How much does it cost to install roof vent?

Reviewed by Keith Sheehy remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

The installation of roof vents is a critical part of roof design. Roof vents allow for proper ventilation, which helps in preventing condensation that can cause structural damage. They are a necessary investment in prolonging the aging of your roofing materials. Contrary to what people say, roof ventilation is not just for warmer climates. To achieve adequate roofing airflow, consult a professional roofing contractor. A homeowner typically does not possess expertise in the field to complete the work themselves.

The national average cost to install a roof vent is between $240 and $600. Most people pay around $450 to install a ridge vent on a standard two-story house with a gable roof. At the low end of the spectrum, you can expect to pay around $55 to install a turtle roof vent on a one-story house with a flat roof. At the high end, you can pay up to $1,450 to install a solar roof vent on a two-story house with a steep roof along with a roof vent cover.

Roof Vent Prices

Why Is Roof Ventilation Important?

Particularly in warmer summer months, roof vents provide a way for the hot air to escape the attic. Over time, lack of ventilation and air flow can cause condensation damage and rot. Furthermore, this lack of proper air flow deteriorates your roofing material while simultaneously raising the energy costs for the property. Whether you live in a warm, tropical climate or the Arctic, you need ventilation in your attic or crawlspace, which is why you need roof vents. Ideally, homeowners should consider having at least one sq.ft. of ventilation for every 150 sq.ft. of roofing. There are two main types of ventilation: passive and active. Active ventilation provides air circulation through the use of mechanical fans. This type of ventilation is best for areas that are prone to excessive heat. Passive ventilation provides circulation through natural methods such as air currents. Passive systems regulate air temperature by bringing fresh air in while pushing old air out.

Roof Vent Cost by Type

The type of roof vent you choose influences the cost you will pay, averaging between $55 to $1,200, including installation. The goal is ventilation, but that doesn’t mean homeowners don’t have some options in terms of style and efficiency. The pitch also dictates the most practical type of vent, for example, choosing a dormer over a mushroom turbine. If your roofer cannot walk across the roof, it may cost more to install your vent. Consider the following choices when planning to add roof vents to your home. The prices in the table are for a single vent and include labor and materials.

Turtle Roof Vent

Turtle roof vents cost between $10 and $50 for the materials only and $55 to $200 including labor and materials. Turtle roof vents are static vents that are also commonly referred to as box vents, louvers, or flat roof vents. These vents are static, meaning they have no moving parts. Instead, they utilize natural convection by creating an opening for the hot air and moisture to move through. This type of vent is very easy to install or add to an existing system.

A turtle vent can be installed on most roofs, including shingled, metal, and flat roofs. The installation process is generally the same regardless of the type of roof, although some minor adjustments may be necessary. On a shingled roof, the turtle vent must be installed under the shingles to provide adequate ventilation. On a metal roof, the turtle vent must be installed over the top of the metal so that it does not become rusty or corroded. Flat roofs are the easiest type of roof to install a turtle vent on because there is no need to make any special adjustments. Since they are not continuous vents, turtle vents must be installed on regular spacing to provide adequate air flow.

Mushroom Roof Vent

You can expect to pay between $10 and $100 for materials and $55 and $250 per mushroom roof vent, including labor and materials. Mushroom roof vents are also static vents that get their name due to their resemblance to mushrooms. They are a passive type of vent, meaning they encourage natural air flow and work without electricity. Mushroom vents are 15” in size. Like turbine vents, mushroom vents are quick and easy to install. They can be installed on nearly any type of roofing material, including asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and tile roofs. The installation process is relatively simple, and the vents are available in various sizes to fit most roof openings.

Roof Whirlybird Installation

The average cost for a roof turbine is $20 to $100 per unit and $65 to $250, including labor and materials. Commonly referred to as whirlybirds or wind turbines, they have a mushroom shape and are driven by wind currents, driving hot air out. They do not require electricity and therefore are a passive form of ventilation. Roof turbines are a type of small wind turbine that can be used to generate electricity for homes and businesses. They are typically installed on flat or low-slope roofs and can be used with solar panels to provide a renewable energy source. While roof turbines are most commonly used in locations with high wind speeds, they can also be effective in urban areas with a lot of wind turbulence. In addition to generating electricity, roof turbines reduce the amount of heat transmitted through the roof, making them an ideal solution for locations with hot climates.

Install Gable Vent

Installing a gable vent costs between $25 and $180 for the material only and $70 and $330 per unit, including labor and materials. Gable vents offer a static type of ventilation by utilizing horizontal or cross-ventilation to keep the air moving through the space. Gable vents are most commonly seen on gable style roofs because a vent can be placed on both sides of the home. They are not as effective on complex roofs because beams, peaks, or valleys impact the breeze. Gable vents come in many different shapes and sizes, with a triangle shape being the most popular. They come in different materials, but metal is the most popular.

Low Profile Roof Dormer Vent

The average cost for low profile roof dormer vents is $30 to $150 for materials and $75 to $300 including labor and materials. Roof dormer vents are a static type of ventilation system that is typically made from metal. Low profile roof dormers come in various shapes. Some of the common shapes include eyebrow, half-round, and round. Low profile roof dormers are typically long-lasting and easy to install. A low profile roof dormer vent can be installed on most roofs, including shingled, metal, and slate. It is designed to be installed on the ridge line of the roof, with the proper flashing and sealant. The dormer vent has a low profile design that allows it to be installed without disrupting the roofline. It also has a built-in screen that keeps out debris and animals. The screen is designed to allow airflow while still preventing moisture build-up. In addition, the dormer vent is powder-coated to resist rust and corrosion.

Cupola Roof Vent

You can expect to pay from $100 to $500 for a cupola roof vent while installing it costs $145 to $650 with labor and materials. Cupola vents are static vents crafted from wood and metal for heat to escape the louvered sides. They are aesthetically appealing and come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Cupola vents are installed on the top of the roof pitch. While they are simple to install, they are one of the least common roof vents due to their cost. A cupola roof vent can be installed on various roof types, including shingled roofs, metal roofs, and even flat roofs. Cupolas are an effective way to ventilate attics and other enclosed spaces. They also add a touch of architectural interest to any home.

Electric Roof Vent

Electric roof vents cost between $130 and $700 for the unit and $265 and $1,000, including labor and materials. This type of roof vent is best for areas with little wind. They work to move hot air consistently from the attic. The downfall of electric roof vents is that they may fail during a power outage because they are electric powered. Electric roof vents can be installed on almost any type of roof, including shingled, metal, tile, and concrete. They are especially effective on dark-colored roofs because they help to remove heat build-up. Typically, they are installed near the peak of the roof to maximize airflow. Some models even come with a remote control for added convenience.

Ridge Vent Installation

Ridge vents are installed at the peak or ridgeline of the roof. They cost between $150 and $300 per unit and between $240 and $600 per with labor and materials. They are the most commonly installed exhaust vents and work like a vacuum to remove hot air from the attic space. Ridge vents are the most effective static vent available and are not prone to leaks. They are adjoined using connector plugs and straps and require specialty roofing screws with washers to create a good seal.

A ridge vent can be installed on nearly any type of roof, from gabled roofs to hip roofs. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a ridge vent. First, the vent must be properly sized for the roof, or it will be ineffective. Second, the vent must be compatible with the shingles or other materials used on the roof, or it could cause leaks. It is also important to ensure that the vent will not be obstructed by any obstacles on the roof, such as chimneys or vents.

The nice thing about ridge vents is that they are not powered by electricity, so there is nothing to fail, no motors, no fan belts, etc. It requires less maintenance, less noise. It just works. In some cases, in a style of roof like a hip roof where you don’t have a lot of ribs and everything is kind of built to a triangle, you can substitute your ridge for box fans or power fans or other accessories like that. You just want to match your CFM ratings to the attic space, square footage wise.

Keith Sheehy, roofing expert

Install Soffit Vents

Soffit vents range from $200 to $250 per unit while installing them costs $290 to $475 per unit. They are the most popular roof vent, combining a soffit vent for intake and a ridge vent for exhaust. Soffit vents are installed under the eaves of the home or between roofing joists. Different types of soffit vents are available, but the most common have holes that allow air to flow through where it pushes hot air out through the exhaust vent. Soffit vents are a favorite type among most home builders because they are very effective. They can be made from metal or vinyl material.

Soffit vents can be installed on various roof types, including gabled, hip, and flat roofs. While they are most commonly used on homes with shingled roofs, soffit vents can also be used on metal, gabled, flat, and tile roofs. Soffit vents are typically installed along the lower edge of the roof, near the soffit or eave. They provide an opening for air to flow into the attic, helping to ventilate the space and keep it cool.

Solar Roof Vent Installation

Solar roof vents are expensive, ranging between $200 and $900 for the unit only and $335 and $1,200, including labor and materials. Solar roof vents are one of the newest options available on the market. These vents have solar powered fans in them that are powered by the sun. They involve a laborious installation that is quite costly. However, they are 100% energy efficient and end up paying off in long-term savings. A solar roof vent can be installed on almost any type of roof, including metal, shingled, tile, and flat roofs. The only exceptions are thatched roofs and very steep slopes.

Cost to Install a Roof Vent

Regarding labor costs, most professionals charge between $45 to $75 per hour for installing a roof vent. It takes approximately one to four hours to complete the installation, depending on the type of vent you have and your roof type. To install a ridge vent on a two-story house, expect to pay $90 to $300bin labor and $150 to $300 in materials, for a total cost of $240 to $600 for an installed roof vent.

Safety and expertise are two reasons to rely on professionals for installing roof vents. First, it can be dangerous to attempt these tasks on pitched roofs on multi-level houses without proper equipment and tools for the job. It can be a very fast process, or it can be more involved. For example, installing a whirlybird on your roof takes an hour or two. On the other hand, installing solar-powered vents takes a couple of days to complete. Weather also dictates cost. Installing roof vents in milder climates may be a little cheaper and quicker to finish.

Many variables influence what you pay to add a roof vent to your home. Any additional repairs or demolition raise the price for roofing contractors to install your roof vent. Plugging old vents may be warranted to improve air circulation, adding to labor costs. The type of roofing vents impact the cost. Static is cheapest and easiest to install, while those powered by the sun or electricity are the most expensive and time-consuming to install. The roof style factors into the price you pay. The cost and time spent on labor vary, depending on whether your roof is wood, asphalt, tile, or metal. Simple wood roof joists and shingled roofs are the easiest for vent installation if the roofing is in decent condition. Multi-level houses may have more than one roof ridge, requiring more labor and materials. Finally, the pitch of your roof determines the time it takes your roofing contractor to complete the install. If your roofer cannot walk across the roof, it may cost more to install your vent.

Roof Vent Replacement Cost

Roof vent replacement costs from $200 to $600, including materials and labor. The cost depends on the size, type of roof, and if the vents are exposed or covered by shingles. If any of your roof vents are damaged, they need to be replaced. If not, it can lead to bigger issues such as leaks and no ventilation. The replacement process is cheaper than a new installation because the vents do not need to be created, and in the case of solar vents, no wiring is involved.

Maintenance

The most common and most important maintenance for your roof vents is to clear and clean them periodically. Dirt, foliage, bugs, and debris can clog the vents, interrupting air flow and compromising your home’s ventilation and air quality. The cleaning of roof vents involves removing debris and dirt from the inside and cleaning the vent from the outside. Make this a seasonal task, and don’t be afraid to hire roofing contractors to clear these spaces for approximately $45 to $75 per hour. Keep an eye out for rust or rot around the framing or flashing and have tears or rips repaired promptly. Different vents are prone to different issues. For example, whirlybirds may fail to spin, or electric-powered vents may cease to function. In these situations, call your roofing professional to assess and resolve the issue.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Ventilation System

A home ventilation system keeps the air quality in your home where it should be for a healthy atmosphere and ranges in cost from $300 to $6,000. It keeps harmful gasses, dust, pollen, and humidity under control. Homeowners with proper ventilation systems save money on electricity while still keeping the home cool and warm. Roof vents are a part of a ventilation system as they help to extend the life of your roof by providing proper ventilation. Roof ventilation is typically completed at the same time as the rest of the house.

Attic Fan Installation

Installing an attic fan costs $225 to $850. Attic fans are a necessary part of every home and are an important part of the ventilation system. Installing attic fans circulates air in the attic, assisting in ventilation by removing heat and moisture through the roof vents. Attic fans can be installed at the same time as the roof vents; however, it does not influence the cost. In addition, attic fans help to prolong your roof’s lifespan.

Roof Vent Cover

If you are installing roof vents, it is good to consider purchasing a roof vent cover or cap for your vent. Roof covers allow air to keep constantly moving for high-flow ventilation. They protect the vent against harsh weather conditions and eliminate any unwanted elements from getting inside. Roof vent covers come in various materials, but copper and stainless steel are the most popular. You can expect to pay anywhere between $20 and $155 per cover.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits. You will likely need a permit from your city, municipality, or HOA (homeowners’ association) to install new roof vents. Permit costs vary but expect to pay around $75.
• DIY. Some homeowners may take a DIY approach to installing roof vents, though it is not ideal. Many variables impact the safety and efficiency of a roofing project, which makes hiring professional contractors vital. If you still choose to do it yourself, choose a simple, static roof vent and use safety precautions when installing.
• Licensed professionals. Make sure that the roofing contractor that you hire is fully licensed and insured. You don’t want to be liable for any accidents or incidents that occur when letting a layman install your roof vent.
• Warranty. When you hire a roofer to install your roof vents, make sure that you have an agreement and warranty in writing. This covers you if the vent leaks or requires other repairs after installation.
• Roof style. Sometimes, the style of your roof influences the overall cost of installing a roof vent. For instance, flat, shed, and butterfly roofs are flatter and easier to work with, while gable and A-framed roofs have a steeper and more complex structure making installation more difficult.
• Steepness. If you have a steep roof, the contractors will have to spend extra time and potentially use additional safety equipment to install the roof vent. In this case, your costs will increase.