Georgia Roof Guide

Why do houses have vents on the roof?

Short answer. Houses have vents on the roof for three separate reasons: attic exhaust vents let heat and moisture out of the attic, plumbing vents let sewer gas escape and keep drains flowing, and exhaust caps or flues carry air from bath fans, kitchen hoods and gas appliances outdoors. Each type looks different and does a different job.

Attic ventilation vents

Ridge vents, box vents and turbines near the top of the roof work with soffit vents under the eaves. Without them, attic heat ages the shingles faster and winter moisture condenses under the roof deck.

Plumbing vents

Open pipes rising a few inches above the roof. They let air into the drain system so water flows without siphoning the traps dry, and they release sewer gas above the house.

Appliance and exhaust vents

The best roof vents for houses

For attic ventilation on most houses, a baffled ridge vent paired with soffit intake is the best choice. For plumbing, a durable boot at each pipe, such as silicone, lead or a quality rubber boot. For bath fans, a dampered cap sized to the duct. For any type, correct flashing matters more than the product.

Fewer is often better

Every vent is a hole in the roof. A good roofer consolidates attic exhaust into one system and removes vents that no longer serve a purpose during a replacement. See ridge vent vs box vents and pipe boot leaks.

In depth

Does a hot Georgia attic shorten the life of your shingles?How hot Georgia attics and shingles get, what research says about ventilation and shingle life, and when radiaRidge vent or box vents: which is better, and can you use both?Ridge vents vs box vents, turbines and power fans for Georgia attics: how each works, why mixing exhaust typesHow much attic ventilation does a Georgia roof need?Attic ventilation for Georgia homes: intake and exhaust balance, the IRC R806 1/150 and 1/300 rules with worke

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