Ridge Vent vs Box Vent: Which Offers Better Roof Ventilation

A ventilation system in the roof system of a home can hardly be over-emphasized. Given their importance and great benefits, roof vents are highly adopted in every construction. However, Ridge Vent vs Box Vent Which Offers Better Roof Ventilation.

Are you also one of the many people stuck between the two popular options and need help to tie up the say? 

We’ve got you! 

In this article, we shall walk you through everything you need about the two ventilation systems, from the pros to the cons. At the end of the discussion, you can determine which option will work better for your home. 

Before we get in, do you have a lingering question in your inner mind asking yourself, “is it really very important to install a ventilation system in your roof”? If you do, hear us out. 

Ventilation in roofs is essential for a healthy inner environment in the house. 

If you want clean, mild, and healthy hair inside the house, you need a clean, clear roof system with no moisture build-up, hot air, or other potential clogged debris. A roof is where all such materials can accumulate and clog up. It could lead to unhealthy air circulation inside the home and several health hazards and roof-related issues. 

Why spend a fortune solving all the problems an unventilated roof can bring when you can avoid all of them by installing a sound ventilation system? Exactly. 

Let’s get going. 

What are Box Vents? 

Box vents are loved by many people. They are box-shaped and made of metal. They seem like a little box (explaining the name) from the top of the roof. 

Once installed, they’ll look like a small box sitting on the roof area. They are excellent in ventilating hot air, moisture, and more pain points out of the roof and maintaining a clean and mild atmosphere within the house. Problems related to the roof will also be cut down, and you will be saved from another big headache. 

Pros and Cons of Box Vents 

Box vents have both advantages and disadvantages on their presence. For a better scope, let us dive into details on their pros and cons by analyzing each vital Factor. 

• Coverage 

Box vents come with full coverage. They have no exposed areas or moving parts. So you will have to have no worries about snow, ice, and other similar build-ups getting into your system and messing things up. You are always on the safe side. 

• Affordable 

Box vents are an affordable option. Whether you are on a budget or not, they’ve got you. They are cheap and widely available. No pain points when it comes to purchasing. 

• Compatibility 

Box vents are such a friendly type of vents that they get along with any roof type. Regardless of the kind of roof, box vents can be compatible and be installed easily. 

• Outlook 

Since box vents stay detached from the roof and provide a non-blending outlook, it is one of the disadvantages. 

• Quantity 

Although box vents provide good ventilation to your home, you will need a large quantity to make it efficient. 

• Installation 

The installation can be tricky as you will have to make changes in the existing roof (like cutting holes and etc.) to fit in the vents. 

What are Ridge Vents?

• Ridge vents are the slightly sophisticated version of box vents. 
• They are installed right on the roof’s peak and will run along the length. 
• These vents blend into any roof design and have a very low profile as if you do not have installed any vents on your roof. 
• They will provide the roof with an elevated look from the original plane. Between the actual plane and the ridge vent, there are multiple shingles that perform the ventilation. 

Many people love the aesthetics these shingles add to the roof. 

VIDEO CREDITS: Quality Edge YouTube Channel 

Pros and Cons of Ridge Vents 

Similar to box vents, ridge vents also comprise advantages and disadvantages. Let us discuss them individually to identify the better option for your roof. 

• Location 

Ridge vents will only go with the rood ridges. The plus point is that the ridge area in the roof is where a lot of hot air collects. So easy and better ventilation. 

However, some people find this slightly negative as the location option is entirely restricted, although there should be nothing potential to worry about. 

• Length 

Ridge vents will cover your entire roof. Better airflow and better ventilation are the ultimate results. 

• Outlook 

The slight elevation of ridge vents from the roof provides an aesthetic and classy outlook. And they will blend in with just about any roof theme. They do not interfere with your theme and design but add some aesthetics. 

• Security 

Large debris or even small animals cannot get in as they are tight, and the shingles have very narrow gaps. 

• Installation 

Ridge vents are often easy to install anywhere on the roof. 

• Climate

Ridge vents do not work well during the winter when dealing with snow and ice build-ups which is a big disadvantage it has to render. 

Box Vent vs Ridge Vent – Comparison 

Both box vents and ridge vents have a low profile on roofs. However, there are some key differences between the two ridges. What are they? 

• Box vents are cheap and affordable compared to ridge vents. They are expensive. 
• Box vents are challenging and take much effort to install in comparison to ridge vents. They can be easily installed, and they also blend in with any theme. 
• Ridge vents cannot be installed just anywhere on the roof. They must go to the ridge area. So if your roof doesn’t have ridges, a ridge vent cannot be an option. Box vents, on the other hand, can be installed anywhere that seems suitable. 
• Ridge vents have a more gorgeous outlook than box vents.
• You will have more number of box vents to allow better ventilation and airflow. It isn’t the case with ridge vents. 
• Box vents can withstand and work well under snowy and icy weather conditions, whereas ridge vents work on the contrary. 

Which is Better – Box Vent or Ridge Vent? 

Both vents have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. So when it comes down to which is better over the other, it depends on your requirements, preferences, and budget. 

Go for the one that complies with the factors we have mentioned above. 

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