I have a hip roof – not much ridge length. What’s the rule of thumb for ridge vent area? I have a two story house in SC (warm climate) and there is not much ridge length. I am wondering if I need to add additional round vents near the ridge.
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A traditional Florida cracker solution, when attic ventilation was really important because AC wasn't available, is to use hip roofs because they don't blow off as easy as one with gable ends and to create a 'ridge vent' by installing a fully functional cupola.
One with large areas of louvered vent and, sometimes, a drip pan draining to the exterior to catch any blown in rain. I have seen them a full four feet high with four louvered vents of about 3' by 2'. Given a steep roof and soffet vents this really makes for a much cooler attic. An important consideration when insulation was rare.
I have been in attics where the ventilation allowed by this system maintained a steady 5 mph breeze through the attic. Sticking my head up into the cupola the wind is too strong to hear a helper in the attic. Refreshing on a 98F day in an attic with a steel panel roof.