Ridge Vents Vs. Turbines- Help!

I need an answer fairly quickly on this: I am having a new roof put on my house in NW Fla., thanks to Hurricane Ivan. The crew boss suggested I have them install 2 turbines on the roof instead of putting the ridge vents back on. Crew boss is from Texas and says nobody has ridge vents there, they use turbines instead. Is this a good idea, or should I stick with the ridge vents? What about having both? Seems if one type of ventilation is good, two types would be better, ie, should I have the ridge vents put back on AND have them install the turbines? Thanks for any advice you can offer!

Dan

Ain't that America... something to see!

Dan wrote:>I need an answer fairly quickly on this: I am having a new roof put on my

As long as you've got soffit vents, spend the bucks for ridge venting. The turbines need a little maintenance now and then. Tom Work at your leisure!

I agree keep the ridge vent, just what you need is an object on your roof that is an target for the wind. Here in AZ we use both vents. But we do not have hurricanes nor does most of Texas. I have had turbines and they work provided that they are big enough and there are enough of them. They sweak when they get old, 3-5 years depending on the type of bearing. An ridge vent is silent and looks a whole lot better.

If you select turbines, make sure you get the storm cap that should be included with any new installation.

Regardless of your choice, make sure that ANY vent product you install has Florida Product Approval. Several of my neighbors here on Florida's west coast were surprised when their ceilings were ruined due to wind-driven rain that came in through their roof vents. Turns out that their roof vents weren't on the approved list and didn't meet state standards for water intrusion.

If your crew boss doesn't know what the Product Approval law is, you are in big trouble. How will you know that the other elements of your roof (such as the underlayment system) are product approved? Much of the damage to roofing statewide was to roof systems that didn't meet requirements.

On Thu, 11 Nov 2004 07:50:10 -0600, "Dan" scribbled this interesting note:

You'll find that in this forum ridge vents with more soffit vents is the preferred answer.

I happen to not prefer ridge vents, and will eventually take them off our house (they were there when we bought this house and are currently falling apart and need removed and replaced with regular ridge shingles.)

It is hard to make a guess as to what would work best on your house without more information. Size, type of construction, attic volume, existing ventilation, etc.

-- John Willis (Remove the Primes before e-mailing me)

On Thu, 11 Nov 2004 09:06:32 -0700, "SQLit" scribbled this interesting note:

Only the cheap turbines give problems. The ones we install have a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer and come with sealed bearings, not open bushings that need to be greased on occasion.

-- John Willis (Remove the Primes before e-mailing me)

Turbines are a "feel good" solution to venting. It takes energy to turn the vanes, And the energy comes from air flow through the vanes. Since the air flow is reduced to turn the vanes, why not just have an unobstrructed flow? Seems to me this is another case of ignoring common sense and the laws of physics. Ergo: turbines are useful only to keep out rodents, birds, or whatever. HTH

Joe

Bingo! I decided years ago that if there is enough air movement (wind or temperature difference) to spin a turbine, there is enough for ridge or gable vents to do the job.

I'm in Texas with ridge vents.

Ridge vents will save you substantial money on your cooling costs. They are also maintenance free. I live in Texas and all the smart roofers and homeowners install ridge vents. Some also install powered roof vents for the times when the ridge vents can't keep up.

Your contractor is not very smart.

Pj

Ridge vents are more for higher pitched roofs, than mine, was the answer I got when I just re-roofed, up north. They installed mill finish "mushroom" vents, plus a separate bath room vent.

I think ridge venting is the most effective venting. It doesn't need a breeze and gives a uniform and consistent outlet along the entire roof at the highest point. Combined with proper soffit venting, it's the way to go.

Power fan vents may not be that smart either. They may suck the conditioned air into the attic from the finished house.

Yes! My neighbors turbines have been up there since he re-roofed, twenty years ago, they spin in the slightest breeze. I have turbines on my home to, bought a cheap pair first, replaced them right away with a high quality pair. Turbins work better in an area with some constant breeze. If you are in an area with little wind ridge vents will be good enough. If there is a fairly constant breeze in your area then turbines will probaly be better at moving air. Greg

How did you come to that conclusion?? Ridge vents or turbines is more of a regional debate as far as I am concerned! Just because someone recommends on over the other has nothing to do with his inteligence! In our area the majority of the homes have turbines. Greg

I suggest you look at the Building Science Corporation web site. It provides climate specific researched information. Attic venting in hot humid climates is not always a good idea. As for turbines, I agree with the position that they do no more than a hole in the roof. TGB

Research my man, research. Google 'ridge vents'.

It is a bit harder to install ridge vents but the extra effort will pay for the trouble in short order.

The contractor is a real dumb ass that likely just doesn't have the experience so he makes up lies to convince the home owner about how great turbines are. And this is not regional, it applies from Maine to Alaska to Florida.

Hmmm... Isn't all venting in reality just a hole in the roof?

Jeff