Can You Have A Ridge Vent And Turbines?

You might be wondering if you can install both a ridge vent and turbines on your roof. You're wondering how they could function together. We'll take your worries away! We've researched the answers for you!

Yes, you can have both a ridge vent and turbines at the same time. They are a perfect combination for maximum efficiency in the ventilation system. You can improve the air in your attic by providing an exit for the vapor.

In this article, we'll share the importance of ridge vents and turbines. We'll also provide step-by-step guides for the installation of the two. We aim to have you learn these and other related matters. Just keep reading!

Air ventilator spinning on the tile roof, Can You Have A Ridge Vent And Turbines?

Why Install a Ridge Vent and Turbines?

Man caulking ridge vent on new addition

There are many reasons why you should install a ridge vent and turbines. These two are very compatible with each other. You may refer to these reasons below:

Filtration

Shingles on a residential house.

The two can filter the air and dirt both from the inside and outside. The filter screen will reduce the air pollution, leaving the attic's air breathable.

Air filtration can also improve the temperature. The wind from the outside can carry dry, hot air into the attic, and the air filter will reduce heat by blocking the dirt.

Protection

View of a partially shingled house roof, showing the cut-out for a ridge vent at the peak of the roof.

Aside from improving airflow, the ridge vent also adds protection to the attic. The peak of the roof, where the two slopes meet, is weak against external impact.

The Ridge vent secures the center and prevents early damage. The roof's center alone cannot assure long-term protection for the attic.

Tools to Install Ridge Vent and Turbines

To install both the ridge vent and turbines, you need to prepare the following tools.

Ridge Vent

There are manufacturers who produce ready-to-install ridge vents. Usually, they have the same length and width. But assure them that the air filter is at least two inches high.

See this ridge vent on Amazon.

Fiberglass Cloth

Some ridge vent products do not have an underlayment. You need fiberglass cloth glued under the ridge vent so that it can insulate a bit. Fiberglass cloth absorbs the temperature and prevents it from going back into the attic.

See this fiberglass cloth on Amazon.

Nails

You can use either standard or heavy-duty nails. Just make sure they're at least three inches long. Do not use nails shorter than three inches, as the air filter should be two inches high.

See these roofing nails on Amazon.

Nail Gun or Hammer

Use either a hammer or nail gun to pin the ridge vent onto the roof. If you use a hammer, do not exert too much force to avoid cracking the roof.

See this nail gun on Amazon.

Roof Shingles

These are sheets of covering placed above the roof. They also help insulate and block the temperature from passing through the roof. You need roof shingles to cover the ridge vent.

See these roof shingles on Amazon.

Utility Knife

A utility knife is for cutting the shingles. You should not use a kitchen knife because it may be blunt after use.

See this utility knife on Amazon.

Turbine Vent

A turbine vent will exhaust vapor from the attic. Upon buying a turbine vent, see if it has an adjustment hole. These holes will level the turbine vent with the roof's slope.

See this turbine vent on Amazon.

Leveling Tool

Use a leveling tool to measure the angle of the turbine vent and match it with the roof's slope.

See this leveling tool on Amazon.

Screwdriver

You need a screwdriver to lock the turbine. The screws are usually mounted on the turbine vent.

See this screwdriver on Amazon.

Marker

Use chalk or thick pen to mark the turbine vent.

See this marker on Amazon.

Hand Saw

A hand saw will be used for cutting the roof into a circle, wherein you'll place the turbine vent.

See this hand saw on Amazon.

Sealant

You should use a sealant to make sure no water will pass through the turbine.

See this sealant on Amazon.

How to Install Ridge Vent and Turbines

New stainless steel air ventilator on the metal roof against blue sky.

Installing ridge vents and turbines doesn't necessarily come together at once. You can install them at different times.

However, follow these steps to install the ridge vent:

  1. Cut the peak of the roof at least four inches wide, depending on how wide the ridge vent is.
  2. Place the ridge vent along the peak. You may need to cut the excess with a hand saw. To prevent water from entering, you should overlap the ridge vents by the edge.
  3. You can use a nail gun, but make sure the nails are long enough to penetrate the roof.
  4. Cover the vent with shingles, but do not cover the air filter. Use nails to pin the shingles. sea the edges and corners of the turbine.
  5. Test the ridge vent and turbine by turning on the ventilation fan. Observe if the temperature improves.

Check out this video for more details!

 

Follow these steps to install the turbine:

  1. Measure the angle of the roof with a leveling tool. You need to mark the angle in the turbine to know which hole you should lock. Refer to the product description on how to measure the angle.
  2. Find the spot on the roof where there is wood to support the turbine.
  3. Mark the surface area of the turbine on the roof, then cut it out with a hand saw.
  4. Place the turbine's plate under the shingles. The plate is where the body of the turbine stands.
  5. Apply a sealant around the turbine's opening and edges, then insert the cap. Test the turbine to see if it's effective.

Watch this video for more details.

 

What Is a Ridge Vent?

Modern roof made. Installation of the roof of the house from ceramic black tiles. Installation of tiles on the roof.

A ridge vent is installed at the roof's peak between the opposite slopes. It has a two-way exit for the humid air coming from below the roof.

Usually, a ridge vent is installed during the construction of the roof. This is to estimate the length of the ridge and minimize time and cost. However, you can install a ridge vent on your existing roof. You need a proper assessment.

What Are Turbines?

Silver colored wind turbine of a rooftop against a clear blue sky.

A turbine is a type of exhaust installed on the roof. The hot air rising from the attic spins the turbine, causing it to release the air into the open space above the roof.

Turbines don't need electricity to operate. The vapor from daily activities, such as cooking and bathing, will turn on the fan and release the air pressure.

The Ridge Vent Is Leaking

Flooded residential house. Water dripping from roof.

One main reason why ridge vents leak is improper installation. You must fix the leak as soon as possible to avoid worsening the damage.

To make sure that the installation is correct, you may refer to the list below:

  • Make sure the roof is not weak. You can ask an expert to see if the roof is okay before installing the ridge vent and turbines.
  • Do not exert too much force on the nails.
  • Check if you overlapped the ridge vents correctly without any gaps between them.
  • See if the air filter is broken. Resolve it quickly by securing the filter screen with glue or sealant.

The Turbine Is Not Spinning

Old Residential House Roof with Aluminum Roof Turbine Vent on Blue Sky Outdoor Ventilation Wind Efficiency Energy

If you found the turbine stuck and not spinning, its internal body might be rusty. You need to clean the turbines at least once every four months to maximize their efficiency.

So, to fix a stuck turbine vent, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the turbine cap by unscrewing it, then twisting the cap to detach it from the body. Bring the turbine cap down from the roof.
  2. Pour lukewarm water on the rust. Scrub the rust off with steel wool.
  3. Apply a rust cleaner solution, then scrub again with steel wool.
  4. Damp the turbine cap with a dry cloth. Before you put back the cap, brush off the dirt inside the body.
  5. Put the cap back on and seal it again with the same sealant you used in the installation.

You may also replace the turbine cap. Repeat the steps you used to install it the first time.

How Long Do Ridge Vents and Turbines Last?

Silver colored wind turbine on a rooftop against a clear blue sky.

Depending on the impact of weather forces like rain, the ridge vent can last for 30-50 years or longer, and the turbine can last for 20–25 years.

Conclusion

Having both a ridge vent and a turbine is a wise decision. You can maximize the efficiency of ventilation and improve air circulation.

We've discussed the steps for the installation of the two. Also, we provided some common issues, like a leaking ridge vent or stuck turbine, and how to fix them.

Make sure you ask a professional to guide you from assessment to installation.

Did you enjoy reading this article? You might also like:

Will Insulating Basement Make House Warmer?

How Long To Ventilate A Room

Share this article

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *