Proper attic and roof ventilation keeps your home comfortable, energy-efficient, and free from moisture‑related damage. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 12 most common roof vent types, their benefits, drawbacks, and ideal applications—so you can choose the perfect system for your property.

Static Intake Vents

Located under the eaves, soffit vents draw cool air into the attic. They’re often continuous strips or individual drilled vents. Ideal for balanced airflow, they feed fresh air into exhaust vents higher up.

Pros:

• Low cost & easy to install
• Blends with soffit material

Cons:

• Requires clear eave space
• Can become clogged by debris

Fascia Vents

Installed along the fascia board (the vertical edge beneath the gutter), fascia vents function like soffit vents but suit roofs without pronounced soffits.

Pros:

• Ideal for roofs with shallow eaves
• Keeps out pests & leaves

Cons:

• Less intake capacity than soffit vents
• May require custom fit

Static Exhaust Vents

Ridge vents run continuously along the roof’s peak, allowing warm, moist air to escape. They require complementary intake vents (soffit/fascia) for optimal performance.

Pros:

• Nearly invisible under cap shingles
• Continuous exhaust area

Cons:

• Must be installed on both ridges of a gable
• More expensive than box vents

Gable Vents

Mounted on gable-end walls, gable vents exhaust air from attic spaces without ridge installs. They’re best for smaller attics or when ridge venting isn’t feasible.

Pros:

• Simple, low‑profile installation
• Good for retrofits

Cons:

• Less effective without cross‑ventilation
• May let in wind-driven rain

Roof Tile & Slate Vents

Tile vents and slate vents replace individual tiles/slates with matching vent units. They maintain aesthetics while providing intake or exhaust.

Pros:

• Camouflaged seamlessly
• Minimal roof alteration

Cons:

• Slightly higher unit cost
• Must match tile profile

Integrated & Specialty Vents

Felt lap vents are inserted into the overlap of roofing felt at the eaves, allowing air to pass through non‑breathable underlays.

Pros:

• Extremely low profile
• Simple “slide‑in” installation

Cons:

• Only intake—needs exhaust vents
• Limited airflow per unit

Through‑Wall Extraction Vents

Often used for bathroom and kitchen ducts, these wall‑mounted vents can be roof‑mounted as static exhausts, expelling moisture and odours.

Pros:

• Direct duct connection
• Good for spot ventilation

Cons:

• Needs internal ductwork
• Limited attic circulation

Choosing the Right Vent System

• Assess your roof type: Pitched vs. flat roofs dictate vent options.
• Calculate intake vs. exhaust: Aim for a balanced system—typically 1 sq ft of vent per 300 sq ft of attic floor, split 50/50 intake/exhaust.
• Consider climate & orientation: Wind patterns favour turbines in breezy areas; solar vents excel in sunny regions.
• Budget & maintenance: Static vents win on low cost; powered vents require periodic checks.
• Aesthetics: Tile and slate vents maintain roof lines; box vents and turbines are more visible.