Hat, Monitor, Onion or Apex? Choosing the Right Ridgevent for Your Project
Ventilation is one of the most overlooked yet critical components of industrial and commercial roofing. Poor airflow can lead to heat accumulation, humidity, and discomfort — all of which can affect productivity, safety, and equipment life.
That’s why choosing the right type of ridgevent is more than just a design decision — it’s a functional strategy.
At Geometric Steels, we manufacture a specialized range of passive ventilation systems under the Airflow Ridgevent brand, each suited for different building types, ventilation needs, and architectural preferences. In this guide, we’ll walk you through our four primary ridgevent types and help you decide which one best suits your next roofing project.
What Do Ridgevents Do?
All Airflow Ridgevents are installed along the ridge line of a sloped roof. Their purpose is to release trapped hot air that accumulates at the ceiling level due to machinery, sunlight, or occupancy. These vents work on the principle of natural convection and wind-driven ventilation, requiring no electricity or mechanical assistance.
When paired with METAhybrid® thermal insulated roofing sheets, the ventilation system becomes even more efficient — insulation blocks heat from entering, while ridgevents ensure that any internal heat or humidity is constantly expelled.
Understanding the Four Ridgevent Types
🟦 Hat Top Ridgevent – Compact, Efficient, and Widely Used
The Hat Top Ridgevent is one of the most popular and practical solutions for medium to large industrial roofs. Its design features a raised cap or “hat” mounted along the ridge, with vent slots that allow hot air to escape while preventing rain and debris from entering.
Ideal Applications:- Warehouses
- Fabrication units
- Indoor sports facilities
- Garment factories and workshops
Hat Top Ridgevents strike a strong balance between function and simplicity. They are easy to fabricate, pre-assembled for installation, and integrate well with both insulated and non-insulated roofs.
🟨 Monitor Type Ridgevent – High Volume, High Efficiency
Shaped like a mini gabled roof with louvers on both sides, the Monitor Type Ridgevent enables high-volume exhaust and cross-flow ventilation, even in low-wind areas.
Ideal Applications:- Large-scale industrial plants
- Automotive assembly units
- Storage facilities with heat or moisture
For wide-span buildings with large internal heat output, this ridgevent offers robust airflow and doesn’t require full-length installation along the ridge.
🟪 Onion Type Ridgevent – Designed for Intense Heat Zones
The Onion Type Ridgevent features a dome-shaped profile that accelerates natural updraft. It is purpose-built for high-temperature zones.
Ideal Applications:- Foundries and forging plants
- Boiler houses and power stations
- Paint shops and chemical plants
Engineered for intense thermal loads, this model ensures fast evacuation of hot air and fumes, improving safety and comfort.
🔺 Apex Ridgevent – Modular, On-Site Assembled, Built for Scale
The Apex Ridgevent is a modular unit assembled on-site to fit long-span industrial roofs. It combines high airflow with a neat, streamlined profile.
Ideal Applications:- Textile and manufacturing units
- Industrial sheds
- Large warehouses
Apex Ridgevents are customizable in length, throat width, and profile. Their low-profile design ensures a continuous vent line with minimal visual impact.
📊 Summary Table: Ridgevent Options at a Glance
| Ridgevent Type | Best Used In | Venting Capacity | Aesthetic Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hat Top | Warehouses, sports buildings | Medium | Minimal |
| Monitor | Wide-span factories | High | Visible |
| Onion | Heat-intensive plants | Very High | Prominent |
| Apex | Long-span sheds | High | Streamlined |
🛠️ Customization: Throat Size, Material & Fitment
Every ridgevent is fabricated to match your roof’s pitch and sheet profile. Options include:
- Throat width based on area & airflow requirement
- Galvalume or colour-coated steel
- Integrated bird mesh and rain protection
- Pre-assembled or on-site modular fitment
All ridgevent models are compatible with METAhybrid® thermal insulated roofing sheets for enhanced energy efficiency.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Ventilation Should Be a Planned Element
From compact workshops to expansive plants, choosing the right ridgevent directly impacts thermal comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency. Our ventilation experts will guide you based on span, roof type, and building use.
📞 Need Help Choosing the Right Ridgevent?
Send us your building plan, span, and structure type — and we’ll suggest the best-suited ridgevent configuration.
📧 roof@geometricsteels.com
📞 +91 8550995556
🌐 airflowridgevent.com
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