DerbyDad03 wrote:

The discussion isn't about box vents vs. soffit vents, it's about
box vents vs. a ridge vent.

If you ask me, box vents are more fussy to install (and shingle around)
vs ridge vents, and they don't give you as much ventilation area as you
think. In your case, the box vents you're being quoted for actually
have a circular opening of about 8" diameter (on the bottom) and the
perforated area on the outer side may not add up to a whole lot of
actual ventilation area.

http://www.lomanco.com/index.php/ven...tic-roof-vents

Your vents have a specified ventilation opening or area of 50 square
inches. Every running foot of ridge venting will give you between about
24 quare inches ventilation (about an inch worth on two sides) and be
faster to install - but I don't know about the cost of ridge venting.

Your aluminum Lorenco vents come in a box of 6, and can be had for as
little as $20 for a box if this ebay vendor is any example:

http://www.ebay .com/itm/140627349384

Bottom line is that a ridge vent is very easy to install, and gives more
ventilation capability and more even ventilation than box vents.

However, be aware of this:

Summer is notorious for having hot days WITH LITTLE OR NO WIND.

Any passive vent system really needs a good wind to help ventilate your
roof. So you might (or should) consider not having too much passive
venting AND have some power vent fans.

Going with the lightest-colored shingles you can manage is also better
than dark shingles.