Roofing ventilation can be very confusing for homeowners to understand and deal with. However, it’s a crucial aspect of any robust roofing system!
Your roof’s ventilation circulates the air flow to reduce moisture levels and keep the air in your home and attic fresh. Yet, more than 90% of homes in the U.S. have unreasonably high moisture levels – not only can proper roofing ventilation be a roof saver, but it can also be a lifesaver!
Read on to learn more about how roofing ventilation works, how to ensure proper ventilation of your roof system, and more.
How Do Roofing Vents Work?
No matter the type of roofing vents, the main purpose is to allow air to flow into the attic to keep it from causing moisture and overheating. When venting a roof, a contractor must consider regional climate, code requirements, and roof and ceiling designs.
Ventilation that is not installed properly can cause major problems, posing serious health risks and property damage. Some of the main problems that can occur include higher energy costs, ice dams, and mold growth. With proper roof ventilation, you can avoid unexpected costs later down the line!
Benefits of Proper Roof Ventilation
For most homes, the roof acts as the biggest element of protection against the elements. Ensuring proper ventilation for your roof can be extremely beneficial for a number of reasons. Let’s look at a few of the most common benefits of properly ventilating your roof.
Extend the Life of Your Roof
Without adequate ventilation, you can actually reduce the lifespan of your roof! A non-ventilated roof can be the cause of condensation and extreme heat, which can damage the underlayment, rafters, and wood. When you properly ventilate your roof, you help air and condensation to escape, extending the life of your roofing system.
Reduce Energy Costs
Proper roof ventilation allows heat to escape, reducing your home’s cooling costs and boosting overall energy efficiency. When temperatures outside begin rising, so does the temperature in your home. If your home has improper ventilation, heat can stay trapped inside your attic. As a result, your air conditioner may have to work harder than necessary to keep your home cool!
Prevent Ice Damming in the Winter
If you live in an environment where ice and snow are common in the winter, having proper roofing ventilation can minimize the risk of ice damming.
Ice dams are the result of warm air reaching the roof deck, which melts the snow on your roof. When the snow melts, it runs down your roof and freezes again atop the overhangs on your home, forming what are called ice dams.
With the right ventilation, you get two methods to prevent harmful ice dams:
- Ventilation directs warm air from your indoor living space to the peak of your roof before it moves outdoors.
- Ventilation maintains the attic temperature close to the ambient temperature to prevent the snow from melting.
Prevent Condensation, Mold, and Rot
One of the biggest benefits of proper roofing ventilation is to prevent condensation, which can lead to mold and rot within your home. Whenever you shower, bathe, do laundry, or cook, you produce warm and damp air in your home’s interior space. That moisture eventually travels upward into your ceilings, landing in your attic. If it continues to reach the underside of your roof, its combination with a cool surface will cause condensation.
Proper attic ventilation can keep your roof and attic space dry to prevent mold growth and other destructive rotting!
Common Types of Roof Vents
One of the key things to note about roof vents is that, typically, no one type of roof vent is better than the next. Every home is designed differently, and it is important to be aware that certain vents will work better in certain climates.
A professional contractor knows which roof vents are suited to which type of home. Let’s look at a few of the different types of roof vents available.
Ridge Vents (for Exhaust)
Ridge vents are common types of roof exhaust vents that are installed along the entire horizontal ridge of a roof. Ridge vents create a more pleasing aesthetic, allowing the ventilation to blend into the natural look of the roof.
Ridge vents work by distributing cold and hot air instead of creating cold and hot sections. With proper temperature distribution, you can prolong your roof’s lifespan!
Box Vents
Box vents, sometimes referred to as Louvers, are types of vents installed in holes that are cut out of the roof. When properly installed near the roof‘s ridge, box vents provide room for moisture to escape and hot air to rise.
Roof Turbines (Whirlybird)
Roof turbines, otherwise known as wind turbines, rely on constant sources of wind. Roof turbines are a wonderful option when the wind is blowing. However, if you don’t live in a climate with much wind, these turbines might not be the best type of ventilation for your home.
Soffit Vents (for Intake)
Soffit vents are types of attic vents that allow for intake. We install these intake vents into the eaves for proper ventilation, allowing cool air to enter and exit near the peak. Contact PRQ today for a free roofing vent estimate and consultation!
PRQ Exteriors is a Top-Rated Roofer in Colorado
PRQ Exteriors offers so much more than your standard roofing contractor. We ensure long-lasting results for each client, going the extra mile with every job!
We are highly invested in our surrounding community, which is why many Colorado homeowners highly recommend us to their families and friends. The professional roofers with PRQ want to help you optimize your roof with a long-lasting, low-maintenance roofing ventilation system.
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If you are ready to schedule a professional inspection of your current roofing system and receive a free roofing estimate, there is no better time than now to get in contact with our team of experts here at PRQ.
Reach out to our team today!
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