What Is A Box Vent?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The box vent earned its name by

simply looking like a small box on the roof

. It can be various colors, but it is usually black or gray to make it less distinctive. Box are placed over a hole cut into the roof, and while high on the roof, they are rarely placed near the ridge or peak.

What are box vents on roof?

Box vents are the most common vents you'll see on a roof. They're sometimes also called a 750, and they're the more economical option. Box vents are placed around the roof toward the ridge, since they're meant to

give the warm, moist air in your attic a place to go

, and as we know, warm air rises.

How does a box vent work?

They are also known as low profile vents because they are static and installed over a hole cut into the roof. They use

natural winds and convection to move hot air and moisture out of the attic into the air outside

.

What are the different types of roof vents?

  • Ridge Vents (Most Common Exhaust) …
  • Off Ridge Vents. …
  • Box Vents (aka Louver Vents) …
  • Hard-Wired Powered Attic Vents. …
  • Solar Powered Attic Vents. …
  • Roof Turbines (aka Whirlybird Ventilation) …
  • Cupola Vents. …
  • Soffit Vents (Most Popular Intake Vent)

What type of roof vents are best?


Ridge vents

: These are installed on most homes, since this type of exhaust vent is effective and fairly easy to install at the highest point of the roof: the ridge or peak. It's the ideal location to allow hot air to escape the attic. Ridge vents also blend in with the finished roof thanks to their low profile.

How many box vents do I need?

How Many Vents Do I Need? The general rule of thumb in these situations is of roughly

one vent per every 300 square feet of attic area

if the attic has a vapor barrier. If not, there should be one vent for every 150 square feet. You will need to have 1 square foot of vent area for every 150 square feet of attic space.

Are roof vents effective?

Static, roof-line, vents are

effective for ventilation

but generally aren't recommended due to issues with leaks. Soffit vents may leave air trapped at the top of your attic. Most effective ventilation uses a ridge-and-soffit continuous ventilation system, but even these designs can vary from roof to roof.

What is turtle vent?

Turtle vents are also called

box vents or louvers

. They are spaced evenly across your roof and installed close to the roof's ridges. This type of vent is extremely easy to install or add to an existing system. If your roof's ventilation isn't up to par, adding turtle vents could solve the problem.

Is a ridge vent worth it?

In addition to allowing air to circulate, a ridge vent on your roof

prolongs the life of your roof

. It also helps to moderate the overall temperature of your home, increasing your energy efficiency. For these, and other, reasons, roof ridge vents are considered an essential part of most modern roof design.

Which is better ridge vent or turbine?

While ridge vents win for their subtle appearance and functionality,

turbine vents

may be better in especially hot or humid climates where more dynamic airflow is necessary. If you are not sure which to use, consult a roof professional who can examine the needs of your home and draw up a venting plan for you.

Can a roof have too much ventilation?

Dangers of Too Much Ventilation

The two main dangers associated with too much ventilation involve

roof damage and increased utility bills

. If you have too much air circulating, your roof will collect moisture causing damages that will weaken spots and then cause leaking.

What are the vents on the side of my house for?

Vents are added to a house

to improve attic air quality

. They run between the rafters and the sides of the house.

What is the vent on the roof called?

Static roof vents, also known as

roof louvers

, are designed to fit into the highest peaks of a roof and rely on wind to function. Gable vents are a type of louvered vent that can act as an intake or exhaust vent, depending on which way the wind is blowing.

What is the best way to vent a roof?

For the best results,

place roof ventilation near the roof's peak and soffit vents in the eaves

. Air flows in through the soffit vents and out through the roof vents. Vents come in various styles. We chose rectangular, hooded roofing vents and rectangular soffit vents because they're easy to install.

What's the best way to vent an attic?

Rafter vents should be

placed in your attic ceiling in between the rafters at the point where your attic ceiling meets your attic floor

. Once they are in place, you can then place the batts or blankets, or blow insulation, right out to the very edge of the attic floor.

What happens if a roof is not vented?

Unventilated or poorly ventilated attics

don't have an escape route for the heat that builds up

. This buildup of heat can damage your shingles from the inside out. An evenly vented roof will allow the hot air to escape keeping your roof and attic cooler.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.