Roof Vent Styles

Soffit Vent

• Soffits are the underside of the roof where it overhangs your home's walls. Soffit vents are usually up to 8 inches wide and 24 inches long so they can fit in between the roof rafters, although they also can come in circular shapes. These vents usually have screens that keep out unwanted insects. Install soffit vents on the lowest side of the roof.

Gable Vent

• The gable vent is triangular and designed to fit just beneath the peak of the roof. Because of their location, gable vents do not allow as much air circulation as other kinds of vents.

Ridge Vent

• A ridge vent runs nearly the length of the roof's ridge, ending 6 inches from the ends of the ridge or a chimney. According to Aubuchon Hardware's guide to attic vents, combining a ridge vent with soffit vents provides excellent circulation of air for your attic.

Turbine Vent

• A turbine vent is powered, and is located between the rafters. These vents often have a thermostat as well as a control that keeps track of the humidity in the attic. These vents extend beyond the surface of a roof like a chimney. They are not installed on the ridge of the roof but located slightly below.