Ohio’s climate poses specific challenges, with its hot and humid summers and bitterly cold winters. Among the many roofing components available, the choice of ventilation system plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. In this article, we will explore the question of whether a ridge vent is the best choice for a roof in Ohio. We will delve into the benefits of ridge vents and examine their suitability for Ohio’s unique weather conditions. Read this blog post till the end to make an informed decision about the ventilation in your home.
What Is A Ridge Vent?
A ridge vent is a long piece of ventilation equipment that helps prevent heat from building up in your attic. It runs along the ridge of your roof, where the two sides of the roof come together, and allows hot air to escape from the attic. A ridge vent is a type of exhaust vent that works in tandem with soffit vents to create a continuous flow of air throughout the home and attic, which helps keep the roof cool.
How Do Ridge Vents Work?
Ridge vents function in tandem with soffit vents to create a continuous airflow within the attic. As a type of intake vent, soffit vents draw in fresh, cool air. Meanwhile, warm air inside the home rises and can escape through the ridge vent positioned at the peak of the roof. This expulsion of hot air from the attic prompts a vacuum effect, causing negative pressure that pulls in cooler air to replace it. Consequently, the soffit vents replenish the attic with cooler, fresh air. This perpetual air circulation helps maintain a cooler roof temperature and prevents heat buildup.
Why Are Ridge Vents Important On Roofs In Ohio?
The attic space below a roof is notoriously hot and stuffy, especially in Ohio. The heat and humidity in summer lead to a build-up of heat in the attic. While winters can be harsh, with snow and ice accumulating on rooftops. In both cases, a ridge vent can help.
In the summer, a ridge vent allows hot air to escape from the attic, reducing the amount of heat that builds up inside, helping to prevent damage to your roof. This keeps your shingles and roofing materials from becoming brittle and difficult to repair. It also reduces the strain on your air conditioning system, as it won’t have to work as hard to maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home.
On the other hand, in the winter a ridge vent helps prevent the development of ice dams, which can damage your roof. By allowing the hot air to escape from the attic, the ridge vent keeps the roof as close to the outside temperature as possible, which reduces the risk of ice dams forming.
What Are The Benefits Of Ridge Vents?
Here is a list of the benefits roof ridge vents can offer roofs in Ohio:
Improves Airflow
Ridge vents facilitate improved airflow in the attic space, which helps in regulating temperature and humidity levels that can cause moisture buildup, mold, and rot. This increased airflow also prevents the accumulation of harmful gasses and pollutants, which can lead to a healthier living environment. Proper ventilation achieved through ridge vents reduces the need for expensive air conditioning systems and lowers energy costs.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Ridge vents have a sleek design that blends seamlessly with the roofline and enhances the overall look of your roof. The modern design of ridge vents can increase your home’s curb appeal and contribute to its resale value.
Proper Ventilation
Ridge vents promote proper ventilation by allowing hot air to escape, preventing excess heat and moisture from building up in the attic space. Proper ventilation also prevents ice dams from forming on the roof, which can cause water damage to your home.
Extends The Roof’s Lifespan
Ridge vents help to prevent damage to roofs by reducing moisture buildup and preventing the growth of mold and rot. This, in turn, can extend the lifespan of the roof in Ohio, reducing the need for expensive repairs or replacements. Additionally, ridge vents are durable and require little maintenance, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.
What Other Types Of Roof Vents Are There?
There are a few other types of roof vents to consider, including box vents and gable vents. Box vents, as the name suggests, look like square boxes that are installed on your roof to allow hot air to escape. Gable vents are rectangular vents installed on the front or sides of a house. While all of these roof vents can provide some ventilation, most experts agree that ridge vents are the most efficient and cost-effective option.
Should I Replace My Current Roof Vents With A Ridge Vent?
If your home currently features box or gable vents, you might be wondering whether you also need to install a ridge vent. The fact is, while box or gable vents can offer some ventilation, ridge vents are generally more efficient. Ridge vents, acting as exhaust vents, allow warm and hot air from the attic to escape and work optimally with intake vents that draw in fresh, cool air.
For balanced ventilation throughout your home, consider installing a ridge vent alongside your existing roof vents. Not only are ridge vents highly effective, but they also seamlessly blend with a roof’s profile and are less visible from the ground. If a roof replacement is on your agenda, it would be efficient to install a ridge vent simultaneously.
Are All Ridge Vents The Same?
There are different types of ridge vents available, so it’s important to do your research. Some are more efficient, while others are more visually appealing. Talk to your contractor and ask questions to ensure you understand which options are available to you, and their differences, so you can make the best choice for your home.
How Much Will A Ridge Vent Cost?
The average cost of installing a ridge vent ranges from $300 to $700, but it varies on the roofing contractor’s specifications, reputation, and skill level. If you’re replacing your roof at the same time, the cost may be lower. In any case, you’ll be saving money on both cooling costs and repairs to the roofing material that would occur if you hadn’t installed the ridge vent.
Inspect Your Roof With Professionals Before Installing Ridge Vents
If this blog post helped you realize how beneficial ridge vents are for your roof in Ohio, you may be looking to install one on your roof. Or, if you are still unsure about whether a ridge vent is the best option for your Ohio roof, call the professional team at All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters for a roof inspection. The roofers at our company are qualified to answer all your questions and concerns about roofs and ventilation. Call us today at (937) 902-2839, and inspect your roof with professionals.
