Expert: Michael J. Owen - 11/9/2009

Question
Should all homes have the ridge vent installed?
Littleton Colorado,  Jefferson county
My home does not get hot and I am more concered with cold and ice/water, coming in thru the vent.  Ranch home has 3 turtle vents
instead. Is this bad, should I insist on the venting as I see both ways being done on the new Hailed out roofs being redone.


Thank you so much for your time.  

Answer
Hi Linda. In my opinion, Yes. I believe, as do many others in the trade, that ridge vents are by far the best way to exhaust the hot air in an attic or keep it well ventilated year round.
However, you do need some type of soffit vent and the area of venting is important. Usually it is one square foot of vent for every 150 square feet of attic area. Here is a web site that should help to explain it better than I.

http://www.rd.com/18231/article18231.html

Hope this answers your question.