Your roof and attic's ventilation system are an
integral part of your home. Knowing how your ventilation system is supposed to
operate and its importance allows you to catch any problems early on before
there are any expensive repairs. Below we explain what a homeowner needs to
know about roof ventilation.
The
Purpose Of Roof Ventilation
Proper ventilation from your attic to your
roof helps reduce any moisture build-up inside your home to prevent leaks, mold
growth, and structural damage. It also reduces moisture built on the outside of
your roof by assisting with roof runoff and melting snow & ice. This will
help extend the life of your roof by preventing problems that can lead to
extensive damage.
Roof vents can also help reduce your energy
costs and lower increased indoor temperatures by allowing the heat to escape so
your air conditioner doesn't have to work double time in the warmer months. It
also helps retain the heat your air conditioner produces in the colder months
to help with your home's energy efficiency.
How
Roof Ventilation Works
Each roofing ventilation works differently
based on code requirements, climate, and roofing materials but there are two
constants: intake vents and exhaust vents.
One type of exhaust vent is called a ridge
vent. Ridge vents do not require electricity to allow air and moisture to escape
from your attic. These vents are typically installed on the ridges of your roof
underneath a top layer of shingles.
Intake vents are located on the edges of your
roof. The intake vents allow cool air into the attic and coordinate with ridge
vents to have warm air forced out, creating a proper roof ventilation system by
allowing air to flow in and out.
How
Many Vents Does Your Roof Need
A professional roofing contractor can give you
a proper estimate on how many vents are necessary for your roof based on the
size of your house. The estimated rule they may use is one vent for every 300
square feet of your home size if you have a vapor barrier in the attic and one
every 150 square feet of your home size if you do not have a vapor barrier.
Some may think that the more roof vents you
have, the better your ventilation will be. However, this is just a myth. Each
house needs a specific amount of vents to provide proper ventilation since too
much or too little can cause additional problems.
To stay vigilant on roof ventilation problems
that could occur as your roof ages, learn more here.
To make sure your roof and attic ventilation
is working as they should, schedule a roof inspection with a qualified roofing
company. Our team at Roof It Forward offers a free video roof inspection to
allow our trained professionals to show you proof of any concerning areas and
go over any necessary repairs. Schedule your consultation with us today.
