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Attic ventilation works in two ways. Removing attic heat
during hot weather and removing moisture during cold weather.
The purpose of gable vents is to provide an
escape route for hot and humid air that can accumulate in the
attic.
The way this works is by pulling outside air in through
soffit vents (intake) while pushing warm moist air out through
gable vents (exhaust). This allows your attic to breathe.
Gable vents, sometimes called gable vent covers or attic vent
covers, and soffit vents work together as a system to allow
air to move freely through your attic.
What if I don't have soffit vents? Not a
problem. More on that later.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME?
In the summer, without proper attic ventilation heat
will pour back down into the living space.
Excessive attic heat can cause early deterioration of asphalt
shingles.
Removing the heat before it can transfer to the house will
make your home more comfortable. Better yet it will improve
the energy efficiency of the house and reduce cooling costs!
During the winter not enough ventilation can be
problematic.
Water vapor rises from living space into the attic and then
condenses causing moisture buildup.
Condensation in the attic can cause mold, mildew and if left
long enough structural damage or form ice dams.
Having the right amount of ventilation is crucial for
condensation/moisture removal.
Some roofing manufactures have specified ventilation
requirements to meet the warranties of the roofing materials.
How much ventilation do I need? Here is the exact way to find
the right size gable/attic vent for your home.
The Uniform Building Code (UBC) specifies the net free
ventilation area required for attics.
Some jurisdictions may have more stringent codes in place. Be
sure to check with your local
building officials to determine your requirements.
Once the required Net Free Area has been
calculated use our NFA
Chart (Net Free Area) to determine the correct quantity
and size gable vents for your attic.
Depending on what shape vent you choose (triangle), you might
need to know your roof pitch.
If you aren't sure what your roof pitch is here is the process
for that.
(Note: please call if you are in need of assistance.)
The roof pitch is the number of inches the roof rises
vertically (the rise) for every 12 inches the roof spans
horizontally (the run). The pitch is the rise over the run.
As shown the the diagram below the pitch can be determined
using tape measure, a level and a pencil.
The measurements can be taken outside under the overhang of
the gable end or inside the attic at the gable end.
WHY CHOOSE OUR ALUMINUM VENTS OVER VINYL/WOOD?
- Increased airflow. Vinyl vents typically only vent through
a small portion of the unit.
Our aluminum units are fully vented.
- Aluminum will always outlast vinyl or wood. Vinyl is
susceptible to sun rot and will become brittle over time.
Is it possible to paint vinyl to help with protection from
the sun?
Generally no. Vinyl does not hold paint well.
- Wood is susceptible to weathering and will deteriorate
without constant maintenance/painting.
Our aluminum vents will not rot with the weather and are
totally maintenance free!
- American Louver And Vent Company aluminum vents come
pre-finished with a baked enamel.
The vents will never need repainting.
- Woodpeckers love wood AND vinyl vents and can damage them
beyond repair in no time.
Woodpeckers do not like aluminum vents and will leave them
alone!
Note: Not finding exactly what you're looking for? We
manufacture ANY custom shape, size, flange or color.
- Pick a shape.
We have many shapes to choose from. Our most popular:
Triangle, Rectangle and Octagon.
- Pick a size
Choosing a size will depend on two things. Are you looking
for a specific Net
Free Area (NFA) and/or the right size to
beautifully accent your home.
- Choose a mounting flange
We offer four main flange types: Standard Nailing Flange,
Outside Nailing Flange, J-Channel and None. Click Here
for more information on mounting options.
- Choose a color
Here at American Louver And Vent Company we offer the best
selection of 100+
colors to choose from.
If you are looking to match a specific color on your project
we are happy to work with our customers to find what you are
looking for.
- You're all set!
Once your order is placed you will receive an order
conformation the same day!
(Orders placed after business hours will receive
conformation the following business day.)
If what you need is not one of our standard vents give us a call
at
(855) 468-8368 or shoot us an email sales@alvcompany.com.
Specific Vent Requirements
-
Squirrel & Raccoon problems - We offer a pest resistant
gable vent design. Our "Pest Control Vents" are made with a
heavier grade aluminum and come with a heavy, stronger wire
mesh on the back. Our Pest Control Vents are in use across
the U.S. with ZERO reports of a critter breaching our
improved design.
A note from a customer about our Pest Control Vents:
"Good day, I placed order #***** last June 28, 2022 for two
rectangular 8"w x 10"h vents for a shed that had been
ravaged by wildlife and insects. In July, the installing
contractor was truly amazed when he saw the quality of the
units I had purchased and how well they fit in the existing
openings. I wanted to let you know how well your product has
worked out nine months later. I've had NO animal
incursions, or attempts, for that matter. Thanks to Bob and
Cari for ordering assistance and prompt turnaround."
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We have a louver designed for use in areas prone to wind
driven rain and snow, to stop the penetration of wind driven
precipitation. We can manufacture any product with our "Rain
Louvers". Our Rain Louvers look the same as our standard
vents once installed. The differences between the 2 types of
vents is all internal. Our Rain Louvers have been used in
hurricanes with great reviews.
Here's what a customer had to say about our Rain Louvers:
"If you'll remember, I chose to order Gable Vents from
you because you told me that you manufacture wind and rain
resistant gable vents. I installed them last summer, and
haven't had a problem with them since. Then came hurricane
Irene and the path of the eye of the storm was projected
to pass within one quarter of a mile from our house. The
full fury came at 2AM on Sunday, August 28th. When it
finally blew out, I reluctantly pulled down the attic
stairs and was apprehensive as to what I would find. Our
house is a small ranch, so a lot of "stuff" is stored in
the attic. Lo and behold, there was no trace of any water
incursion or wind damage. I needed to tell you this
because I want you to know how impressed I am to have done
business with you. A phone conversation lead me to believe
your capabilities and put my trust in you. What a great
experience!
Thank you."
George - Forked River, New Jersey
If a flush appearance is preferred over a recessed appearance.
We can install extensions on the back of any gable vent to bring
the face of the vent out to the front of the brick/rock.
Any rectangle, square or octagon gable vent can be hinged for
accessing your attic. Our hinged
gable vents will arrive as a complete unit (much
like a pre-hung door). This makes installation no different
than our standard vents. In short they are very easy to
install. All attic access vents come with a Sash Lock.
Optional keyed hasp lock available. We also manufacture hinged
foundation vents in any size for accessing crawl spaces.
Need oversized vents? We can produce any size vent. Here is a
36' triangle we manufactured:
- What is a gable vent?
A gable vent is a type of vent that is installed in the
gable, which is the triangular portion of a wall that is
located at the end of a pitched roof. It is used to allow
air to flow in and out of the attic or other enclosed space
to help regulate temperature, reduce moisture buildup, and
prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
- Do your gable vents include screens?
Yes. All our products come with insect screens on the back.
- Should I block off my gable vents in the winter?
No! Blocking off vents in the winter will cause condensation
to build up in the attic leading to severe problems such as
mold, mildew and rot.
- Can gable vents be added without removing the siding?
Yes! We have developed a system to add vents without having
to remove the siding while maintaining a water tight
installation.
- Where should gable vents be placed?
They should be placed as high as possible in the gable end.
The closer the vents are to the peak of the gable the more
efficient they become.
- Can I order vents that are for decoration only?
Yes! We can manufacture any of our products
non-functional/faux to be use as decorative only vents.
- Can I order custom vents?
Yes! We can manufacture any size/shape vent. You can call us
toll free or you can send us an email with your request. Contact
Us
- What are your vents made out of ?
Our vents are aluminum with a baked enamel finish.
- Do you have submittal information you could send me?
Yes! We can provide cut sheets, drawings and specs for any
standard or custom vent for approval.
- Can I have vents shipped to Canada?
Yes! We ship to Canada every week.
- We have ordered from you in the past. Would you have a
record of my order?
Yes. We can look up previous orders by order name, order
number or invoice number.
- Can I pick up my order to save on the shipping costs?
Yes! We offer local pick up for all orders.
- What is your return policy?
Return Policy:
As
all our products are made to order, we generally are not
able to take returns once a purchase has been completed.
Any exceptions to this policy are made solely at our
discretion and are handled on a case-by-case basis. We
encourage you to carefully review your order before
completing your purchase.
Thank
you for your understanding and support!
Unique Vents
Sunburst vents can be manufactured in any color combination and
can be functional (venting) or non-functional (decorative).
Our exclusive American
Flag Gable Vent is available in 2 sizes! |
Triangle vent with optional spokes. Adding spokes can
completely change the look of the vent. |
Hinged with French doors. More Hinged
Gable Vent examples.
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Custom cuts- Sometimes a vent will butt up to a chimney. Or say
a beam/pipe protrudes out from the gable, maybe you even have
two gables that intersect. Whatever the situation we at American
Louver And Vent Co. will help you design and fabricate any shape
or notch to fit your venting area.
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(855) 468-8368 Mon-Fri
8am-5pm Mountain Time 
