Is a Ridge vent needed?


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Old 04-09-12, 01:20 PM
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Is a Ridge vent needed?

I have a big cape house 32x54 with one big dommer in the back, and I am going to put a new asphalt shingle roof on. The contractor said that the two end vents were enough to keep the roof cool and I didn't need ridge vent. The soffits are vented and have foam air ways to the attic. I was told ( by others) that I needed a ridge vent. Do I?
 
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Old 04-09-12, 01:36 PM
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Ridge vents by themselves are the best passive means of extricating hot air from an attic. Couple them with gable vents, their effectiveness diminishes. Gable vents will move a good amount of your hot air, but are designed to use prevailing winds to move it all. Of course on a still day, you will retain hot air in the deepest pockets of the top of the attic. IMO, I would not go the the expense of installing ridge vents if you plan on keeping the gables (which I am sure you will). Others will meander in and give their points of view, so stay tuned. Good luck with the renovation.
 
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Old 04-09-12, 04:51 PM
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Google "attic ventilation calculator" to get an idea of the recommended amount of ventilaton for your house.

Some things to consider -

Ridge vents are very effective in removing heated attic air.

If you are reroofing that would be the optimum time to install a ridge vent. When my house was reroofed it took less than an hour to install one.

If you have an older home with no indication of attic moisture or heat problems your existing ventilation may be adequate.
 
 

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