Ridge Vents

​There is a wide variety of roof vents to suit a variety of needs. For this reason, you can pick from a wide variety of possibilities. A ridge vent is currently one of the most typical forms of roof ventilation. Despite its widespread use, ridge vents are still unfamiliar to the majority of homeowners. Without understanding what it is, it's impossible to tell if it's the correct kind of vent for your roof replacement. Expression Roofing is committed to providing you with as much information as possible so that you can make an educated investment.
 
So, What Exactly Is a Ridge Vent?
Whether you have a gable or a slanted ridge vent relies on the attic ventilation system. A ridge vent with a baffle, usually in the form of chutes, is used as part of an attic's active ventilation system. A ridge vent with no baffle and no airflow chutes is used in a passive ventilation system. While both will enable air to circulate, a ridge vent without a baffle will allow things like rain, snow, insects, and other debris to enter your attic. You should keep this in mind while deciding which vent style you want to be installed on your new roof. However, a ridge vent baffle is something we always recommend to homeowners as a preventative measure.
 
Active, Turbine and Power Ridge Vents
The air is drawn in through the intake vents and expelled through the exhaust vents in an active ventilation system. Besides baffled ridge vents, turbine vents, power vents, and solar vents are the most prevalent forms of active roof vents. Even when there is no wind, a turbine vent may move the air in your attic by creating a pulling effect through convection. Some people mistakenly believe that rain, snow, and insects can enter your home through turbine vents since these vents have slats and are open to the attic. Power vents are the low-profile, circular vents commonly seen on rooftops. When positioned near the roof's ridge, they use electricity to exhaust warm air from the attic. Your power vents should be operated with a humidistat throughout the colder months.
 
Why Ridge Vents are Important for Ventilation
Choosing a roof vent that works well with your attic's ventilation system is important, but aesthetics also matter. A ridge vent is a good choice if you don't want people on the ground to be able to view the vents. If you like the aesthetic appeal of turbine vents, by all means, use them. It makes no difference what type of roof vent you install if your attic isn't adequately aired. A lack of adequate ventilation will cause a plethora of expensive and inconvenient issues down the road. That's why everyone who owns a house should know the value of good attic ventilation.
 
Professional Ridge and Roof Vent Installation is Vital
There should be some distance between the louvered gable vents and the roof vents or ridge vents. It is common for soffit vents to become ineffective when combined with roof venting, since air flows in via the louver vents and out through the roof vents, creating a localized hot spot instead of a uniform airflow throughout the attic. When properly built, ridge vents on a roof may much outperform box vents. Because they are placed on the apex of the roof, hot air may easily exit the attic through them. If the ridge vents on your roof are placed correctly, you'll notice an improvement in ventilation and efficiency.

Ridge Vent FAQs – Bloomfield Hills, MI
By Expression Roofing
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Proper attic ventilation is one of the most important — and most overlooked — aspects of a healthy roofing system. At Expression Roofing, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, we often recommend ridge vents as one of the most effective ventilation solutions for local homes. Below, we answer the most common questions homeowners ask about ridge vents and how they perform in Michigan’s climate.

What Is a Ridge Vent?
A ridge vent is a ventilation system installed along the peak (ridge) of your roof. It allows hot, moist air to escape from the attic while pulling in cooler air from soffit or intake vents below. Because it runs along the highest point of the roof, it provides continuous, even ventilation across the entire attic space.

Why Are Ridge Vents Important in Michigan?
Michigan homes experience hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Without proper ventilation, heat and moisture can become trapped in your attic, leading to issues such as mold growth, wood rot, ice dams, and higher energy bills. Ridge vents help regulate attic temperature year-round, protecting your roof and improving overall home comfort.

Do Ridge Vents Help Lower Energy Costs?
Yes. By allowing excess heat to escape during warmer months, ridge vents reduce the workload on your air conditioning system. In winter, proper ventilation helps maintain a consistent roof temperature, which can reduce ice dam formation. Homeowners in Bloomfield Hills often notice improved energy efficiency after installing ridge vents.

Are Ridge Vents Better Than Box or Turbine Vents?
In most cases, yes. Ridge vents provide continuous ventilation along the entire roof ridge, unlike box or turbine vents that ventilate only specific areas. Ridge vents are also more aesthetically pleasing since they blend into the roofline and have no moving parts, making them quieter and lower maintenance.

Can Ridge Vents Leak or Let in Snow?
When installed correctly by a professional roofing contractor, ridge vents are designed to prevent rain and snow infiltration. At Expression Roofing, we use high-quality ridge vent systems and proper installation techniques to ensure your roof remains watertight — even during Michigan’s harsh winter storms.

Do All Homes Need Ridge Vents?
Not every home is a perfect candidate, but most sloped residential roofs benefit from ridge vents when paired with proper intake ventilation. During a roof inspection, our team evaluates your attic space, roof design, and existing ventilation to determine the best solution for your home.

When Should Ridge Vents Be Installed?
The ideal time to install ridge vents is during a roof replacement, but they can also be added to some existing roofs. If your shingles are aging, you’re experiencing high energy bills, or you’ve noticed moisture issues in your attic, it may be time to consider ridge vent installation.

Why Choose Expression Roofing in Bloomfield Hills?
As a trusted local roofing contractor in Bloomfield Hills, MI, Expression Roofing understands the unique demands of Michigan weather. We provide expert ventilation assessments, quality workmanship, and honest recommendations to help protect your home and extend the life of your roof.