How Much Does It Cost to Install Roof, Ridge, and Soffit Vents?

Average Roof Ridge Vent Costs

Roof Vent Costs by Type

Many options are available for roof vents that cost anywhere from $65 to $2,000 per vent to install. Simple static turtle or box vents are the most affordable, starting at $65 installed, while electric models are the most expensive, at up to $2,000 per unit, including installation.

Ridge Vent Installation Cost

Installing ridge vents costs an average of $425, or between $300 and $550 per vent, all-in. Installed along the roof's peak, ridge vents are among the most common exhaust vents and are static; there's no motor or reliance on electricity to move air. Instead, air moves through the vent naturally.  

Cost to Install Soffit Vents

Soffit vents cost around $325 each, with most people spending between $300 and $350 per vent, including installation. These are the most common type of vent and usually installed in conjunction with ridge vents. The soffit vent acts as the air intake vent, and the ridge vent acts as the outlet, or exhaust, so cold air goes in through the soffit vent and pushes hot air out of the ridge vent.

Gable Vent Installation Cost

Gable vents typically cost $175 each, but you can expect to pay between $150 and $200 each, installed. Another type of static vent, gable vents use horizontal or cross-ventilation to move air in and out of the space. These vents are only really suitable for standard gabled roofs, as more complex shapes can hinder the airflow and block the cross-ventilation.

Turbine

Turbine vents cost around $175, or between $150 and $200 per unit, including materials and labor. These vents look a bit like mushrooms and use wind power to drive hot air out. Although they don't rely on electricity, they're not static. Instead, they're passive, because they do contain a little turbine that draws out hot air, but it's powered by the natural movement of the wind, rather than by an electrical connection.

Attic Fan

The cost to install an attic fan averages about $800, or between $200 and $1,400 nationwide. In mild areas of the country where overnight temperatures are cool enough, homeowners may install an attic fan along with their vents. Ventilation fans, also called powered attic ventilators, work from inside the structure to push out hot air and pull in cooler air from the outside.

Electric

Electric roof vents cost an average of $1,500, with most people paying between $1,000 and $2,000 per vent, installed. Electric vents contain powered turbines that draw cool air in and force hot air out. They're effective and efficient, but the installation process is costly and complex, hence the higher price tag. Additionally, they'll need regular maintenance and, unless there's a backup generator or battery power available, they'll stop working during a power outage. 

Box

Installing box vents will run you around $130 each, or somewhere between $65 and $190 per unit. Also known as turtle vents, box roof vents are static and use convection to let hot and moist air escape. They're quick and easy to install, and the base units are affordable, hence their lower price compared to other types.

Cupola

For cupola vents, most people pay around $750 each, with a price range of $600 to $900, all-in. Cupola vents are installed on the peaks of roofs and are built for pleasing aesthetics as well as to move air. They're static and easy to install, but because of their custom look and combination of metal and wood, they're costly and fairly uncommon.

Other Types

There are a few other types of less common vents available, too. 

Solar: Solar vents cost between $900 and $1,000 per unit. As the name suggests, they have solar-powered fans inside to move hot air and moisture out of the attic. They are 100% energy efficient, but the installation is complex, hence the comparatively high cost. 

Mushroom: Mushroom vents are inexpensive, costing just $150 to $200 per unit, installed. Similar to roof turbines, mushroom vents move air in and out passively, using the natural movement of wind to turn the turbine, rather than using electricity. 

Dormer: Dormer vents cost between $200 and $250 each, installed. These are static vents with a low profile. They're easy to install, require no maintenance, and have a long life span. They're installed at a roof’s highest point and are similar in profile to a dormer window, hence the name. Placed at the highest point, these static vents naturally allow hot air to escape.

Roof Vent Replacement Costs

Expect to pay between $150 and $250 for the labor to remove the old unit and secure the new one in place. Of course, you'll also need to purchase a new unit at a replacement rate of $10 to $500.

Roof Vent Repair Costs

Minor repairs, like reattaching a vent, will cost at least $45 to $150, because most pros charge a one- to two-hour minimum per job at a rate of $45 to $75 per hour. If the unit itself has been damaged, most pros suggest replacement over repair. 

In some cases, powered models come with a warranty that covers repair or replacement by a licensed professional. On top of repairing damage, you should plan for the cost to clean vents regularly.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Due to the expertise required and the danger of roof work, it is usually best to leave roof vent installation to the professionals.

Hiring a roofing professional can prevent pricey repairs or damage from improper installation. The best time to install new ridge and roof units is during roof installation or replacement when you can fold the costs into the existing work. The best time to install appliance vents is when you pay to have the appliance installed.

FAQs

How do you calculate how much roof venting you need?

You should have at least one square foot of ventilation for every 150 square feet of attic space. When possible, you should place half of the units near the top of the structure and half in the soffit at the bottom for the most effective ventilation.

Why do you need roof ventilation?

Roof ventilation helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature. You need to vent your roof to allow hot and moisture-laden air to escape. This not only improves energy efficiency, but also stops moisture getting trapped in your home and causing damp and mold problems. Not having proper ventilation can lead to covering steep roof repair costs.

Does a ridge vent need to go all the way across the roof?

No, a ridge vent shouldn't extend across the roof, from edge to edge. This leaves your vent too open to pests and insects and increases the risk of leaks. However, depending on the look you want, you can extend the vent cap edge to edge. 

What is the best type of roof vent?

The best type of roof vent depends on your home and location. In most cases, ridge vents are a favorite because the installation is easy and non-invasive. But in wet or very hot climates, ridge vents don't work as well as other types, such as soffit vents and turbines. Talk to a local roofing pro to find out the best options for your property.

Who installs roof vents?

Roofing contractors install roof vents. You should contact at least three local roofing professionals before hiring a local roofing company. Shopping around ensures you understand pricing as service options and get a range of opinions on which vents may work best for your home.