How much does it cost to install a roof vent? (Ridge, gable & soffit)
$200 – $700 average cost per roof vent installed
$7 – $15 ridge vent cost per linear foot
$7 – $15 ridge vent cost per linear foot
Get free estimates from roof repair companies near you, or view our cost guide below.
January 11, 2022
Reviewed by Tom Grupa and 3 expert vent installers on HomeGuide.Cost to install a roof vent
Installing a roof vent costs $200 to $700 on average, depending on the size, type, and number of units to install or replace. Ridge vent installation costs $7 to $15 per linear foot or $350 to $600 on average.
| Vent type | Total cost installed |
|---|---|
| Cupola vent | $180 – $960 |
| Eyebrow / dormer vent | $70 – $300 |
| Gable vent | $100 – $500 |
| Mushroom vent | $40 – $250 |
| Powered electric vent | $200 – $1,200 |
| Ridge vent | $350 – $600 |
| Soffit vents | $300 – $650 |
| Solar powered vent | $300 – $1,400 |
| Turtle / flat / box vent / low profile | $40 – $200 |
| Wind-driven turbine vent | $50 – $300 |
*Roofers charge a $150 to $300 minimum service fee.
Table of contents
[hide]Ridge vent installation cost
Ridge vent installation costs $7 to $15 per linear foot or $350 to $600 on average, depending on the roof length, pitch, and style. The vent itself costs $8 to $12 per 4-foot section. Ridge vent replacement may also include replacing nearby shingles.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Vent | $100 – $150 |
| Materials | $50 – $150 |
| Installation labor | $200 – $300 |
| Total cost to install | $350 – $600 |
- Ridge vents release hot, moist air through the uppermost part of the roof and must be paired with intake ventilation like soffit vents at the lowest part of the roof for proper airflow.
- Some ridge vents are designed to be shingled over for a more seamless look.
Roof ridge vent repair cost
Ridge vent repair costs $100 to $300 on average to replace parts like ridge caps, fasteners, or dislodged shingles. Replacing the entire ridge vent is often more cost-effective and is recommended to reduce the risk of future leaks and more serious structural damage.
Roof vent replacement cost factors by type
Roof vent replacement costs $150 to $750 and may include removing the old vent, replacing shingles, and other roof repairs.
| Vent type | Unit price | Labor cost | Total replacement cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cupola vent | $150 – $800 | $30 – $160 | $180 – $960 |
| Eyebrow / dormer vent | $40 – $140 | $30 – $160 | $70 – $300 |
| Gable vent | $20 – $180 | $80 – $320 | $100 – $500 |
| Mushroom vent | $10 – $90 | $30 – $160 | $40 – $250 |
| Powered electric vent | $100 – $700 | $100 – $500 | $200 – $1,200 |
| Ridge vent | $150 – $300 | $200 – $300 | $350 – $600 |
| Soffit vents | $200 – $250 | $100 – $400 | $300 – $650 |
| Solar powered vent | $200 – $900 | $100 – $500 | $300 – $1,400 |
| Turtle / flat / box vent / low profile | $10 – $50 | $30 – $160 | $40 – $200 |
| Wind-driven turbine vent | $20 – $100 | $30 – $160 | $50 – $300 |
*Roofers charge a $150 to $300 minimum service fee.
The following factors affect the cost of roof vent replacement:
- Attic size – Larger spaces require more vents, increasing the cost.
- Roof style – Roofs with multiple peaks may require more than one ridge vent for optimal ventilation.
- Roof pitch – Working on steep roofs costs more in labor due to the increased difficulty and risk.
- Existing vents – Roofing experts recommend sealing existing gable vents when installing ridge vents for the best circulation.
- Electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour to run a new electrical line to the attic for powered roof vents.
- Roofing contractors charge $30 to $80 per hour for labor to install or replace roof vents.
- Roof repairs cost $300 to $1,400 on average and may include sealing leaks, repairing flashing, and replacing shingles or rotten decking.
- Materials – Installing a roof vent requires roofing nails or screws, connector plugs, straps, washers, caulk or roofing cement, and other mounting hardware. Estimates from professionals include materials.
- Old vent removal – The cost for removing and disposing of old vents depends on the number and size of vents removed.
- Permits – Installing new roof vents typically requires a permit.
Cost to add ventilation to an attic
Installing an attic fan costs $300 to $900 on average and provides active ventilation from a motorized fan. Adding passive attic ventilation like gable vents costs $150 to $700 on average. Additional intake vents may be required when adding an attic fan.
Cost to install or replace gable vent
Gable vent replacement costs $100 to $500 on average, depending on the material and style. Gable vents act as intake and exhaust, but they need wind to be effective. Pair gable vents with soffit vents for the best performance.
Soffit vent installation or replacement cost
Soffit vent replacement costs $300 to $650 on average, including labor and materials. Soffit intake vents are installed under the eaves at the lowest part of the roof and are typically paired with ridge or gable exhaust vents.
Roof turbine vent installation cost
Roof turbine vent installation costs $50 to $300 on average, including the vent and labor. Roof turbines or whirlybirds are most beneficial where winds average 5 miles per hour or more. Turbine vents are the only passive vent with moving parts, using the wind and convection to spin the fan.
Powered roof vent cost
Installing a powered roof vent costs $200 to $1,400 on average, depending on the size and whether it is solar-powered or electric. Roof vent fans are installed on the back roof near the top ridge to exhaust warm, rising air from the attic.
Powered roof vents must be paired with intake vents that draw in outside air at the lower part of the roof.
Vented drip edge prices
A vented drip edge costs $3.50 to $7.00 per linear foot with installation. Vented drip edges are ideal for homes with limited or no roof overhang and prevent water from damaging the fascia and roof decking.
Roof vent cap replacement cost
Roof vent cap replacement costs $50 to $230 on average. The vent cap alone costs $20 to $70, depending on the size and material. A roof vent cap is designed for piped appliances that require outside venting and prevents debris and rodent intrusion without blocking the airflow.
Frequently asked questions
What is a roof vent and how does it work?
A roof vent allows rising hot air to flow out of the home. Roof vents work together with intake vents at the gable or soffit to facilitate airflow through the attic and prevent moisture buildup. Roof ventilation improves energy efficiency for all climates, extending the roof's life by reducing condensation.
Roof vents are active or passive:
- Active roof vents use motorized fans to expel hot attic air.
- Passive ventilation utilizes natural airflow, convection (rising heat), and wind to expel the hot air.
Are ridge vents worth the cost?
Ridge vents are the most cost-effective and energy-saving ventilation type when paired with soffit vents. Ridge vents provide a streamlined look and do not require putting multiple holes in the roof or walls. Some ridge vents come with screens to prevent rodent intrusion.
How many roof vents do I need?
Homes with vapor barriers need 1 square foot of venting per 300 square feet of attic space. Double the venting to 1 square foot per 150 square feet of attic space for homes without a vapor barrier.
| Home conditions | Vent size recommended |
|---|---|
| With vapor barrier | 1 SF per 300 SF of attic space |
| Without vapor barrier | 1 SF per 150 SF of attic space |
| With attic fan or whole house fan | 1 SF per 450 CFM of airflow |
- Ventilation should be an equal, evenly spread combination of intake at the eaves, soffit, or fascia, and exhaust at or near the roof ridge.
- Homes with an attic fan or whole house fan require at least 1 square foot of venting per 450 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of fan airflow.
- Homes with steep roofs may require more ventilation due to the increased attic size.
- Most vents have a net free area (NFA) rating. NFA is the amount of available airflow space and is lower than the vent size after adjusting for the area covered by screens and louvers.
Should the ridge vent go all the way across the roof?
Ridge vents should not go all the way across the roof, but a vent cap may be installed at each end to create the seamless appearance of the ridge vent running the entire length of the roof.
What type of roof vents are best?
The best ventilation system uses an equal combination of intake and exhaust vents:
- Ridge vents paired with soffit intake vents work best for most homes.
- Ridge vents paired with fascia vents work well for homes with no overhang for soffit vents.
- Choose box vents when ridge vents are not feasible.
Is an attic fan necessary with ridge vents?
An attic fan is unnecessary and is not recommended with ridge vents. Running an attic fan with ridge vents may prevent heat from rising to the ridge vents and pull rainwater into the attic, causing moisture damage and increased AC costs.
Who installs soffit and gable vents?
Roofers or carpenters install soffit and gable vents. Roofers install whirlybirds because turbine installation requires cutting a hole in the roof.
Hiring a roofing vent installer
Before hiring a roofing company or carpenter near you to install or replace a roof vent, be sure to:
- Get at least three estimates to compare.
- Look for pros with experience installing roof ventilation and evaluating an attic's venting requirements.
- Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
- Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five years.
- Ask for references.
- Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
- Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
- Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- How long have you been in business?
- What experience do you have with installing roof vents?
- What type of roof vent do you recommend, and why?
- How much ventilation does my home need?
- How long will the installation take?
- Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
- What is and is not included in the estimate?
- What additional costs should I expect?
- What do you charge for an annual roof inspection or tune-up?
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