Plastic vents are definitely easier to handle solo, but I've seen a fair share of them warp or crack over time—especially in climates with harsh sun exposure. Aluminum might dent, sure, but it tends to hold up better long-term...something to consider if durability matters more than ease of install.
Went with aluminum myself after seeing my neighbor's plastic vents warp badly after just a couple summers. Yeah, aluminum dents if you're clumsy (like me dropping tools...oops), but it's held up solid through some pretty brutal storms and heat waves. Installation wasn't too bad solo either—just took my time and kept some extra screws handy. If durability matters, I'd lean aluminum, but totally get why plastic is tempting for the ease factor.
"Yeah, aluminum dents if you're clumsy (like me dropping tools...oops), but it's held up solid through some pretty brutal storms and heat waves."
I hear you on aluminum's durability, but honestly, I've had plastic ridge vents for about five years now without any warping issues. Maybe your neighbor got unlucky with a cheaper brand? I went with a higher-quality plastic vent specifically rated for UV resistance, and it's been holding up great—even through some nasty hailstorms. Installation was a breeze too, especially since I'm not the handiest person around...just another perspective to consider.
I've gotta admit, I'm still a bit skeptical about plastic vents long-term. My brother-in-law installed some supposedly UV-resistant plastic ridge vents a few years back, and they ended up brittle and cracked after just a couple summers. Maybe he cheaped out or got a bad batch, who knows...but it made me wary. Aluminum might dent, sure, but at least it doesn't crumble apart when you look at it funny. Glad yours are holding up though—maybe quality really does make all the difference.
"Maybe he cheaped out or got a bad batch, who knows...but it made me wary."
Yeah, I totally get that hesitation. Had a similar experience myself—installed some plastic vents on my shed roof a few years back, and they didn't last long either. But then my neighbor went with a higher-end plastic ridge vent (think it was GAF Cobra?), and they're still going strong after several summers. Guess it's one of those things where quality really does matter...or maybe luck, who knows. Either way, you're smart to be cautious.
