Turbine Vent
A wind-powered rotary exhaust vent installed on the roof that uses wind energy to spin internal vanes, actively pulling hot air and moisture from the attic. Also called a whirlybird vent.
What Is a Turbine Vent
A turbine vent is a wind-powered rotary exhaust vent installed on the roof that spins when wind passes across its external vanes, creating a vacuum that actively draws hot, moist air out of the attic space. Unlike static box vents that rely solely on convection, turbine vents provide active exhaust whenever wind is present. A single 12-inch turbine vent can move significantly more air per hour than a comparably sized static vent on a windy day.
Common Damage to Turbine Vents
Hail impacts dent the vanes and lock the bearing, stopping the turbine from spinning. High winds can bend the vent off its base or break the mounting flange. Even if the turbine is still spinning, dented vanes reduce efficiency and create noise. During a storm damage inspection, test each turbine by spinning it by hand. A properly functioning turbine spins freely and silently. Resistance, wobble, or grinding indicates damaged bearings or bent components.
Turbine Vents in Estimates
Turbine vents are priced per unit in Xactimate. The line item includes the vent itself, the base flashing, and installation labor. When replacing turbine vents during a re-roof, the new installation must be properly flashed and integrated with the new shingle field. If the homeowner wants to convert from turbine vents to a ridge vent system, the insurance covers the turbine vent replacement at like kind and quality, and the homeowner pays any upgrade difference.
Frequently asked questions
Wind blows across the turbine's external vanes, causing them to spin. The spinning motion creates a vacuum effect that actively draws air from the attic through the vent opening. A single 12-inch turbine vent can exhaust more air than a standard box vent, especially on windy days.
Yes, when damaged by a covered peril. Hail and wind can dent the vanes, jam the bearing, or knock the turbine off its base. Replacement is priced per unit in Xactimate, including removal and new installation with proper flashing.
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