Best Roof Ventilation Types, Options and Methods

Proper roof ventilation is a cornerstone of a healthy and durable building. But there are several types of roof ventilation methods and materials that are used to make this happen.

To show you what we mean, here are a few of the different roof ventilation types, shapes, and material for modern commercial buildings.

Types of Roof Ventilation

When it comes to roof ventilation, there are two main types to consider: passive ventilation and active ventilation.

Passive Ventilation

Passive ventilation relies on changes in density and natural forces to allow heat and air to move through an attic. Passive or natural ventilation relies on the principle of convection, where warm air rises and escapes through vents and allows cooler air to enter. When properly designed and maintained, these systems are highly effective and use no electrical energy.

Common elements of passive ventilation include:

Ridge Vents

Installed along the peak of the roof, ridge vents allow warm air to escape from the attic. They are discreet and blend seamlessly with the roofline.

Soffit Vents

Located under the eaves, soffit vents facilitate the intake of cool air into the attic. They work in conjunction with ridge vents to create a continuous airflow.

Gable-End Vents

Installed in the gable ends of a building, these vents allow air to escape from the attic. They are typically used in combination with other ventilation systems.

Active Ventilation

Active ventilation is the main alternative to passive ventilation. Active or mechanical ventilation uses fans and other devices to force air movement in order to ensure consistent airflow regardless of external conditions.

When passive ventilation is not enough, motorized or other types of equipment can be used to enhance the airflow through the attic and better ventilate the roof. Typically, active ventilation is made out of the following components:

Turbine Vents

Also known as whirlybirds, turbine vents use wind power to rotate and draw warm air out of the attic.

Power Vents

Electric-powered fans that actively pull air out of the attic can be quite effective. These devices require an energy source, which can make installation a bit more difficult.

Solar-Powered Vents

Solar-powered vents use solar energy to power a fan, and are an eco-friendly solution for active ventilation.

Roof Ventilation Options by Material

The material of the roof vents plays a significant role in its performance and durability.

Metal Roof Ventilation Options

Metal vents are durable, fire-resistant, and provide excellent longevity. They are ideal for various climates and are less prone to damage. High-quality metal vents can be catered to different ventilation needs. They are reliable and built to last.

Plastic and Composite Vents

Plastic vents are lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to corrosion. However, they may not be as durable as metal vents and can degrade over time. Plastic and composite vents are commonly used in residential applications, but may not be suitable for extreme weather conditions.

Ventilation by Roof Shape

Different roof shapes require specific types of ventilation solutions to ensure optimal performance:

Pitched Roof

Pitched roofs typically have a decent amount of volume to facilitate airflow. Ridge vents, gable-end vents, and soffit vents are commonly used for pitched roofs. United Enertech's range of fixed and adjustable louvers are excellent choices for pitched roofs, that provide efficient airflow and durability.

Flat Roof

Flat roofs pose unique challenges as they lack natural slopes for airflow. Special ventilation systems are required to ensure proper ventilation. Innovative solutions for flat roof ventilation often include combination louver-damper systems that provide effective ventilation and moisture control.

Ventilation Cut Options

Ventilation cuts are essential for integrating vents into the roof structure. The three most common options are:

• Fixed Louvers

• Adjustable Louvers

• Combination Louvers

Fixed louvers are reliable, low-maintenance, and provide consistent airflow. They are ideal for continuous ventilation needs. The blades of a fixed louver are permanently affixed to the louver frame so they stay at a constant angle.

Adjustable louvers offer flexibility in controlling airflow, which allows for adjustments based on seasonal changes or specific needs. Either through manual or automated adjustments the angle of the blades can move relative to the frame. This provides a greater or lesser restriction to airflow through the louvers.

These louvers provide the benefits of a fixed louver with the versatility of an adjustable louver. Combination louvers integrate ventilation and moisture control, which makes them ideal for diverse applications.

The Best Roof Ventilation Types

So what is the best roof ventilation type?

Not surprisingly, the best type of roof ventilation, including material and shape, is determined by the needs of the building.

Although choosing the roof ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy and durable roof structure, there’s no one-fits-all solution.

Between passive and active roof ventilation options, there are a number of factors to consider.

If you’re interested in learning more about the proper way to ventilate your roof, reach out to the airflow experts at United Enertech today!