Venting is one of the most important elements in your home. Though it is frequently unnoticed, these vents are crucial for both the well-being of your attic and for the general energy-efficiency of your home. But how exactly do they work? Where do they belong, and how do you make sure they’re working well?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In this all-encompassing guide I will discuss everything you ever needed to know about gable vents, from what they do to where to put them, how big and how many, and even how to maintain them correctly.
What Are Gable Vents?
Gable vents are the openings in the gable, which is the triangle created by the two slopes of the roof. Gables are the area of wall that are situated between the two sloping portions of a roof. Gable vents can be rectangular, triangular or decorative louvers.
Built of wood, vinyl or metal, these vents allow the attic to breathe. They’re usually located near the top of the gable wall, to look pretty and release air from the roof and attic.
What Are Gable Vents For?
Gable vents actually make up a very important part of the your roof and attic venting system. Here’s why they matter so much:
Regulate Temperature
Without sufficient ventilation, your attic can become a heat sink in the summer or trap excess moisture in the winter. Gable vents are designed to allow the warm, humid air to flow out of the attic while the fresh, cooler air flows in. It helps better regulate temperature of your house and provides a more comfortable environment.
Prevent Moisture Buildup
Excess moisture in the attic can also lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot, not to mention costly structural damage. Gable vents are fantastic for reducing moisture levels in the space by allowing for airflow.
Improve Energy Efficiency
Great ventilation means your HVAC system doesn’t have to overcompensate. Since gable vents keep your attic cooler during the summer, they can help reduce the burden on your air conditioning, which may in turn decrease your energy bills.
Extend Roof Lifespan
Heavy rains or extreme heat can weaken your roof as time goes on. A properly ventilated attic with the help of gable vents will help prevent such damage, extending the life of your roof.
Where to Place Gable Vents?
Gable vents, which are installed at opposite ends of the gable walls in your attic, allow air to flow through. Although these work well placed up high on the wall, under the roof peak is best, if you can manage it, for maximum effectiveness. This positioning capitalizes on the natural movement hot air has to rise upward, displacing warm and moist air and sending it out.
Pro Tip: Pair gable vents with soffit vents (tucked into the eaves) to ensure balanced air intake and exhaust. This promotes a continuous circulation of air through the attic and eliminates the risk of pressurization.
How Big Should Gable Vents Be?
The 16 x 8 frames will be the size of your gable vents based on the total square footage of your attic. Here’s a helpful rule of thumb:
You need 1 square foot of ventilation — half at the eaves and half near the roof’s peak — for every 300 square feet of attic space.
For instance, if your attic is 900 square feet, you will need about 3 square feet of ventilation, with 1.5 square feet for intake vents and 1.5 square feet for gable vents.
Keep in mind vent sizes are usually expressed in “net free vent area” (NFVA), so that factors in any obstructions such as louvers or screens. Consult your vent manufacturer for the NFVA of your specific gable vent.
How Many Gable Vents Should Do the Job?
How many gable vents you need depends on how large your attic is and whether you are using them in combination with other types of vents.
- Two gable vents (one on each side) is enough for most standard attic sizes.
- Additional vents will be required for large attics or larger sized vent openings.
- You can also ask a roofing or ventilation professional to determine exactly how much air your home needs.
Gable Vent Maintenance Tips
To help your gable vents keep up their efficiency all year long, here’s a little maintenance you can do:
Clean Regularly
Dirt, trash or even bird nests can clog air flow. Visually check your vents seasonally, cleaning them with a vacuum or a soft brush.
Check for Damage
Examine for damage such as cracks, warping or even rust, if you have metallic gable vents. Broken vents can restrict air flow and allow pests into your attic.
Repaint or Seal, If Necessary
If the vents are wooden, make sure they’re sealed or painted so that they don’t deteriorate from moisture. For metal vents you should look for corroded areas and treat as appropriate.
Inspect Screens or Louvers
The screens or louvers on your gable vents are there to keep bugs and animals out while holding air in. If it gets damaged, replace or repair it at once.
Maintain Supporting Ventilation
Gable vents can be combined with a ridge vent and soffit vents, for the most effective overall ventilation strategy. Ensure also they are not worn.
Purchase quality ventilation for a healthier home
They might not be the first home improvement item that comes to mind, but they can definitely make a difference in your for your home when it comes to energy efficiency, structural stability and internal comfort. Once you understand what they are for, where they belong, how large they should be, and care and maintenance, you can start to maximize your attic ventilation.
If your attic ventilation system could use an upgrade, ask an expert to provide an evaluation and recommend the best solution for your home. You can save energy, extend the life of your roof and live in more comfort.
