Ridge vent vs box vent: what is the difference?
Short answer. A ridge vent is one continuous vent along the peak, covered by cap shingles; a box vent, also called a static, louver or turtle vent, is an individual hooded opening set into the slope near the peak. Both are passive exhaust, but a ridge vent pulls air more evenly from the whole attic with fewer holes, while box vents are cheaper to add one at a time and suit short ridges.
Side by side
- Airflow pattern: ridge vents exhaust along the full length; box vents exhaust at points, leaving less movement between them.
- Net free area: ridge vents are rated per linear foot, often around 12 to 18 square inches; box vents are rated per unit, commonly around 50 square inches. You may need many box vents to equal a long ridge.
- Leak risk: each box vent is a hole in the field of the roof that depends on flashing; a ridge vent sits at the peak where water runs away. Either leaks when installed poorly.
- Weather: metal box vents dent in hail and plastic ones crack with age; unbaffled ridge vents can admit wind-driven rain.
- Looks: ridge vents are nearly invisible; box vents show as rows of hoods.
- Retrofit cost: adding a box vent is a small job; adding a ridge vent means replacing cap shingles.
Which to choose
Pick based on the roof, not habit. A long ridge plus good soffits points to a ridge vent. Short ridges or separated attic pockets may point to box vents. Do not combine both over the same attic.
For a deeper look, read ridge vent vs box vents. If hail has dented your box vents, the Georgia hail season guide explains when storms hit, and North Georgia Hail Map shows hail history by zip code.