Metal Roof Ventilation: Gable Vents Versus Ridge Vents

Metal Roofing, in particular, can have a massive impact on your home’s energy efficiency, and lighter metal roofs, in particular, can significantly impact your home’s energy use in a positive way. But to make sure you maximize all the benefits of metal roofing, you need to pay attention to the installation process—more specifically, the ventilation of the roof. 

Two of the most popular types of roof insulation are gable vents and ridge vents. But when looking at gable vent vs ridge vent, what is the difference, and what should you choose? 

Both have pros and cons and can work well together on the same roof as well as individually. If you’re unsure of what type of ventilation your metal roof needs and you’re pondering the benefits of gable vents vs. ridge vents, this post will examine both options in a more in-depth way so you have a clearer understanding of what each one is, why you need them, and what you need to consider before choosing which option to go for. 

Gable Vent vs. Ridge Vent: Notable Differences

Both options will provide you with a well-ventilated roof, but they are different despite doing the same thing. Gable vents are installed near the roof peak and on the gable ends of the house. They allow hot air to escape and promote good airflow within the attic space. Ridge vents, on the other hand, are found on the peak of the roof and create a continuous ventilation system in which hot air rises and exits the attic while cooler air is drawn in via soffit vents. 

When looking at gable vents vs. ridge vents, a gable vent delivers more localized ventilation, while ridge vents offer continuous airflow. 

What Is A Gable Vent? 

A gable roof takes on the appearance of an upside-down V shape. These roofs are effective for driving water away from the building, shedding snow, and building up dirt on the roof, which could otherwise cause damage if left to build in one place. 

A gable vent is a type of passive ventilation system situated near the peak of the gable ends of a gable roof. It rids the attic space of hot air and replaces it with cooler, fresh air from outside. 

The vent openings are covered with slats, which are instrumental in keeping bugs and debris from entering the roof space and allowing air to flow freely. Efficiently installed gable vents will help regulate temperatures and reduce moisture buildup, which in turn will help expand the lifespan of your roof and insulation. 

What Homes Should Have Gable Vents? 

Homes with traditional architectural roofing, such as colonial homes or Victorian or cottage styles, are more suited to gable vents and homes in moderate climates that don’t experience extreme weather conditions or are less infrequent. 

Pros of a Gable Vent

Due to its likely rectangular shape, gable vents are extremely aesthetic (this is the most common shape for gable vents). That being said, they do come in various designs, shapes and styles, so you can find a gable vent that complements your home’s current aesthetic and improves its curb appeal. 

Gable vents are also pretty easy to install and have a lower price tag than ridge vents, making them a more affordable form of roof ventilation. You can guarantee they will do exactly what you need them to: regulate temperature, prevent mold, and reduce moisture. 

Cons of Gable Vents

One of the most obvious drawbacks of gable vents is that they need to be placed on the gable ends of the roof. This can cause uneven air flow throughout the attic, leading to reduced ventilation. However, you can use them alongside fans to help distribute air more evenly. 

If you live in an area that regularly experiences high winds or heavy rainfall, water can seep into your attic via the vents, increasing the risk of moisture damage. 

Gable vents also need a lot of upkeep and maintenance to keep them working correctly. Issues such as bird’s nests or debris buildup can reduce airflow or block airflow, so your vents must be checked regularly to avoid any debris. Sadly, small bugs and pests will still be able to make their way into your home via the vents, meaning you could end up with an infestation if left unchecked. 

It’s worth noting that in some cases, gable ends aren’t actually functional and are simply for decoration only. 

What Is A Ridge Vent? 

A ridge vent is a narrow, low-profile vent that runs along the peak of the roof. It is usually covered with a weather-resistant material, and its design and placement allow for continuous airflow in the attic. 

Ridge vents are passive vents that use natural convection to draw hot air from your attic. This air is then replaced with cooler air from soffit vents, which are located under the eaves. 

The continuous airflow helps regulate the temperature within the attic, prevent damage to roofing materials and insulation, and reduce moisture buildup. 

What types of homes should have ridge vents? 

If you live in an area prone to extreme weather, a ridge vent over a gable vent can be a better choice for your home. If you use your attic for a living space or your roof has a moderate to steep pitch, again, a ridge vent can be a preferable option. 

Pros of a ridge vent 

Ridge vents are highly durable and weather resistant, making them ideal choices for areas that experience extreme or volatile weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy rain, and snowfall. Their profile and design fits seamlessly into your roof, enhancing it rather than being a design feature. Plus, they are less likely to experience debris buildup, making them lower maintenance compared to gable vents. 

If you use your attic frequently ie as an extra bedroom, constant ventilation will help regulate temperature, decreasing the pressure placed on your HVAC system, which can also lower your energy bills. 

Cons of a ridge vent 

Ridge vents are typically more expensive than gravel vents, and if you’re comparing gable vents to ridge vents, the upfront cost of ridge vents is higher than that of gable vents. This is because ridge vents require more labor and materials to install. 

Ridge vents aren’t suitable for all types of roofs. If your roof isn’t compatible and you choose ridge vents, you won’t get the benefits mentioned above and will likely experience reduced ventilation. 

While roof vents are designed to deter pests from entering your home, smaller insects can still find their way inside via the vent openings, potentially leading to an infestation in your attic. Furthermore, if the ridge vents aren’t installed incorrectly or damaged, your home could experience issues in the event of heavy rainfall, high winds, or snowfall.

Ridge Vent vs Gable Vent: What You Need To Know

Appearance

A ridge vent is typically rectangular; however, it can come in many shapes and designs, so it fits aesthetically on your roof. Gable vents have a lower profile and sit within the ridge. However, they can still be visible in some roofing systems, disrupting the aesthetics of your roof. 

Ease of installation 

A gable vent is considerably easier to install than a ridge vent. A roofer can cut an opening in the gable end to secure a vent, but proper placement of a ridge vent requires more labor, skills and is time-consuming and complex. 

Maintenance 

Maintenance for gable vents is something you need to do on a regular basis to remove buildup and debris and ensure good airflow; however, ridge vents require less maintenance, making them easier to care for. 

Repairs

Gable vents are more accessible and easier to repair, so if they become damaged, you can access them easily and repair or replace repaired. The position of ridge vents makes them harder to access, making repairs trickier and requiring specialists and expertise to carry out proper and adequate maintenance without compromising the integrity of the vent.

Resale value

Both options can positively affect your resale value; however, ridge vents have a slight advantage over gable vents because they are considered a more modern and efficient ventilation system. 

Should You Choose A Gable Vent Or A Ridge Vent? 

In both cases, you should always consult a professional before undertaking any roofing work to get the best ventilation for your roof and attic. While both options can be used separately, they can also be paired together in some cases for improved benefits for homeowners. 

Making an informed choice, knowing the pros and cons of gable vents vs. ridge vents, can allow you to find the right option for your home and ensure your attic has the ventilation it needs to improve air flow.