Can gable vents be used simultaneously with soffit and ridge vent?

Question

I recently had a new roof installed. I also had a ridge and soffit vents installed. The attic has been ventilated with gable vents . I have encountered two theorys about the simultaneous venting with ridge and gable vents. Some roofers claim that they negate the functions of each and insist that I block the gable vents to allow the new ridge vent to work properly. Others say they can work fine together and in fact it is a plus to have both kinds. Shall I block the gable vents?
Is there a testing procedure that can be used to check the proper ventilation setup?

Answer 1

Soffit vents are intended to be an inlet for air. It enters at the soffit vents and exits at the ridge or gable vents. This is how the system is suppose to cool the attic.

The more outlet venting (ridge, turbine, gable) you have the better.

Do you have a set of pull down stairs that reach into the attic. If you do, try putting a large garbage back over the cracks in the edges of the stair door when it is closed. If the vents are working well, there should be a suction pulling the bag against the crack.

If the door is air tight, try cracking it open and do the same test.

Answer 2

Well. yes...Air will take the path of least resistance...if the Gable vent are large then yes there will be more air flow from then and up and out of the Ridge vents...leaving a pocket of hot air near your soffit vents....but you still get some air flow from the soffit vents too...I hope this helps...One thing that you could do is to install a termostat controled fan in the attic...it is installed on one of the gable vents and when the atic reaches a certain temp it turns on and creates a lot more air movement that helps cool the attic...If you have anymore question you can contact me at [e-mail]

Answer 3

No, the more ventilation the better. My husband, a builder, has said that we've become smarter over the years, by including more ventilation, for a variety of reasons.