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How much does labor cost to install a roof vent?

The average ridge vent price is about $2 to $3 per linear foot. This doesn't include installation, which will run you an additional $45 to $75 per hour. Homeowners usually pay a total of around $300 to $400 in labor costs. You should install soffit vents, which cost between $3.30 and $4.50 per linear foot.

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The average ridge vent installation cost is between $300 and $650

Get quotes from up to 3 pros ! Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. Find pros A ridge vent costs between $300 and $650 on average, with most homeowners paying about $500. Your final costs will vary based on the size, type, and number of units you install. What does a roof ridge vent do? Moisture is a sneaky yet lethal menace when it comes to your roof. Condensation is a common winter roofing issue , as well as during other times of the year, so it’s important to have adequate ventilation to get rid of all that moist air. Ridge vents offer ventilation throughout the length of your roof’s peak, giving moist air plenty of room to escape so your roof—and everything beneath it—stays dry.

Low End Average High End $300 $500 $650

The average ridge vent price is about $2 to $3 per linear foot. This doesn’t include installation, which will run you an additional $45 to $75 per hour. Homeowners usually pay a total of around $300 to $400 in labor costs. You should install soffit vents, which cost between $3.30 and $4.50 per linear foot. These maximize the efficiency of your roof ridge vents by allowing fresh outside air to enter. Many roofing pros swear by the need to have these types of intake vents. “In fact, if you do not have intake vents, such as soffit vents, the ridge vents won't do any good because they need to be able to pull the air from somewhere,” says Ami Feller, Expert Review Board member and owner of Roofer Chicks in New Braunfels, TX. “Basically, when you ventilate an attic, you are creating an air current that cycles through the attic space, bringing in air from the low point and letting the air escape through the high point. Related Article 7 Common Myths About Roof Vents The most common myths about roof vents debunked

Roof Vent Installation Cost Breakdown

If you’re considering roof vent costs, you’ve got a few good options available. Ridge vents typically rank at the top of the cost pyramid, but they’ve got a lot of good qualities to show for it. Below are the most common types of roof vents and what they could cost.

Ridge Vent Installation Cost

The average roof ridge vent installation cost is $300 to $650, including labor and materials. While it's a pricier option, you’re treating yourself to the most effective non-powered roof ventilation system. They also blend in with your roof for a much sleeker look than other vents.

Cost to Install a Roof Vent

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A roof vent will cost around $500 per unit. Also known as a “box vent” or “low profile vent,” this type of vent costs less than other styles, plus it won’t require new shingles when you install it. It’s also simple to add to an existing roof. However, there’s only one point of entry for airflow and they have a “boxy” appearance that many homeowners don’t favor. “Also, the more holes you cut in your roof, the more chance you have of having a leak,” says Feller. “Because box vents only allow 1 square foot of outtake ventilation, it generally takes several of them to provide enough ventilation.” Side note: it’s essential to inspect your roof every six months if you choose to install these, as they’re especially prone to debris and can also harbor small critters.

Cost to Install Soffit Vents

Soffit ventilation units cost between $2 and $10 per linear foot, plus $45 to $75 per hour for labor. The average cost to install soffit units is about $315 to $465. These are essential to improve the efficiency of ridge, roof, and gable vents. Plus, because they’re placed on the bottom of the roof’s eaves, they have a very subtle look.

Gable Roof Ventilation Price

Gable ventilation units are the least expensive option at about $60 to $150 per unit, plus about $70 per hour in labor costs. These are nice to look at and can mount right to your attic fan. However, as with a roof vent, there is only one exit and entry point for airflow. “We use a lot of electric power vents,” says Feller. “They also make solar ones. These vents are mounted to the roof and have a thermostat on them. When the attic reaches the prescribed temperature—we set ours at 100 Fahrenheit—they will kick on and start moving air out of the attic space.” Note: If you’re installing a ridge vent with an existing gable, it’s best to seal the gable . This is because gables can disrupt the airflow, doing more harm to your attic than good.

Roof Turbine Installation Cost

A roof turbine installation will cost around $65 to $250, which includes labor and materials. The units themselves are usually $20 to $100 each. These contain a fan that works by catching wind which turns the fan and brings air up from the attic, dispersing it outdoors. Note that wind turbines can get damaged easily by falling debris or rodents, and may start to “creak" with old age. Sometimes, older units can emit a high-pitched noise. Also, like with box vents, you may need several of them to properly ventilate an attic space—which means more potential leak points.

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How Much Does It Cost to Install a Ridge Vent Yourself?

First and foremost: let’s not forget Clark Griswold. Working on a roof is extremely dangerous, and you shouldn’t consider it unless you really, really know what you’re doing. It’s also worth noting that this is an advanced-level DIY with a high risk of error. Hiring a roofing contractor near you will prevent the need for any costly repairs, leaks, or other damage caused by improper installation.

DIY Ridge Vent Installation Cost Breakdown

For scrappy DIY-ers who still want to tackle this project on their own, there are some key costs to consider. Hopefully, you already have a ladder that can safely reach your roof, because a new one could cost $250 to $350 or more. Considering your average cost to install the ridge vent professionally is around $300 to $650, according to HomeAdvisor , it will likely make the most sense to call a pro if you don’t have a ladder handy. Your ridge vent price usually goes by four-foot sections for around $8 to $12 each. For metal roofs, straps and connector plugs to adjoin the sections will go for about $5 to $6 apiece. Here are the other supplies you’ll need, along with some ballpark cost estimates:

Roofing nails: $10–$15 (five-pound bag)

Roofing screws with neoprene washers to create a seal: $30 (200–300 screws)

Polyurethane caulk: $8

Hammer: $7

Cat’s paw pry or utility bar: $6

Utility knife (hook blade): $15

Chalk line: $8

Circular Saw: $150

Fall Protection Kit: $120

Total Cost: $354

You’ll also need to factor in new roofing shingles where you put in the ridge roof vent. These are usually around $30 for 33.3 square feet, but your final cost will vary depending on the type and how much you need.

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