Attic ventilation is an incredibly important part of your roofing system. Most people don’t give it a second thought, but poor attic ventilation can result in voided warranties, damaged shingles, and a leaky roof.
The Importance of Ventilation
Ventilation keeps the bottom of the roof deck cool throughout the year. It prevents attic temperatures from rising too high in the summer, baking the shingles and causing them to blister and break. It also prevents heat from rising to the roof deck in the winter and creating ice dams. Experienced roofers will check the attic ventilation during every roofing project.
Intake Vents
Placed on the lowest edge of the roof, these vents provide the attic with fresh air. Homes with wide soffits can use either continuous soffits vents or undereave vents — either one will allow air to enter the attic. These vents should never be covered with insulation. Homes with inadequate soffit areas can use a vented drip edge along the roof’s edge.
Exhaust Vents
Placed at the highest points on the roof, these vents pull the fresh air along the roof deck as it leaves the attic. Options include static vents, ridge vents, or power vents. Homeowners must choose one they prefer, as combining more than one type of exhaust vent disrupts the air flow and causes problems.
Ridge vents are cut into the top ridge of the home. Ideal for basic roofs with a long ridge area, they blend in with the house nicely. However, they will not work on homes with hip roofs or multiple roof planes where the top peaks are short.
Static vents are the traditional choice. Simple square boxes that sit near the peak of the roof, they will stand out. While they are not the top choice of roofers today, they may be the best option for some roofs.
Gable vents are decorative vents found near the peak of the roof. These should be closed off if any other type of exhaust vent will be in use.
Power vents use electricity to force the air in the attic to move. Many homeowners have avoided them in the past due to the extra cost associated with running them. However, the advent of solar-powered vents makes them an excellent choice for modern homeowners in Oklahoma City.
Proper attic ventilation is a major component of the roofing system. Robbins Roofing, Inc. is happy to inspect your home and suggest changes to your attic ventilation. It’s also a standard part of every roof renovation. Visit us on Facebook or Twitter today to learn more about attic ventilation and how it impacts your roof.
