Cost To Install Soffit Vents
Installation typically costs a homeowner between $315 and $465. Traditional units range in price from $3.30 to $4.50 per linear foot. Continuous soffit models are single units that run the length of your eaves and average $8 to $10 per linear foot. Prices listed include installation into an existing soffit and do not include the cost to install soffits.
To replace soffit units, you’ll pay a roofing pro $45 to $75 per hour for labor, as well as the replacement cost of the materials. Soffit units can increase the efficiency of ridge and roof units by allowing outside air to enter at the lowest point.
Soffit units increase efficiency of ridge and roof units
Ridge Vents For Metal Roofs Everything You Need To Know
You are thinking about installing a metal roof and would like to install it yourself. Since you have never done this before you have lots of questions. One of the questions that we answer regularly is What is ridge vent?.
A ridge vent will allow damp and warm air to leave the attic. This decreases the amount of moisture and balances the temperature within the attic. A ridge vent that is correctly installed will lower your energy bill and increase energy efficiency.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we have decades of experience selling and installing metal roofing. We can answer all of your metal roofing questions and provide you manufacturer direct pricing.
Our goal in this article is to explain:
- What is a ridge vent?
- How much does ridge vent cost?
- What does ridge vent do?
- Why is proper ventilation important?
- Benefits of ridge vent
- How to install ridge vent
If you enjoy this article then we recommend that you read this article also:
Which One Should You Choose Between Ridge Vent And Box Vent And Why
It all depends on your type of roof and the climate you are in. If you have a roof peak that can support ridge vents, those may be your better option.
As stated above, some climates dont work for ridge vents, so you may want to find alternatives if youre in a hotter zone.
Ridge vents can be more expensive, but they are more effective than box vents and hold up better against weather and wear. This will not work for all roof types, like flat roofs or complex roofs.
Read Also: Skylight For Metal Roof
Are There Any Disadvantages To Using Ridge Vents
Ridge vents are not without disadvantages. What this means is that because theyre installed on the roof, its common for them to suffer from damage such as cracks or leaks caused by heavy winds and storms.
What this means is that ridge vent maintenance should be a priority with these devices in turn, youll need someone to repair any damages which may occur during use.
Is A Ridge Vent Enough Ventilation
Roofing manufacturer warranties generally require a minimum of one square foot of ventilation for every 150sf of attic space but only one square foot of ventilation for every 300sf when the ridge vent system is used. That should tell you how efficient a good ridge vent is at expelling heat.
There are quite a few good ridge vents on the market but the continuous vent, as opposed to the individual roof vent, is the most effective. Continuous ridge vents allow hot air to easily escape from the roof peak which controls the climate inside the attic.
A ridge vent along with other vents that draw in colder air is enough ventilation. However, a ridge vent alone without some intake vents wouldnt do as much. We highly recommend installing soffit or gable vents along with a ridge vent or some other form of air intake. Its really a combination of intake and exhaust that properly vents the attic. One without the other wont work as well because hot air has to be pushed out of the vent by incoming colder air. Its all about the air pressure. Without an intake there just isnt enough pressure to get the hot air out.
Read Also: Attic Trusses Cost
Remove The Shingle Caps
Start by removing the nails holding the ridge cap shingles in place. For most asphalt shingle ridge caps, there are two nails in each ridge cap, one on either side of the ridge.
Insert a flat pry bar under the shingle cap and lift up on both the shingle and the nail head to loosen the nail, then pry out the nail. Remove the shingle cap.
Use a utility knife with a hook blade to cut the shingles back 3 inches from the ridge. Remove all felt paper or underlayment from the ridge to expose 3 inches of the wood decking along the ridge.
How To Choose A Roof Vent
Check the size of your roof. This isnt the only thing you need to consider, but it is a big factor. Climate, roof pitch, and venting locations play a big role too. Along with all other factors above, figure out your budget, the size of your roof, your attics needs, and consider your climate and environment.
Don’t Miss: Replacing Roof Trusses
How Are Box Vents Installed
This type of vent is installed over a hole cut in the roof. From the ground, they look like a low-profile metal box sitting on top of the shingles. Unlike a singular ridge vent, you will likely need to install more than one box vent depending on the square footage of your attic.
Similar to ridge vents, box vents rely on the natural wind and air pressure to remove warm air and moisture from the attic. One advantage of box vents is the reduced cost of investment.
Do Metal Roofs Have Ridge Vents
4.2/5ridge ventsmetal roof doneedRidgeneedvents
Just so, can you put a ridge vent on a metal roof?
How To Install A Ridge Vent For Metal Roofing. The ridge vent is only half of the venting system if that’s the venting system you‘re going to use. A ridge vent needs a continuous air supply from the bottom of the roof edge on both sides of the roof to workâ often called soffit vents.
Additionally, what are the disadvantages of a metal roof? Disadvantages of metal roofs
- Affordability. Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials.
- Noisiness. Metal roofs can be noisy, especially during a heavy rain or hailstorm.
- Expansion and contraction.
- Performance.
Herein, do I need to vent a metal roof?
A metal roof typically does not increase nor decrease the need for ventilation. Ventilation that meets code requirements is adequate for any type of roofing material, including metal.
How do you seal a ridge cap on a metal roof?
Metal Roofing Ridge Cap â Installation Steps
Also Check: Skylights In Metal Roofing
How Much Do Roof Ridge Vents Cost
Another disadvantage to roof ridge vents is the cost of installation. Especially in an older home that requires additional systems for the ridge vent to work properly, the pricetag for ridge vents can be quite high.
While the cost of installing a roof ridge vent varies depending on the size of your roof and your geographical location, you can expect to spend a minimum of $500 on the ridge vent alone. If you have a complex roof design or unusual roofing material, a roof ridge vent system may cost up to $1,500.
The best way to receive an estimate for installing a roof ridge vent on your home is to work with a professional roofing company in Tulsa.
What Is A Box Vent
Box vents get their names from their shape, looking like small boxes on the roof. They are placed over a hole cut into the roof, but they are not usually on or near the peak. Box vents are static vents, and while they can be effective, they are unmoving and less efficient on ridge vents that use natural airflow to their advantage.
Box vents pair with soffit vent systems, which lets the box vent pull warm air that escapes. If your attic is large, you may need more than one box vent to work well. Also, roofs with multiple levels will need box vents at those levels for proper ventilation.
Recommended Reading: Shed Eave Overhang
Storm Chasers Are Real: 4 Ways To Protect Your Home
When you hear the term storm chasers, you probably picture the slightly insane people with a camera in hand driving towards a storm, rather than away from it like most normal people. While this image holds true, many people have experience with another kind of storm chaser.
If you live in an area that regularly experiences storms and bad weather, chances are you have come in contact with a less savory type of storm chaser. These are the people who attempt to prey on people who have damage from a severe storm. Their goal is to make fast money off your bad fortune.
At Zups Construction, we dont want you to fall victim to this type of storm chaser. They offer roofing repair that is poorly done and wont last. If your roof needs attention after a storm, call a company you can trust.
Other Types Of Ridge Vents
There are two primary types of ridge vents: shingle-over vents and aluminum vents. The Shingle over vents is for a roof that has shingles, whereas the aluminum vent is for roofs made of metal. What this means is that if you have an asphalt or a certain kind of tile roof then youll need to use a ridge vent with continuous airflow because it wont work with other types of materials.
The installation process varies depending on what type of ridge vent you use. What this means is that for ridge vents with continuous airflow, the installation process usually takes a day as its done during daylight hours when no heating or air conditioning systems are in operation whereas, if these devices have intermittent flow they can be installed at night because there wont be any interference from other appliances.
Also read: How to Vent a Bathroom with No Outside Access or Window
You May Like: How To Extend A Metal Roof Overhang
Flat Roof Maintenance Tips
As a homeowner, maintaining your house and staying on top of the upkeep is an essential task. Keeping your home in the best condition you can on your own can be time-consuming and difficult, depending on the job and your abilities. You may be an experienced DIYer who can handle most of the necessary work, or you might be new to homeownership and the various jobs it requires.
When it comes to your roof, its normal to feel slightly overwhelmed by the necessary upkeep. Roofs can seem a little daunting due to the height and complexity of the task at hand, but some of the basic maintenance you can accomplish yourself. If you feel out of your element regarding your roofs maintenance and care, dont worry, Zups Construction is here for all of your roofing needs.
Zups Construction is available with experienced professionals to help you identify any issues with your roof and then repair or replace as necessary. We can help you determine what work your roof needs, and can also provide the maintenance required to keep it in good standing.
Best Types Of Roof Vents + Understanding Attic Ventilation
The best roof ventilation systems dont just extend the life of your roof, they help lower your homes energy bills and make your house an overall healthier place to live
Different types of roof vents are more effective than others, but each type of vent has the basic task of either removing stale air from your attic space or bringing fresh air into your home .
If you want to truly take advantage of the benefits of proper roof ventilation, then it is critical to have both intake and exhaust ventilation installed. However, in many cases it is not possible to have intake ventilation because of the homes architecture. In these cases, having only exhaust is better than nothing! But for the sake of discussion, we can assume your roofs design can structurally handle both intake and exhaust.
Before covering each type of roof vent available on the marketplace in 2020, lets first get an overview of the two styles of ventilation in general
You May Like: How To Build An Overhang
How Do Ridge Vents Work
A ridge vent actually covers a hole running the entire length of the roof. Roof sheathing is cut back about 4 on either side of the roof which is then covered by the vent. Check out the pic shown above. That space will get covered in either one of two ways.
Continuous ridge vents are more effective than other types of attic vents because theyre installed at the peak of a roofs ridge which is where the hottest air is. This allows warm air to escape from the attic and helps draw in cooler air from other vents.
You only need one main ridge vent on the highest ridge to get the job done for ventilation as opposed to multiple box or gable vents that honestly dont work as good. Theyre more expensive vs. box vents and non mechanical so you dont have to worry about any electrical systems.
Ridge vents work best when used on a shingled roof.
Whats a ridge vent? It covers this gap in the roof. A roof ready for shingles and a continuous shingle over ridge vent
Why Is Ridge Vent Important
Many homeowners are unaware of the importance of proper roof ventilation. This helps to regulate the temperature in the attic, and it also helps to prevent the formation of condensation. In addition, ridge vents help to reduce the amount of heat that builds up in the attic during the summer months. This can help to prolong the life of the roofing materials and improve the overall efficiency of the home.
In addition to extending the lifespan of your roof, proper ventilation can also help to prevent ice dams, mold growth, and condensation. As a result, it is important to ensure that your roof is properly ventilated. If are unsure whether your roof is properly ventilated, a qualified roofing contractor can assess your ventilation system and make recommendations for improvement.
Don’t Miss: Skylight Installation Metal Roof
Why Do Homeowners Install Ridge Vents
Homeowners who add on ridge vents do so for a number of reasons. Its a great way to upgrade to a more energy-efficient home.
Some houses actually require a vent on the roof to prevent things like condensation on the windows during winter months. Like any improvement you make on your home, its important to compare and weigh the pros and cons.
Ridge Vent Vs Roof Vent: Whats The Difference
If you have been looking into home ventilation, you might have run into the terms ridge vent as well as roof ridge vent, sometimes in the same article or post. You might also have seen the term roof vent.
If you are a little confused about the terminology, dont be. A ridge vent or a roof ridge vent is the same thing, a vent installed in the ridge of the roof. A roof vent is a general term for vents installed on a roof to improve air circulation.
So, a ridge vent or a roof ridge vent is merely a kind of roof vent. Other examples of roof vents are soffit vents, which are installed under a roof overhang, and gable vents, which are installed near roof gables.
You May Like: Cutting Roof Trusses
How Much Is This Going To Cost Is It Worth It
The average cost of having a ridge vent installed by itself is about $400-$500. If you have your ridge vent installed during your roof replacement, the price may be lower. All prices depend on your location.
Most professionals will agree that energy savings and roof repair savings outweigh the cost of installing a ridge vent. Of course, the final call is up to you.
What Can It Do For My Home
Ridge vents are popular among homeowners because they help control the accumulation of hot air in your home. You probably know that hot air rises. Most of the time, it rises into your attic. When you install ridge vents, the excess hot air releases through them, therefore keeping your attic as near to the temperature outside as possible. It will also assist in energy savings when it comes to using your heating and cooling system.
You might be thinking that they would be an excellent thing to have during the summer, but what can they do in the winter months? They can still assist in controlling the temperature. If youre worried about snow clogging the vents, you shouldnt be. The hot air coming from inside your house will melt the snow or ice within a few days. So, your vents remain functional all year around.
Depending on how old your home is, you might have gable or soffit vents. While the ridge vent manufacturer recommends closing your gable vents off, its not necessary. The more vents, the better. It will only contribute to the effectiveness of the ridge vents. Even if you have soffit vents, they may not be large enough, or you may not have enough of them to assist the ridge vents functionality adequately.
Don’t Miss: Hydro Stop Roof Coating Cost
