Gable Vs Roof Vent

Since we had the new roof we have had issues with ice dams as well as uncomfortable temperatures on the second floor of the house cold in winter and very hot in summer.

Gable vs roof vent.

A new roof was installed 10 years ago at which time a ridge vent was added along all ridges at the suggestion of the roofer. Without ventilation unfinished attic spaces can end up having stagnant air. The gable end vents were not closed up. You merely have to climb up to the roof and place the ridge vent.

When the wind is perpendicular to the gable the cooler outside air enters the gable vent and drops to the floor of the attic before rising to exit at the other end again leaving zones of dead air right. Without any air movement temperatures in the attic soar in summer and plunge in winter. Installing functional gable vents can take some time as you will need to fit them into the gable end of the roof. On a house with eaves and gable vents but no ridge vents wind perpendicular to the ridge tends to create air flow along the floor of the attic but leave hot dead air in the roof peak left.

Houses with gable roofs may also have vents located on the side of the house as high as possible within the peak of the gable. Certain gable models also utilize solar power but they receive less sun exposure and so are far less efficient. Energy efficiency roof fans are now designed with solar options that draw their electricity from solar panels mounted on the roof of the home. Gable vents are usually chosen for their visual appeal but can also serve as an exhaust vent.

Whether round triangular or rectangular these gable vents can be. The benefits are obtained not only by saving money but also by protecting the health and the home. Gable attic ventilation is usually found on the exterior wall of the house near the top of the roof and you can choose the size you want your vent to be as well as the shape. It will run the entire length of the gable roof peak.

Many roofing contractors discourage using a gable vent with ridge vent and soffit vents because a gable vent interrupts the proper airflow and can cause the air current to flow perpendicular and unevenly throughout the attic. Ridge vents are much easier to install because they sit on top of the roof at the peak. So if you can have a soffit vent and a ridge vent that s the best situation.