(whirlybird turbine on a single-story dwelling)
(solar vent on a multi-level dwelling)
Cost to install roof vent varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from roofers in your city.
The average cost to install a roof vent is $500.
Installing roof vents helps prevent condensation that can occur when there is a lack of ventilation in a home’s attic. If the temperature tends to fluctuate in your attic, roof vents can help prevent moisture from settling in and the subsequent damage.
Roof vents may be installed on most roofing surfaces, at an overall cost of around $500 per single roof ridge vent 1 when installed by a roofing professional in an average two-story home or dwelling.
Particularly in warmer summer months, roof vents provide a way for the hot air to escape the attic. Over time, lack of ventilation and air flow can cause condensation damage and rot. Furthermore, this lack of proper air flow can deteriorate your roofing material, while simultaneously raising the energy costs for the property.
Whether you live in a warm, tropical climate or the Arctic, you need ventilation in your attic or crawlspace, which is why you need roof vents. Ideally, homeowners should consider having at least one square foot of ventilation for every 150 square feet of roofing.
There are many variables that influence what you will pay to add a roof vent to your home, including the overall condition of your roof.
The goal is ventilation, but that doesn’t mean homeowners don’t have some options in terms of style and efficiency. Consider the following choices when planning to add roof vents to your home or dwelling. The prices in the table are for a single vent, and include labor and materials.
Type | Characteristics | Cost per single vent |
---|---|---|
Mushroom, whirlybird, or turbine | Mushroom-shaped cap Drives hot air out with wind-driven fan Easy and quick to install Works best in regions with consistent 5mph wind speeds More effective when used in conjunction with roof vents | $150-$200 |
Low-profile, gable, or dormer | Static Typically made from metal Long-lasting Requires flashing 4 as it is prone to leaks Can be adapted to any roof pitch Typically on the back side of the roof due to its unsightly appearance | $200-$250 |
Soffit 5 vent | Static Prone to leaks Most effective when used with ridge vents Allows intake of air to prevent mold and moisture Made from metal or vinyl 6 Installed under the eaves 7 of the home or between roofing joists | $300-$350 |
Ridge vent | Static Installed along the ridge of roof with cap that matches shingles Works like a vacuum to remove hot air from attic space Most effective static vent available Not prone to leaks | $400- $600 |
Cupola | Static Aesthetically appealing Installed structures on top of pitch Usually crafted from wood and metal for heat to escape louvered sides Simple to install | $600-$900 |
Solar | Powered by the sun Newest option available 100% energy efficient Costly set-up Laborious installation, butlong-term payoffs and savings Expensive option | $900-$1,000 |
Electric | Most expensive option Best option for areas with little wind Most complex installation process Moves hot air consistently from attic May fail during a power outage | $1,000-$1,500 |
Safety and expertise are two reasons to rely on professionals for installing roof vents. First, it can be dangerous to attempt these tasks on pitched roofs on multi-level dwellings without proper equipment and tools for the job. It can be a very fast process, or it can be more involved. For example, installing a whirlybird on your roof-top in an hour or two, vs. installing solar-powered vents, which can take a couple days to complete. Weather can also dictate cost and installing roof vents in milder climates may be a little cheaper and swifter to finish.
If you are installing a new roof, this is a great time to install your vents at your roofing contractor’s discretion, but these may also be added to existing roofs widely for around $500 per standard ridge roof vent, which includes $100 for materials and around $45-$75 per hour for labor.
The most common and most important maintenance for your roof vents is to clear and clean them periodically. Dirt, foliage, bugs, and debris can clog the vents, interrupting air flow and compromising your home’s ventilation, as well as air quality. Make this a seasonal task and don’t be afraid to hire roofing contractors to clear these spaces for approximately $45-$75 per hour (typically it is the same hourly rate for maintaining roofing as it is to install or repair your roof).
Keep an eye out for rust or rot around the framing or flashing and have tears or rips repaired promptly. Different types of vents are prone to different issues; for instance, whirlybirds may fail to spin or electric-powered vents may cease to function. In these situations, call your roofing professional to assess and resolve the issue.
Gable vents, also called wall louvers, are placed in the gable ends of the attic and used with other types of roofing vents to control the climate in your attic. Since they are located under the roof decking, their efficacy is quite limited. Expect to pay $50 per gable vent and additional installation costs of around $200 per vent.
A whirlybird is a type of wind turbine and expected to increase airflow, which may help improve ventilation. Installing a whirlybird is cheap, around $150 per turbine for materials and labor, but remember that in order for it to be most effective at controlling temperature and humidity in your attic, you also need roof vents.
It it costs between $1,250 and $1,830 on average to install a whole house fan system. Consider the pros and cons of a whole house fan versus attic fan system when considering options for ventilating your home.
A leaking roof vent needs prompt intervention to prevent property damage. Most roofers charge $45-$75 per hour and it can take an average of 2-4 hours to remove and repair a leaking roof vent, depending on the cause.
Depending on the type of vent that you choose, material costs will vary; roofers charge $45-$75 per hour on average. For a standard ridge-style vent on a two-story dwelling, expect to pay around $500 per roof vent.
Typically, your roof needs a square foot of vent space for every 150 square feet of attic. Your contractor may suggest multiple smaller vents, depending on the shape and configuration of your roof. Know that even a single, small vent can make a significant impact on cooling and dehumidifying your attic space.
Ridge vents run along the peak of your roof and use a slight baffle to help improve air flow. The cap of a ridge vent usually complements your shingles, roofing, or home’s façade. Ridge vents should be installed by professional roofing contractors, who typically charge $400-$600 for an average-size ridge vent, including labor and materials.
Yes, roof vents are necessary to cool the attic and prevent moisture or condensation from forming and subsequently damaging your home and property. Failure to properly ventilate your home can cause the value to decrease; a practical way to protect your investment, especially in hot or humid climates, is with roof vents.
Cost to install roof vent varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.