Your roof may be in great shape. But if you don’t have the right attic ventilation, it might not stay that way. As roofers, we can confirm that far too many homes don’t have adequate roof ventilation. Unfortunately, ventilation is something many contractors overlook. But it can cause problems if it’s not up to industry standards. A cool attic helps avoid condensation, which can damage your roof. If you have signs of a hot attic, have your roofing contractor check your ventilation system to protect the lifespan of your roof and create a more comfortable environment inside your home.
Why Is Roof Ventilation Important?
Good ventilation helps extend the lifespan of your roof. It also keeps you more comfortable inside your home by regulating temperatures. A well-installed ventilation system:
- Protects your roof from ice dams. When the heat from your attic melts snow on your roof, the water refreezes, causing ice build-up at the roof’s edge. Ice dams can damage both your shingles, gutters and the wood decking below. Adequate ventilation prevents the thaw-and-freeze cycle.
- Keeps excessive heat from damaging your shingles in summer by keeping your attic cooler year-round.
- Prevents condensation, mold, and rot that can damage your roof.
- Reduces energy costs by keeping your attic–and your entire home–cooler.
- Keeps your home more comfortable and avoids extreme temperature differences between upstairs and downstairs living spaces.
How Do Roof Vents Work?
The primary goal of roof vents is to keep air circulating in your attic, so it doesn’t get too hot. This means pushing hot air out and inviting cool air in. A solid ventilation system uses both exhaust vents to let the air out and intake vents to bring air in. The Federal Housing Administration recommends one square foot of attic ventilation (intake or exhaust) for every 300 square feet of attic space.
- Exhaust vents allow air to escape from your attic to cool your roof. Ridge vents are the most common type of exhaust vent. We install them at the peak of your roof and use an airflow baffle to help the wind suck hot air out of your attic. We put the ridge vents under a layer of shingles so they’re not an eyesore. Other exhaust vent options include roof louvers (a vent with horizontal slats), gable vents on the outside wall at the gable end of your house) and turbine vents that use wind power to pull hot air out of your attic. If natural airflow isn’t sufficient in your location, we can install a power attic ventilator: a solar or electric-powered fan to help air move through your attic.
- Intake vents bring cool air into the attic and force warm air out of the exhaust vents. We install them at the eaves under the soffit or at the roof’s edge.
How Can My Roofing Contractor Help With Ventilation?
If you’re installing a new roof, it’s the ideal time to upgrade your ventilation system. Your contractor can incorporate new vents into the project to help protect your roof for years to come. Even if your roof is in good shape, it’s best to get an inspection for your ventilation system, especially if you have signs of a hot attic. If you have high heating and cooling bills or ice dams in winter, it’s time to have a professional take a look. At DryHome Roofing and Siding, our experienced team has decades of experience in upgrading ventilation systems designed with energy efficiency and structural integrity in mind. We’ll come up with the best solutions based on your home design, the condition of your roof, and your location. Call us today for an inspection.
