cancel

Find Qualified
Local Contractors

Select Service:
Enter Zip:

community forums

Featuring over 100 topics of interest to DoItYourselfers.

Basic Types of Home Vents and Ventilators

comments


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.

    Related Articles

    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

    Choosing an Air Duct Cleaning Contractor
    Tips on how to choose an air duct cleaning contractor... read more

    Glossary of Remodeling and Construction Terms
    Glossary of Remodeling and Construction Terms... read more

    articles we like

    Canning Vegetables
    Canning vegetables is a simple way of storing freshness and taste. If you are able... read more

    Cleaning Granite Countertops
    Cleaning granite countertops can be done quickly and affordably. The most important thing to do... read more

    Don't Let Back-to-School Stress Show Up On Your FaceDon't Let Back-to-School Stress Show Up On Your Face
    Back-to-school time is one of the most stressful times of the year for teens. Here's... read more

    sponsored articles of the day

    diy centers

    Research and explore a wealth of wisdom on these topics