Choosing the best roof vents for your house depends on your roof design, attic size, and climate. A properly balanced attic ventilation system helps regulate temperature, reduce moisture buildup, and extend the life of your roofing materials.
In the Puget Sound region, frequent rain and cool temperatures make moisture control especially important. Without proper ventilation, trapped humidity can contribute to mold growth, wood rot, and premature shingle deterioration.
If you’re considering updating or replacing your roof vents—or you’re installing a new roof altogether—there are a number of factors to consider before making your selection. Here we’ll give you some of those specifics as well as our top 10 recommendations.
Below is a breakdown of the most common intake and exhaust vent types and how they perform.
Best Roof Vent Types
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Ridge vents for natural exhaust
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Soffit vents for intake airflow
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Box vents for small areas
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Turbine vents for wind powered exhaust
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Power vents for active airflow
What is a roof vent, anyway?
A roof vent is a system built into your roof that allows for air movement in and out of your roof. Its primary purposes are to keep the interior of your roof dry and its temperature regulated.
A roof vent system has two parts: the exhaust (through which warm air exits your attic) and the intake (through which fresh air enters your attic). Both are critical for a healthy and long-lasting roof.
What can happen if I have poor roof ventilation?
If your roof doesn’t have proper ventilation, hot, humid air will get trapped in your attic. Hot air contains moisture which in time will cause mildew (which smells bad) and then mold buildup (which causes wood damage).
In cold weather, ice dams can also form along the edge of your roof as the hot air causes precipitation on the roof to melt, then re-freeze as it reaches the edge of the roof. Ice dams can loosen your shingles, weigh down your gutters, and even cause water damage to your roof.
Other effects can include poor air quality in your house and an overworked HVAC system.
What factors should I consider when choosing a roof ventilation system?
Which type of roof vent you choose depends on a variety of factors, most prominent of which is the roof design you have. Certain systems work with shingles but not with tiles. Others apply better if your roof has certain features like gable or soffits.
Another factor worth considering is the appearance you want your roof to have. Some air vents are more conspicuous than others, which you may like or not like.
Also take your climate into account. High winds can damage your turbine. Rain can be blown into soffit vents and gable vents, threatening water damage. So consider a system that can withstand the elements it will be subjected to. For example, in Bonney Lake, where you might see wet weather, snowfall and occasional harsh winters, choosing a vent system built for moisture resistance becomes critical. Scheduling roof repair in Bonney Lake services can help you assess whether your current vent setup is sufficient, or if you need to upgrade to better ventilation systems to prevent wood rot, ice dams, and mold buildup.
When it comes to how much ventilation your roof should get, remember what’s called the “1/300 rule”—1 square foot of attic ventilation for every square foot of attic space.
How Much Roof Ventilation Do You Need?
A commonly referenced guideline in residential construction is the “1/300 rule.” This means 1 square foot of net free ventilation area for every 300 square feet of attic floor space, when balanced between intake and exhaust.
Building code requirements may vary depending on insulation levels and vapor barrier placement, so it is important to verify local code standards when designing a ventilation system.
Climate Matters
Roof ventilation systems must withstand the conditions they are exposed to. In Western Washington, rain, wind, and occasional freezing temperatures can affect vent performance.
Homeowners in Tacoma, University Place, and throughout Pierce County should prioritize moisture resistant vent systems that prevent wind driven rain intrusion while maintaining proper airflow.
If you are unsure whether your current ventilation setup is adequate, a professional inspection can help identify areas at risk for mold, rot, or ice dam formation.
Not all vent types work well with every roof style. If you’re unsure which combination of roof pitch, material, and structure makes sense for your home, check out our post What Type of Roof Is Best for the Puget Sound? to learn how roof style, material, and environmental factors interact locally.
Types of Roof Intake Vents
Soffit Vents
Installed under roof eaves, soffit vents are one of the most effective intake systems because they allow cool air to enter evenly along the lower edge of the roof.
Continuous Soffit Vents
These wrap along the entire eave, providing consistent airflow and improved balance with ridge vents.
Drip Edge Vents
Installed beneath the first row of shingles, drip edge vents allow intake air when soffits are limited or unavailable.
Over Fascia Vents
Similar to drip edge vents but installed above the gutter line. They are typically used when traditional soffits are not feasible.
Gable Vents
Mounted on gable ends, these allow cross ventilation but may interfere with ridge vent systems if not properly designed.
Types of Roof Exhaust Vents
Ridge Vents
Installed along the roof peak, ridge vents allow hot air to escape naturally as it rises. They are commonly paired with soffit vents for balanced airflow.
Box Vents
Square vents installed near the ridge. Suitable for smaller attic areas or when ridge vents are not practical.
Wind Turbine Vents
Wind powered exhaust systems that spin to pull air from the attic. Performance depends on wind availability.
Power Vents
Electric or solar powered vents that actively pull hot air from the attic. They can improve airflow but must be properly sized to avoid negative pressure issues.
5 Roof Vents to Consider
Below are commonly used roof ventilation products. Product suitability depends on your specific attic design and installation quality.
- Lomanco 12-inch Whirlybird
- GAF Cobra Ridge Vent
- Broan-NuTone 3 in to 4 in Roof Vent Kit
- QuietCool Thermostat Controlled Gable Fan for Attic Cooling
- Ventamatic 1600 CFM Mill Electric Powered Gable Fan
Always verify manufacturer specifications, airflow ratings, and compatibility with your roofing system before installation.
Leave Ventilation to the Professionals
Proper attic ventilation requires balanced intake and exhaust, correct sizing, and precise installation. Incorrect ventilation can reduce energy efficiency and shorten roof lifespan.
Homeowners who don’t fancy themselves DIY super-roofers are best off calling a trusted local roofing company.
If you are unsure which ventilation system is best for your home, ACME Roofing can evaluate your attic airflow and recommend appropriate solutions.
Call (253) 215-1398 to schedule a professional roof ventilation assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of roof vent?
The best roof vent depends on your roof design. Ridge vents paired with soffit vents are commonly used for balanced airflow.
Do I need both intake and exhaust vents?
Yes. A balanced system requires intake vents to bring cool air in and exhaust vents to release warm air.
Can poor ventilation cause mold?
Trapped moisture in an attic can contribute to mold growth and wood deterioration over time.
Are power vents better than ridge vents?
Power vents actively pull air out, while ridge vents rely on natural airflow. Proper sizing and system balance are more important than vent type alone.
How do I know if my attic ventilation is sufficient?
A roofing professional can measure attic airflow and inspect for signs of moisture buildup, heat accumulation, or mold.