cancel
 

 

Job type :

Zip Code :

community forums

Featuring over 100 topics of interest to DoItYourselfers.
comments

Basic Types of Home Vents and Ventilators



Ridge Vent

 

  • Vents exhaust from the attic and extends the life of the roof.
  • Typical widths are 9” and 12”.
  • Helps keep the attic cool and reduces air conditioning costs.
  • Helps prevent ice dams.
  • Shingle-over ridge vents incorporate shingles that match the roof and are nailed over the vent.
  • Pre-drilled holes make installation easy.
  • Most types feature baffles because ridge vents without baffles can allow wind and moisture to enter the attic.
  •  



    Soffit Vent

     

  • An air intake on the soffit or eave.
  • Helps balance the flow of air into the attic from the ridge vent.
  • Usually made of either aluminum or PVC.
  • Reversible soffit vents can be flush or recessed mounted.
  •  



    Gable Vent

     

  • Designed to complement most brands of vinyl siding.
  • Installs before or after the siding.
  • Requires little maintenance.
  • Features open louvered joints and built-in screens to keep out bugs and birds.
  • Comes in a variety of shapes, including octagon, pentagon, round, square, half-round or rectangular.
  •  



    Power Ventilator

     

  • Turbine vents that consist of a turbine mounted on a sheet metal cylinder.
  • Installed like roof line vents along the face of the roof.
  • When the wind blows, it spins the turbine, which in turn draws air up out of the attic.
  • Their effectiveness depends on whether the wind is blowing or not.
  •  



    Foundation Vent

     

  • Used to ventilate basements and crawl spaces.
  • May be constructed of steel, aluminum or plastic.
  • Used with brick, block or frame construction.
  •  





    Roof Louver

     

  • Used for bathroom fan exhausts, kitchen duct outlets and attic ventilation.
  • Usually made of aluminum or plastic.
  • One type, wall louver, has louvered vanes and can be flush or recessed mounted.
  • Another type, the midget louver, helps contain moisture in sidewall construction or other areas.
  •  



    Dryer Vent

     

  • Provides an exhaust for the dryer.
  • Most models feature flaps or louvers that remain closed when not in use.
  • Available in a kit that includes the vent, ductwork and dryer attachment.
  •  



    Mounting Block

     

  • Offers a waterproof surface for installing outlets, lighting and plumbing fixtures with new siding.
  • Used with wood, aluminum, vinyl, stucco, brick or shake siding.
  •  



    Range Hood

     

  • Comes in many styles and is used to draw grease, heat, steam, smoke, odor and hazardous gasses away from the stove and out of the kitchen.
  • A complete system consists of a hood, a blower system and ducting.
  • Downdraft models are built into the stove of surrounding counter and are less efficient than updraft hoods.
  • Updraft hoods hang above the cooktop and easily vent air outdoors.
  • An island range hood is used for stoves that are part of cabinet islands. They are suspended from the ceiling
  •  

    Courtesy of NRHA.org








    member comments

    or Register to leave a comment.

    If you have a question you would like answered, please visit our Community Forums.
    posted Oct 15, 2009

    Here's another great article about types of dryer vents:

    www.life123.com/home-garden/home-appliances/dryers/types-of-dryer-vents.shtml


    Related Articles

    Elements of an Energy Efficient HouseElements of an Energy Efficient House
    Elements of an energy-efficient house... read more

    Do You Have a Sick House? The Mold -Air Duct Connection
    How to keep the air quality in your home safe and how to prevent it... read more

    How to Install an Attic Vent
    Step-by-step instructions for choosing and installing an attic vent... read more

    articles we like

    Postpartum Depression
    Postpartum depression can bring on a wide range of emotions fill the expectant mother, and... read more

    Magnificent Minestrone Soup
    Minestrone soup is a thick, delicious, and filling dish. It is quick and fairly easy... read more

    Auto Refinancing:  The Secret to Saving Money on Your Car LoanAuto Refinancing: The Secret to Saving Money on Your Car Loan
    If you think you are paying way too much money on your auto loan each... read more

    sponsored articles of the day

    diy centers

    Research and explore a wealth of wisdom on these topics