The average ridge vent installation cost is between $300 and $650
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A ridge vent costs between $300 and $650 on average, with most homeowners paying about $500. Your final costs will vary based on the size, type, and number of units you install. What does a roof ridge vent do? Moisture is a sneaky yet lethal menace when it comes to your roof. Condensation is a common winter roofing issue, as well as during other times of the year, so itâs important to have adequate ventilation to get rid of all that moist air. Ridge vents offer ventilation throughout the length of your roofâs peak, giving moist air plenty of room to escape so your roofâand everything beneath itâstays dry.
| Low End | Average | High End |
|---|---|---|
| $300 | $500 | $650 |
The average ridge vent price is about $2 to $3 per linear foot. This doesnât include installation, which will run you an additional $45 to $75 per hour. Homeowners usually pay a total of around $300 to $400 in labor costs.
You should install soffit vents, which cost between $3.30 and $4.50 per linear foot. These maximize the efficiency of your roof ridge vents by allowing fresh outside air to enter.
Many roofing pros swear by the need to have these types of intake vents.
âIn fact, if you do not have intake vents, such as soffit vents, the ridge vents won't do any good because they need to be able to pull the air from somewhere,â says Ami Feller, Expert Review Board member and owner of Roofer Chicks in New Braunfels, TX. âBasically, when you ventilate an attic, you are creating an air current that cycles through the attic space, bringing in air from the low point and letting the air escape through the high point.
Roof Vent Installation Cost Breakdown
If youâre considering roof vent costs, youâve got a few good options available. Ridge vents typically rank at the top of the cost pyramid, but theyâve got a lot of good qualities to show for it. Below are the most common types of roof vents and what they could cost.
Ridge Vent Installation Cost
The average roof ridge vent installation cost is $300 to $650, including labor and materials. While it's a pricier option, youâre treating yourself to the most effective non-powered roof ventilation system. They also blend in with your roof for a much sleeker look than other vents.
Cost to Install a Roof Vent
A roof vent will cost around $500 per unit. Also known as a âbox ventâ or âlow profile vent,â this type of vent costs less than other styles, plus it wonât require new shingles when you install it. Itâs also simple to add to an existing roof. However, thereâs only one point of entry for airflow and they have a âboxyâ appearance that many homeowners donât favor.
âAlso, the more holes you cut in your roof, the more chance you have of having a leak,â says Feller. âBecause box vents only allow 1 square foot of outtake ventilation, it generally takes several of them to provide enough ventilation.â
Side note: itâs essential to inspect your roof every six months if you choose to install these, as theyâre especially prone to debris and can also harbor small critters.
Cost to Install Soffit Vents
Soffit ventilation units cost between $2 and $10 per linear foot, plus $45 to $75 per hour for labor. The average cost to install soffit units is about $315 to $465. These are essential to improve the efficiency of ridge, roof, and gable vents. Plus, because theyâre placed on the bottom of the roofâs eaves, they have a very subtle look.
Gable Roof Ventilation Price
Gable ventilation units are the least expensive option at about $60 to $150 per unit, plus about $70 per hour in labor costs. These are nice to look at and can mount right to your attic fan. However, as with a roof vent, there is only one exit and entry point for airflow.
âWe use a lot of electric power vents,â says Feller. âThey also make solar ones. These vents are mounted to the roof and have a thermostat on them. When the attic reaches the prescribed temperatureâwe set ours at 100 Fahrenheitâthey will kick on and start moving air out of the attic space.â
Note: If youâre installing a ridge vent with an existing gable, itâs best to seal the gable. This is because gables can disrupt the airflow, doing more harm to your attic than good.
Roof Turbine Installation Cost
A roof turbine installation will cost around $65 to $250, which includes labor and materials. The units themselves are usually $20 to $100 each. These contain a fan that works by catching wind which turns the fan and brings air up from the attic, dispersing it outdoors.
Note that wind turbines can get damaged easily by falling debris or rodents, and may start to âcreak" with old age. Sometimes, older units can emit a high-pitched noise. Also, like with box vents, you may need several of them to properly ventilate an attic spaceâwhich means more potential leak points.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Ridge Vent Yourself?
First and foremost: letâs not forget Clark Griswold. Working on a roof is extremely dangerous, and you shouldnât consider it unless you really, really know what youâre doing.
Itâs also worth noting that this is an advanced-level DIY with a high risk of error. Hiring a roofing contractor near you will prevent the need for any costly repairs, leaks, or other damage caused by improper installation.
DIY Ridge Vent Installation Cost Breakdown
For scrappy DIY-ers who still want to tackle this project on their own, there are some key costs to consider. Hopefully, you already have a ladder that can safely reach your roof, because a new one could cost $250 to $350 or more. Considering your average cost to install the ridge vent professionally is around $300 to $650, according to HomeAdvisor, it will likely make the most sense to call a pro if you donât have a ladder handy.
Your ridge vent price usually goes by four-foot sections for around $8 to $12 each. For metal roofs, straps and connector plugs to adjoin the sections will go for about $5 to $6 apiece.
Here are the other supplies youâll need, along with some ballpark cost estimates:
Roofing nails: $10â$15 (five-pound bag)
Roofing screws with neoprene washers to create a seal: $30 (200â300 screws)
(Video) RIDGE VENT INSTALLATION TIPS | ROOFER TRAININGPolyurethane caulk: $8
Hammer: $7
Catâs paw pry or utility bar: $6
Utility knife (hook blade): $15
Chalk line: $8
Circular Saw: $150
Fall Protection Kit: $120
Total Cost: $354
Youâll also need to factor in new roofing shingles where you put in the ridge roof vent. These are usually around $30 for 33.3 square feet, but your final cost will vary depending on the type and how much you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ridge vents are a better option than ridge vents because they run the length of your roof instead of just offering ventilation at a single point (like a roof vent or gable vent). They also keep pesky critters out of your home. This is not to say that roof vents are a bad choice. If you have a limited budget, they offer great roof ventilation for the price and are easy to install on an existing roof.
To calculate how much roof venting you need, most pros recommend at least one square foot of ventilation per 150 square feet of attic space. So, if you have a 300-square-foot attic, youâd want at least two square feet of ventilation. One portion would be at the upper portion of the atticâthe exhaust ventsâand the intake vents would be lower.
Anytime you have a hole in your roof, youâre likely going to see a little water come through depending on how much rainfall there is. This generally isn't enough water to do any damage, but if you go stand in your attic during a storm, you might experience a drop or two, which is normal. Ridge vents shouldnât leak significantly if they are installed properly. Mistakes such as using the wrong nails or not overlapping sections correctly might lead to leakage issues.
Roof vents are an essential part of a roof, as they promote energy efficiency by keeping warm, humid air at bay. The roofing material, especially asphalt shingles, will not last as long as it should (about half of its manufacture life) if the attic is not ventilated. Also, going without ventilation means having a warm attic that demands more from your air conditioning system (and your wallet once the bills come). Ridge vents and roof vents also prevent a host of other icky moisture-related problems like rot, mold, and mildew.
FAQs
Are ridge vents worth the cost? âș
Extends Roof's Lifespan
Needless to say that there are far better ways you'll want to spend your hard-earned money than replacing your roof because of poor ventilation. With ridge vents, you can adequately vent your roof and eliminate problems such as mold and mildew that lead to rot and other roof damages.
Most codes use the 1/300 rule for minimum residential attic ventilation recommendations. This means that for every 300 square feet of enclosed attic space, 1 square foot of ventilation is required â with half at the upper portion (exhaust vents) and half in the lower portion (intake vents).
Can I install a ridge vent to an existing roof? âșInstalling a Ridge Vent
Installing the vent in an existing roof entails tearing off the ridge shingles and cutting away the upper 2 or 3 inches of roof sheathing on each side of the ridge with a circular saw. A low-profile, preformed vent installs over the cutaway section, and new ridge shingles install over the vent.
The formula is: CFM rating of fan Ă· 300 = square feet of intake ventilation needed. To turn that figure into square inches multiply by 144.
What is the cost to install a ridge vent? âșThe average roof ridge vent installation cost is $300 to $650, including labor and materials. While it's a pricier option, you're treating yourself to the most effective non-powered roof ventilation system. They also blend in with your roof for a much sleeker look than other vents.
What is the downside to ridge vent? âșCons of Ridge Vents
In some homes, ridge vents might not be enough to offer adequate ventilation. This isn't a practical solution if there's no air movement toward the vents. In addition, these vents may leak during heavy rain, as the rain could blow right into the vents, dampening your attic.
- The 10 Best Roof Vents.
- Lomanco WhirlybirdÂź Turbine B I B-14.
- Lomanco WhirlybirdÂź Turbine B I B-12.
- Air Vent AirhawkÂź Wind Turbines.
- Air Vent Venturivent Plus.
- Maxx Air 1,650 Cfm Gable Mount Power Attic Ventilator.
- GAF Materials CobraÂź Exhaust Vent for Roof Ridge.
- QuietCool Thermostat Controlled Gable Fan for Attic Cooling.
But how many roof vents does one home really need? A general guideline is homeowners need one square foot of roof vent for every 300 square feet of ceiling space, if your home has a roof with a vapor barrier, or 1:300. If not, you should have one square foot of roof vent for every 150 square feet, or 1:150.
What is better ridge vent or roof vent? âșContinuous 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. It also works better because it creates a vacuum in your attic.
Do ridge vents make house colder in winter? âșThe unintended consequence of your recently installed roof vents is that your house got colder. In the winter months, warm attic air is vented to the outside through the ridge vents and is replaced by colder outside air sucked in through the soffit vents. In essence there is a mini jet stream in the attic.
Can rain get in ridge vents? âș
Ridge vents prevent moisture problems by letting warm air out, but wind-blown rain can enter if the vents are damaged.
Should a ridge vent go all the way to the end of the roof? âșYou don't want to cut ridge vents all the way to the edge, but you can install vent caps all the way to the edge. The aesthetic you want will determine how far you place the vents. For a more seamless look, vents should extend to the edge. Ridge vents on metal roofs can be installed in a similar fashion.
Is a roof ridge vent enough? âșThe truth is, most experts agree that though other roof vents allow some ventilation (which is better than none), ridge vents are the most efficient and cost-effective roof ventilation system around. Our recommendation is yes. Especially if you are installing a new roof, you want to extend its life as long as possible.
What is the 1 150 rule? âșFor every 150 square feet (sq. ft.) of attic space, 1 square foot of ventilation is recommended.
How much difference does a ridge vent make? âșDo Ridge Vents Make a Difference? Absolutely. Both ridge vents and box vents make a big difference in a roofing system. Allowing proper air ventilation in your roofing area will help you avoid many problems during all of the season changes throughout the year.
Are ridge vents more expensive than box vents? âșWhile ridge vents have many advantages, they are not always ideal. In cold climates, ridge vents can allow snow into the attic. They're also more expensive than box vents and won't work on all types of roofs.
How much does it cost to install a vent pipe? âșThe final cost of moving a plumbing vent will be anywhere from $400 to upwards of $600, depending on the scope of the project, if any repairs are needed, and who you hire to tackle the project.
How big should my ridge vent be? âșHow do I figure how much ridge vent I need to use? Take the square footage of house under roof X . 48 divide this number by 20 (for V-600Âź products), or by 13.5 (for V-300Âź products) this will give the lineal feet of product needed to meet a 1/150 vent ratio.
Do ridge vents cause leaks? âșReasons for Ridge Vent Leaks
They become more prone to shifting during strong winds, causing them to pull right off the decking later on. Once this happens, the other roofing layers get exposed to the elements, paving the way for leaks. Lack of sealant is also a reason why ridge vents leak.
The vent is the finished product and does not require additional asphalt shingle ridge caps to be installed over it.
Do ridge vents cool attic? âș
The ridge vent is at the roof peak where hot attic air is least dense so it naturally flows up and out. Breezes over the top of the ridge vent cover create a low pressure area to draw even more air through the attic. The cool air is drawn in the soffit vents.
Are plastic or metal ridge vents better? âșWhen it comes to roof ventilation, DurafloÂź plastic roof vents are a reliable choice. âMetal vents â can be susceptible to bent flanges and denting from shipping and handling. Plastic vents are a lot lighter and much more durable.â Donna Burtch, DurafloÂź Product Manager at Canplas.
Can you have too much ridge vent? âșIt's possible to have too much exhaust ventilation, but you cannot have too much intake ventilation. If there is more intake ventilation than the attic's square footage requires, it's not problematic because any excess intake converts to âexhaustâ on the leeward side of the house.
Can rodents get in through ridge vent? âșRidge vents are installed to ventilate attic spaces. These vents provide a weather barrier to the 2-3 inch construction gap on the peak of the roofline. Ridge vents provide protection from rain, but they do permit bats and mice to squeeze between the ridge vent and the roof decking right into your attic space.
Do ridge vents cool house? âșRidge vents do little or nothing to lower the temperature inside an attic. In fact, they would have to break the laws of physics to work. Hot air rises, it doesn't go down. To exit a roof ridge vent, air has to go down about three inches.
Where should ridge vents be installed? âșExhaust vents should always be placed at the highest possible point on the roof (at or near the ridge) which typically aligns with the highest part of the attic space.
How does a ridge vent work in the winter? âșRidge vents provide an even temperature distribution to your roof and are installed along the entire ridge. Because they do not depend on the wind flow, they can perform well in any season.
Do ridge vents get clogged? âșIn the summertime, warm air in the attic is expelled through the ridge vent by cooler air being drawn in through the soffit vents. Problems with this formula do occur. Ridge Vents Can Become Plugged! totally blocked by wasp nests or dust and mold or mildew.
Should I replace box vents with ridge vents? âșIt's worth repeating: Ridge vents are essential. Box vents are not. But properly placed and installed box vents will improve the ventilation in any attic, the space below the roof. They are particularly beneficial â even recommended â on large roofs with more than 30 feet or so from peak to eaves.
Can you use a whole house fan with a ridge vent? âșIn most homes, it is typically best to have only the ridge vent and remove the fan, as described above, they don't work well together. If you have a hip roof with very little ridge, a power fan with both a thermostat and humidistat (for both temperature and humidity) should be installed, with no ridge vent.
Do ridge vents get clogged with snow? âș
The potential for snow blocking the vent is minimal. Snow is comprised primarily of air, and air flowing from the attic to the outside through the ridge vent would run readily through the snow if there happens to be any on the vent.
Do ridge vents fail? âșWith proper installation and care, ridge vents should not leak. However, improper installation leads to leaky vents. In some cases, installers will use the wrong nails or shorter nails to secure the vents to the structure.
Do ridge vents leak with snow? âșIf you install a ridge vent that is not weather resistant, water and snow that infiltrates your attic can cause damage there or elsewhere in your house, and you may not even know it is leaking until it's too late.
Do ridge vents need fans? âșWhile having both types of ventilation isn't necessary, some homes need more ventilation in their attic space than others, and that's where this pair comes in. You may need to use one or more attic fans along with a ridge vent in a large, warm attic space that needs more ventilation.
Do roof ridge vents have screens? âșThe vent space is usually right under the hood and leaves a 1â to 2â slot where the air exhausts out of the attic. This long slot on each side of the hood length can be open into the attic space, have a synthetic material, or have a screen.
Do you need a ridge vent if there is no attic? âșRidge Vents Alone Won't Do the Job
We see many older homes with no attic ventilation and some that have recently had ridge vents installed. While this provides an outlet for air flow, it does not provide an inlet to complete the convection cycle needed for proper ventilation.
A functioning ridge vent will allow the hot air to escape through the roof. The air comes in through the soffit vent, and exits through the ridge vent. It's as simple as that. A ridge vent without soffit vents won't work as intended, and vice versa.
How much gap do you need for a ridge vent? âșIt is best to create a minimum of 1 inch of clearance on either side of the ridge board (ridgepole) to allow airflow through the opening and into the vent. If there is no ridge board present, as with some truss-framed roofs, the opening should be at least 1 inch from the ridge on both sides.
What are the best roof ventilation methods? âșIn most cases, we recommend soffit vents for intake and a ridge vent for exhaust. For homes that cannot have a ridge vent, box vents are generally the second best option for exhaust. And for homes that cannot have soffit ventilation, you will find that fascia vents to be your second best bet.
What is the standard for roof vent? âșAccording to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), a power vent with an airflow rate of 1.0 cubic foot per minute per square foot of attic space measured at the attic floor is generally considered to be equivalent to a 1:150 ventilation ratio.
What is better attic fan or ridge vent? âș
If you had to choose just oneâand your attic has a great need for ventilationâan attic fan is your best bet. Attic fans in the $300 to $400 range can move upwards of 5,000 CFM. For lower capacity ventilation at a steep cost savings, a ridge vent might be your best choice.
What is the most effective roof venting system? âșRidge Vents
The fact that they run along the length of the roof peak also offers an even distribution of air, which is something the other roof vents cannot match. Similarly, this encourages a more even temperature in this part of the home. Ridge vents are very good at avoiding mold and humidity within the attic.
Combining an attic power vent fan with a ridge vent is usually not recommended because: It could reverse the natural flow of hot air out the ridge vent. If air is drawn in through the ridge vent while it's raining, it might pull rainwater in with it, which could lead to leaking or mold in the attic.
Can animals get in through ridge vents? âșThe problem with ridge vents
The 4 main animals that can easily rip up ridge vents are squirrels (like in this case) raccoons (very easily), bats and mice. Bats and mice don't generally destroy parts of a home to gain entry, but if the hole is the right size, they can easily get in.
Ridge vents provide an even temperature distribution to your roof and are installed along the entire ridge. Because they do not depend on the wind flow, they can perform well in any season.
Is ridge vent better than turtle vents? âșRidge vents are typically the experienced roofing contractor's top choice for a superior attic ventilation system. With turtle vents, roofers need one for every 150 square feet of attic floor space. With ridge vents, you only need one for every 300 square feet â their efficiency is double that of turtle vents.
Should ridge vent run entire length of roof? âșIf you're wondering whether a ridge vent should go all the way across a roof, it depends. You don't want to cut ridge vents all the way to the edge, but you can install vent caps all the way to the edge. The aesthetic you want will determine how far you place the vents.