How Much Does It Cost to Install a Roof Vent?
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.
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Roof Vent Installation Cost by Project Range
Why Install Roof Vents?
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.
Cost Factors
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 size and length of the roof: The size of your roof will make an impact on the price of adding roof vents. It is recommended that homeowners consider installing a single, one square foot vent for every 150 square feet of attic space. Larger roofs will require more materials and thus resulting in higher costs.
- Roof style: What kind of roof do you have? The cost and time spent on labor will vary depending on whether your roof is wood, asphalt 2, tile, or metal. Simple wood roof joists and shingled roofs are the easiest on which to install vents, if the roofing is in decent condition. Multi-level dwellings may have more than one roof ridge, requiring more labor and materials.
- Roof pitch: The pitch of your roof determines the time it will take your roofing contractor to complete the install. The pitch also dictates the most practical type of vent; for example, choosing a dormer over a mushroom turbine. If your roofer cannot walk across the roof it may cost more to install your vent.
- Replacement of an old vent: Removing an old roof vent to replace it with a new vent will also involve time and labor that may increase the overall costs. For instance, you will need to remove and replace existing shingles 3 associated with the old vent.
- Labor-intensive projects or complications: Additional repairs or demolition can raise the price that you will pay the roofing contractors to install your roof vent. Plugging old vents may be warranted to improve air circulation, which can add to labor costs.
- Types of roof vents: There are basically three types of roofing vents: static, wind-driven, and powered. Static are cheapest and easiest to install, while those powered by the sun or electricity are the most expensive and time-consuming to install.
Types
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 |
Labor
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.
Maintenance
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.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Permits. You will likely need a permit from your city, municipality, or HOA (homeowners’ association) for installation of new roof vents. Permit costs vary but expect to pay around $75.
- DIY. Some homeowners may take a DIY approach to installing roof vents, though it is not ideal. A lot of variables can impact the safety and efficiency of a roofing project, which makes hiring professional contractors vital. If you still choose to do it yourself, choose a simple, static roof vent and use safety precautions when installing.
- Number and size of vents. When it comes to venting your roof, you typically need one square foot of vent for every 150 square feet of attic area. Figure out the square footage of your attic to determine how many and how long your roof vents should ideally be. If you struggle with a hot, humid attic, even installing a single roof vent may be impactful in preventing condensation and improving ventilation.
- Licensed professionals. Make sure that the roofing contractor that you hire is fully licensed and insured. You don’t want to be liable for any accidents or incidents that occur when letting a layman install your roof vent.
- Warranty. When you hire a roofer to install your roof vents, make sure that you have an agreement and warranty in writing. This will cover you in the event that the vent leaks or requires other repairs after installation.
FAQ
- How much does it cost to install gable vents?
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.
- How much does it cost to install a whirlybird?
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.
- How much does it cost to install a whole house fan?
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.
- How much does it cost to fix a leaking roof vent?
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.
- How much does it cost to install a roof vent?
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.
- How many roof vents do I need?
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.
- How do you install a ridge vent?
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.
- Are roof vents necessary?
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.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Ridge vent: Ventilation opening in a sloped roof, installed at its pinnacle to remove moisture and warm air from the attic area
2 Asphalt: A viscous, black mixture of hydrocarbons often used for roofing and waterproofing. It is also used in asphalt for paving roads
3 Shingles: A smooth, uniform, flat piece of construction material, available in a wide variety of materials and laid in a series of overlapping rows, used to cover the outside of roofs or walls to protect against weather damage and leaks.
4 Flashing: Pieces of sheet metal used on roofs to cover joints, such as where the roof meets the wall, or around a chimney or skylight, to protect them and prevent water leaking through
5 Soffit: Construction material, typically composed of vinyl or aluminum, used to enclose the underside of eaves and ceilings
6 Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others
How much does it cost to install roof vent in my city?
Cost to install roof vent varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
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