Your roof’s main function is to keep your family and home safe and dry. But did you know your roof has another important job? It must also help improve your attic ventilation.
The two main reasons to ventilate your attic are:
- Circulate air to remove moisture from the attic space. Moisture in your attic can cause leaks, and can also damage the wood framing of your roof structure with dampness and mold
- Cool the air in the attic. In the summer you will want to make sure the hot air is exhausted out to help keep your house cooler and energy bill down. In the winter, you also want to remove warm attic air to prevent snow melt during the day only to freeze again at night which is a common cause of ice dams and roof leaks.
Types of roof and attic ventilation
Intake Vents
- Intake vents bring the cool air in from the low points of the roof. Many homes have soffit vents and/or side-wall gable vents to accomplish air intake.
Roof Exhaust Vents
- Ridge vents – our favorite type of roof exhaust vent is a ridge vent. These vents are at the apex of the roof ensuring all the hot air from your attic has a chance to escape. And, these low-profile vents blend in terrifically to your roof without the need for additional box-vent protrusions.
- Box vents – these come in either “turtle” style or “slant-back” style, but both perform the same function. They release the warm, damp air by being placed near the ridge of the roof. Box vents do the job and are the most budget-friendly ventilation option.
- Turbine vents – while there are powered turbine vents, most also use natural convection to accelerate the turbine and move more warm air out of the attic.
- Power vents – while both above ridge vents and box vents effectively use natural convection to exhaust your attic, there are also power vent options that force the air circulation. Because they run continuously, the motors must be replaced frequently. But while they are operational, they are very effective vents.
Have questions about your attic’s ventilation? Call our office to have a project manager inspect and provide their expert opinion.
