Roof Box Vents Vs Ridge Vents

The reason you do not mix them is that the ridge vent can turn the box vents into intake vents.

Roof box vents vs ridge vents.

Ridge vents long exhaust vents that are installed at the peak or ridge of the roof. On a roof where four slopes converge to a single small ridge as shown above box vents are required for proper ventilation. It also works better because it creates a vacuum. For example if your home has cathedral ceilings the ridge vent is the only viable solution.

Here s a list of the most popular vents used by roof companies in toronto. Box vents square covered vents with no moving parts. Ridge vent and box vents are both considered exhaust vents. Continuous ridge vents are more effective because they are installed at the peak of a roof s ridge allowing for warm air to escape from the attic.

Continuous ridge vents are more expensive than roof box vents but since they are non mechanical there is no need for electric connections or concerns that there could be an electrical failure. Although their overall purpose is the same ridge vents fundamentally differ from box vents in placement appearance and function. Pros these types of vents are often mistaken for box vents however they do function in quite the same way. Many homes are designed where either a ridge vent or box vent will work equally well.

It has the ability to work with vaulted ceilings and you only need one of them to get the job done for ventilation as compared to multiple box vents. Ridge venting is a more costly way to go but if your roofing contractor is up front and honest the price will vary minimally. Box vents also isolates where the air is being pulled from leaving the roof not properly ventilated in some areas. Considering the fact that ridge vents are more aesthetically pleasing our recommendation would be the ridge vents.

Ridge vents are most commonly seen on residential buildings with shingles and a sloped roof. It is in my eyes the best way to properly vent a roof. You do not want a box vent acting as in intake vent b c it will suck air in and can also suck in rain or snow with it. It is best to use a continuous ridge vent on a shingled roof.

Cons these mimic the box vents in their effectiveness and generally need several to be installed. Your roof life seems to diminish with box vents. This can cause a leak.