Proper Ventilation Allows Your Roof To Breathe
One of the key ingredients to a happy healthy roof is ventilation. There is a systematic approach to roofing that applies to every roof regardless of its size or shape. With proper ventilation your roof will be more durable with a lesser need for repairs or maintenance. Failure to adequately ventilate your roof, however, can lead to damage throughout your entire home interior and cost you hundreds of dollars.
What Is Ventilation?
Ventilation is the process of allowing air to flow through your attic freely. In contractor terms, that means air intake vs. air exhaust.
There are several variables at play in determining the type of ventilation your home needs and the extent:
• Construction of the Home
• Attic size and dimension
• Where the insulation is placed (in which case the attic may be sealed)
• Climate conditions (particularly in snowy or icy areas)
• Local and State Codes
• The Type of roof you have
There are several variables at play in determining the type of ventilation your home needs and the extent:
• Construction of the Home
• Attic size and dimension
• Where the insulation is placed (in which case the attic may be sealed)
• Climate conditions (particularly in snowy or icy areas)
• Local and State Codes
• The Type of roof you have
Why Is It Important To Ventilate Your Roof
There are all sorts of problems that can arise when from improper roof ventilation. Keep in mind that these issues can be caused by allowing too much air into your roof as well as not enough.
High Utility Bills
When hot air accumulates in your attic it creates a warmer environment throughout every room in your house. This prohibits air conditioner from operating efficiently, as it has to work harder to cool the interior. The result is increased energy bills each month.
Moisture Buildup
– Humidity is also a major factor in poor ventilation. Humidity creates moisture that leads to condensation and water leakage. Water damage will occur on your ceiling and around you walls as well as lead to wood rot.
Mold, Algae, and Lichens
Where there’s moisture, there’s sure to be mold. Most homeowners are unaware of mold growth inside the walls and in the attic area until it eventually makes its way through the drywall or baseboards.
Poor Roof Condition – When you combine all the above problems, it won’t be long before the inside (and eventually the outside) of your roof succumbs to the poor conditions. You’ll wind up with repair and maintenance costs a lot sooner than expected.
Calculating The Amount of Ventilation Your Roof Needs
Contractors regulate ventilation by creating a balance between air intake and air exhaust. The air intake areas are around the eaves, soffits, and fascias. The air exhaust consists of the ridge area.
The U.S. Federal Housing Authority recommends a minimum of at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic floor space. The 1/300 rule is a general rule and does not apply to all situations. Some local codes have stricter regulations. Make sure you understand the codes for your area.
The U.S. Federal Housing Authority recommends a minimum of at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic floor space. The 1/300 rule is a general rule and does not apply to all situations. Some local codes have stricter regulations. Make sure you understand the codes for your area.
Types of Vents
The type of roof you have and the size of your home will help you decide what type vents are appropriate. Below are four basic types of ventilation systems:
Box Vents - Box vents are stationary and have no moving parts. The vent is implemented over a hole cut out of the roof. They create an opening for the rising hot air and moisture to escape through. Box Vents work best when installed near the roof ridge. This allows heat and moisture to escape. Due to their limited effectiveness, multiple box vents may need to be installed.
Wind Turbine - This type of vent has moving parts. They rely on the wind to operate. Wind-driven turbine vents move air when the wind is blowing. Installing turbine vents that contain plastic bushings or permanently lubricated ball bearings in the spinning mechanism. The spinning action draws hot air and moisture up out of the attic.
Power Vents - Power ventilators have motors that turn large fans to drive hot air and humidity out of the attic. Some come equipped with thermostats that trigger the fan to kick on when the attic reaches a certain temperature. Power ventilators require electricity to operate and are hard-wired into the house. Some models have built-in solar panels to power the unit.
Ridge Vents - Ridge vents are a static vent system. A ridge vent typically runs the entire length of the roof. Ridge vents combined with a soffit creates the most efficient ventilation system you can install. Ridge vents provide even distribution of temperature and give the roof longer life.
Box Vents - Box vents are stationary and have no moving parts. The vent is implemented over a hole cut out of the roof. They create an opening for the rising hot air and moisture to escape through. Box Vents work best when installed near the roof ridge. This allows heat and moisture to escape. Due to their limited effectiveness, multiple box vents may need to be installed.
Wind Turbine - This type of vent has moving parts. They rely on the wind to operate. Wind-driven turbine vents move air when the wind is blowing. Installing turbine vents that contain plastic bushings or permanently lubricated ball bearings in the spinning mechanism. The spinning action draws hot air and moisture up out of the attic.
Power Vents - Power ventilators have motors that turn large fans to drive hot air and humidity out of the attic. Some come equipped with thermostats that trigger the fan to kick on when the attic reaches a certain temperature. Power ventilators require electricity to operate and are hard-wired into the house. Some models have built-in solar panels to power the unit.
Ridge Vents - Ridge vents are a static vent system. A ridge vent typically runs the entire length of the roof. Ridge vents combined with a soffit creates the most efficient ventilation system you can install. Ridge vents provide even distribution of temperature and give the roof longer life.