vent | ● Uses solar power. ● Ventilates up to 500 square feet. ● Animal-proof construction. |
Why Are Attic Roof Vents So Important?
Proper attic ventilation helps manage excess moisture and heat, which can otherwise create some serious damage to the structure of your home. If you have too much heat and moisture in your attic, this can generate predictable but distinct difficulties in hot and cold climates.
Keeps the House Cooler
When it’s hot outdoors, the sun’s rays hitting the roof will cause excessive temperature build-up underneath it. Heat exposure can bend the roof sheathing, leading to shingle damage because of premature aging and distorting.
If the attic floor is not evenly and effectively insulated, heat can flow down into the finished living rooms, making it more difficult and costly to maintain a comfortable living space.
Reduces Chances of Moisture Build-Up
When humid air from your living space or from the outside enters a cool attic, it condenses into a liquid when it comes into contact with cooler objects.
Moisture can deteriorate your roof, as well as parts of your home, not to mention that it can destroy the attic insulation. Damp attics allow for mildew and mold to proliferate, and this can cause the home’s cooling system to struggle.
Helps Prevent Ice Dams
Warm air, rising to the underside of the roof deck, exits via the attic in areas where the temperature falls below freezing during the winter. Once the roof deck has been warmed, melting snow at the base of the roof pours water down the roof.
The ice made after all the runoff has fallen to the outside edge refreezes as ice. The frequent occurrences of this have resulted in an ice barrier forming over the eaves, thus blocking any further flow.
Once the water is unable to flow somewhere else, it will flow back up beneath the shingles. If a self-adhered underlayment is laid correctly, it offers a guarantee against ice damming.
This sealant seals around nails so that it resists tears and water penetration. It helps prevent water from infiltrating exterior walls or the attic, causing problems with the drywall and insulation.
Should a Roof Vent Pipe Be Covered?
Yes. Allow me to explain. Pipes installed in or on a roof for venting air, also known as roof vent pipes, are almost always part of a plumbing system which, as you may have guessed, are wet almost the entire time.
While there’s no need to install a roof vent cap to keep rain out of the vent pipe, it is useful to install one to prevent rodents from getting in the vent. By putting a cap on your vent pipe, you will be able to prevent debris from entering your pipes during a storm and can successfully prevent critters from getting inside. Conversely, roof vent pipe covers should always be used to protect the roof vent pipe.
Intake VS Exhaust Vents
While there are many classifications available for different types of existing roof vents, the most common way to label them is as intake or exhaust vents.
Intake Vents
In the attic, intake vents assist draw cool air into the space and expel the hot air, which helps keep the space fresher and reduces the temperature. Some intake vents can be placed on the roof in one or more locations. Intake vents are:
- Soffit vents are holes in the eaves that allow fresh air into the attic. These vents resemble the heating and cooling registers in older homes. Located on the soffits, these vents provide ample ventilation.
- Drip edge vents are suited for homes without the required soffit overhang. They attach to the roof’s edge, just under the tiles’ tiny overhang, providing a small vent gap.
- Over fascia vents, which are very similar to drip edge models, are located on the fascia’s board top and run the length of your entire home.
Exhaust Vents
Hot air rises and collects in the attic. Exhaust vents let heated air out, preventing overheating. Unlike dryer vents, most exhaust vents exit via the roof. The most common exhaust vents include:
- Ridge vents, which are concealed by the roof’s shingles and are pretty popular in newer homes.
- Wind turbines, which consist of curved vanes designed to catch wind and to use a turbine that remove hot and humid air from one’s attic.
- Power vents are installed in a hole in the roof and use a thermostat-controlled fan to remove stale air through the vent.
- Gable vents are commonly found in attics that have large gables and are often paired with specific gable fans for better efficiency.
- Box vents use natural wind power to eliminate moisture and heat from the attic. They are often paired with soffit vents.
How Many Roof Vents Do I Need?
You are going to need one roof vent for every 300 square feet of attic space but only if there is a vapor barrier in your attic. If your attic lacks a vapor barrier, then you need a vent installed for every 150 square feet of space.
Air flows into and out of a vent based on the amount of free space it has (the net free area). You will need a total of six roof vent NFA for intake and exhaust (since half of the roof vents will be intake and half will be exhaust).
The Best Roof Vents for Your Home
Let’s move on to what you’re probably here to see: a list of the best attic roof vents that money can currently buy.
Lomanco BIB-12 Mill Whirlybird Turbine Ventilator
The Lomanco BIB-12 is a 12-inch turbine ventilator that has an internal brace and permanently oiled upper and lower bearings for optimal performance. The equipment is rust-free and requires no maintenance.
The robust spider structure provides efficient operation, lowering energy bills. Thanks to the design of this turbine, it can successfully withstand a wind that blows with up to 110 mph, putting the 21 airfoil curved vanes to good use.
Who Should Buy This?
If you live in a windy area and could put that wind to good use for proper attic ventilation, the Lomanco BIB-12 turbine ventilator is worth looking into.
Pros:
- Reduced ice build-up.
- Little maintenance required.
- Durable against strong winds.
Cons:
- Prone to damage during delivery.
Galvanized Steel Roof Vent Cap with Removable Screen & Damper
Our next roof vent suggestion is the Builder’s Best 084635, a product with a removable mesh screen that makes it easier to clean. It is made with heavy-duty 26-gauge galvanized steel to offer long-lasting performance, strengthened by the powder-coated finish that ensures durability.
This anti-corrosive vent comes with protection against corrosion so that you can spend your money on a product that’s designed to last. It features a riveted construction and a damper that doesn’t allow for any back drafts. The screen you see on the front is removable, which makes it easier to clean the roof vent (often not the easiest task at hand).
Who Should Buy This?
If you’ve ever been frustrated with cleaning your roof vent, then products like the Builder’s Best 084635 are fool proof, especially when they have components that are easy to remove and put back together.
Pros:
- Includes backdraft flapper.
- Durable powder-coated finish.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- Not as anti-corrosive as claimed.
Broan-NuTone 634M Steel Roof Cap
The Roof Cap from Broan-NuTone is a great way to upgrade your range hood. Made of strong 24-gauge CRCQ steel and features a black electrically bonded epoxy finish. It fits 6-inch round collars and can be used with different fans but works best with bathroom ventilation. Also, it’s designed with a backdraft damper and a bird screen that prevent the majority of critters from crawling inside the vent.
Who Should Buy This?
For those of you looking for a solid and cost-effective bathroom vent, we totally suggest the Broan-NuTone 634M vent.
Pros:
- Built-in backdraft damper.
- Durable steel construction.
- Protective bird screen.
Cons:
- Needs a longer duct flange.
Siphon Roof Vent Cap
Using the LippertTM 360 Siphon® RV holding tank vent cap, you can maintain the air quality inside of your RV, keeping it smelling nice and fresh all of the time. This vent cap’s innovative design helps to keep unpleasant scents from invading the living space of your recreational vehicle.
This nifty product expels odors and promotes an environment that’s oxygen-rich, which speeds up waste decomposition. When you use the 360 Siphon, you can breathe more easier but also live in a healthier and odor-free environment. This vent cap is simple to install. It also has a general design, making it an excellent solution for any owner of an RV who wants to refresh their interior while maintaining a nice, odor-free atmosphere.
Who Should Buy This?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative and don’t need a fancy vent cap, this might be the right purchase for you.
Pros:
- Universal RV vent fit.
- Comes with a bug screen.
- Great at eliminating odors.
Cons:
- Instructions are very poor.
30-Watt Solar Attic Fan
We love to see innovative products and, as far as attic ventilation is concerned, this might be one of our favorite products yet. In addition to ventilating your attic using free solar power, this system also cools your home while reducing the burden on your HVAC/furnace system.
Whether you live in a dry or humid climate, this fan was designed specifically for you. Due to the fact that it has a Humidistat and Thermostat, it may automatically battle heat and moisture based on the readings. The Remington Solar Store vent is equipped with a brushless motor, which rotates the motor without causing wear or friction
Who Should Buy This?
Capable of ventilating up to 2,500 square feet, this energy-efficient solar fan is perfect for large attics and people looking to save money on their electricity bill.
Pros:
- Includes thermostat and humidistat.
- Comes with hardware for installation.
- Uses free solar power.
Cons:
- Poorly calibrated thermostat.
Hike Crew 11” RV Roof Vent Fan
The Hike Crew Manual Roof Vent Fan is an excellent choice for anyone who is trucking, camping, or driving across the country. It delivers the circulation your RV needs to keep everything riding in style and comfort.
The system, which is designed for 11” x 11” roof openings, includes a variety of convenient features that allow inhabitants to enjoy their little space without having to worry about moisture or temperature.
With a strong 3-speed fan that draws in fresh air from the outside for optimal circulation, a built-in 2-speed exhaust system that eliminates hot air from inside the vehicle, and a simple open/close handle, running the system is as simple as it gets.
Who Should Buy This?
RV owners, look no further, as this cost-effective vent can easily be installed on your RV (great for those looking for easy roof vent installation) and eliminates odors right from the source.
Pros:
- Doubles as an indoor fan.
- Provides great air circulation.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- Questionable plastic lifespan.
4 SEASONS Solar Powered Polycarbonate Vent
We loved the idea of turning solar energy into something that’s useful for the home, so we looked for another quality solar-powered vent that you can install on your roof. That’s how we came across this one right here.
The polycarbonate body of this solar vent has been specifically designed to withstand adverse weather conditions, ranging from rain to freezing hail. This motor has a 15-year lifespan due to the use of a high-efficiency brushless motor and Japanese ball bearings that reduce vibration and wear during operation.
Mono-crystalline solar panels, which are among the highest-quality solar cell types available, are used in the construction of the 4 SEASONS vent. And, if you’re worried about roof vent installation, this self-contained product is a great choice.
Who Should Buy This?
This is one of the most underrated products in this category, so if you’re looking to save money on electricity bills and live in an area where the sun could be put to good use, we recommend checking out the 4 SEASONS vent.
Pros:
- Uses free solar power.
- Easy to install.
- Highly weather-resistant.
Cons:
- Replacement parts unavailable.
How to Clean Dryer Vent on Roof
The dryer vent located on the roof is going to require extra cleaning. Below is a list of what you’ll need for this process, noting that you should make safety your number one priority:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Cat’s paw pry bar
- Vent brush
- A ladder
- Safety harness
- Safety equipment (boots, helmet, gloves)
Step One
Start by vacuuming from the ground floor. This is an important step because if you don’t have an industrial vacuum, you are going to have a very hard time reaching as much of the inside of the vent as you can through roof access.
Step Two
Shingles covering a vent can be removed by peeling them off. When you are safely on the roof, look over the vent guard to study the surrounding environment. To uncover the screws that attach to the guard, first peel back any shingles covering the vent. Utility knives can be used to cut around the shingles and then used to secure access to the vent.
Step Three
The protection on the dryer vent on the roof should be removed. Look for the vent that is hidden by a guard on the roof. Take it out, if possible. If you’re lucky, you may discover that a ton of lint is attached to it.
Some of this can be removed using your hands. If the guard is nailed in place, use a cat’s paw pry bar to loosen the nails. Hold on to the nails once you have removed them, in order to reattach them later.
Step Four
Grab your vent brush and use it to remove any dust from the surface. A vent trap cleaner may be purchased independently or as part of a kit that has accessories for your vacuum.
Step Five
The vent brush should be placed in the vent. When inserting the brush into the vent, twist it. Once you have cleaned out the lint, pull the brush out.
Step Six
Put the guard back in its place. You will need to be extra careful because an intact guard can leave plenty of space for critters and debris to get inside the vent.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to quality roof vents, Builder’s Best 084635 seems to be a very solid choice because it has a sturdy long-lasting construction, a backdraft flipper. Also, a screen that prevents animals and debris from getting inside the vent. For more tips on how to improve your home, be sure to check out some of our other articles.
The post Why a Roof Vent for Your Home is So Important and How to Find the Best One appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.
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