If you’re a new homeowner or you’ve owned your home for a long time and are looking to understand roof ventilation better, then read on for some very helpful information.
Roof ventilation shouldn’t be difficult for homeowners to understand, but some roofers and contractors out there don’t make it easy. We’re here to change that.
Roof Ventilation - Red Canyon Roofing
What’s Roof Ventilation?
Roof ventilation is the process by which air can freely flow into the roof and out of the attic vents. This airflow helps to keep humidity low in the attic space and keep the roof from overheating throughout the different seasons of the year. A roof that doesn’t have proper attic ventilation and roof ventilation will overheat and build up moisture causing serious damage to the roof and a potential health risk.
When a roof is properly vented it will last longer, protect your home better, and offer you the most value possible.
Creating a Clean Air Flow
A clean airflow from the fresh air outside your attic, into your attic, and then back out is one of the best things for your home’s roof. There are a few different ways that air can enter the attic, but the best way to know what vents your roof may need or not need is to talk to your local roofing contractor. The climate that your home is located in will determine whether you need different types of vents.
One of the best things about roof ventilation is that after the vents are properly installed, the roof will vent all on its own. You won’t need to perform any maintenance outside of the occasional inspection and ensure that nothing is blocking the vents you have.
Types of Roof Vents
There are many different types of roof vents, and they all serve a slightly different purpose. Here are some of the vents that are commonly associated with residential roofing. Note that not all climates will use the same vents, making some more common than others throughout different areas.
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines are propelled by the wind to either push air out of the roof or suck air into the roof. Either way, a wind turbine will require an almost constant wind to keep it moving and refreshing the air in the attic. If you live in a climate or part of the world that doesn’t commonly see a lot of wind, then this type of vent might not be the right kind for your home.
Box Vents
Box vents are placed in a hole in your roof towards the top. They aren’t large openings, but they do allow hot air that rises to escape and moisture along with. These types of vents are widespread because they’re significantly cheaper than many of the other vents on the market.
Soffit Vents
Installed along the eave of your roof, soffit vents allow cool air to enter and then move towards the top as it’s heated by the sun. These vents are essential to good venting because without them, your home is left only being able to let the air out, and nothing can come in.
Ridge Vents
Ridge vents are used as an exhaust vent for air that comes in throughout the day. These exhaust vents help keep hot air and humidity out of the attic and provide the proper outflow of the air that the soffits bring in.
How to Improve Your Ventilation
Keeping up with your roof shouldn’t be difficult. Sometimes it can seem like it is, but it’s not too hard to keep up with your roof in many cases. As long as you check on it after big storms and ensure that the vents on your roof aren’t blocked, then that’s all you need.
If you don’t feel comfortable walking on your roof, then one of the best things you can do to ensure that your roof is in good condition is to contact a local roofer for an inspection. A roof inspection, when done thoroughly, helps to keep your roof in tip-top shape.
If you already know that your roof is in rough shape or you’re due for a roof replacement. Then reach out to Red Canyon Roofing! We offer full-service residential roofing for the greater Colorado area. Reach out to us today so that we can get started on your next roofing project!