LePage and Sons Roofing LLC

Roofing ventilation is crucial to the health of your roof system. It can contribute to the performance of your roof and ensure that the roofing material can last through its expected life span. Roofing ventilation basically enables continuous air flow throughout your attic space, preventing moisture and overheated air from damaging your attic and roof system. That said, inadequate or improper roofing ventilation can lead to several roofing issues and even costly repairs.

This is the reason why trustworthy roofing contractors are very particular when designing a roof ventilation system during a roof replacement project. And as a homeowner, you should also aim to have a good understanding of roofing ventilation since this can help you maintain the system and ensure its long-term effectiveness.

In this post, LePage and Sons Roofing LLC shares more information about roofing ventilation, including its process, benefits and maintenance.

Roofing Ventilation: The Process

Roofing ventilation systems ensure a cyclical process of letting warm, stale air escape your attic as fresh air enters the space. This promotes continuous airflow throughout the area so that the impact of fluctuating temperatures and moisture conditions inside and outside your home can be reduced. To ensure the effectiveness of your roofing ventilation, it is essential for the system to be correctly designed and installed — meaning, there should be plenty of air space under the roof and eaves to allow for proper airflow. It’s also important for the roofing ventilation system to balance the intake and exhaust ventilation under your roof. This will create a slight pressure in your attic, which will then prevent conditioned air from escaping through the vents at a rapid rate.

Importance of Roofing Ventilation

Your roofing ventilation is responsible for keeping your attic cool during warm months and dry during the wet or cold seasons. Since it stimulates proper airflow, you can avoid warm, moist or stale air inside your home. Roofing ventilation is also especially important during the winter season since the weather during this time of the year usually creates conditions wherein warm air gets trapped in the attic space, causing snow to melt quickly on your roof and then refreeze. Such circumstances often lead to ice dams, which can potentially damage your roof shingles and gutters. So in order to avoid unfortunate scenarios that would require an emergency roof repair, it’s really best to invest in proper roofing ventilation.

Types of Roof Vents

A roof ventilation system uses different types of vents. The most commonly installed ones are ridge vents, static vents and gable vents.

• Ridge vents – These vents are installed along the peak of the roof. They are designed to provide an external baffle, promoting an increased airflow and uniform ventilation throughout the attic space.
• Static vents – They usually have horizontal openings, and they are basically vent-covered holes in the roof that allow air to move freely.
• Gable vents – These are typically inserted in the ends of the attic and used together with other vent types.
• Soffit vents – They are installed like solid soffits, but they actually have perforations in their design. They can be fitted between the rafter tails or in a continuous design.
• Baffles – These are fitted between the rafters. Their main function is to keep fresh air flowing into the attic without interference from the insulation.

Maintenance Tips for Roof Ventilation System

Maintaining your roof ventilation system shouldn’t be so hard. Just make sure it is included in your annual roof inspection so that your roofer can assess the current condition of the vents. Generally, experts will look for signs of weather damage such as cracks, loose vents, and broken or missing tiles around the vents. They will also have to check for any blockage in the vent since leaves and other debris could get into the vents and potentially accumulate over time.

Apart from the vents and the area surrounding them, you should also have the attic or roof deck checked for moisture damage. Make sure to have your attic insulation inspected as well. It should be in good shape and properly placed so that you can rest assured that your home is well-insulated against outdoor temperature changes.

More Information: Insulation and Attic Ventilation

Other parts of your home could impact the efficiency of your roofing ventilation system. That’s why you should also pay close attention to these other building components. Any problems in your insulation and attic ventilation, for example, could spread into your roofing system and render the roofing ventilation ineffective.

To give you a better idea about how these components work alongside your roofing ventilation, below are some more information:

• Insulation can prevent the unnecessary venting of heated and cooled air. This means that conditioned air will remain in your indoor living spaces where it should be and allow the ventilation system to circulate only the attic air while making sure it is also vented along with excess moisture and heat.
• Your HVAC system should be correctly installed and properly functioning. Furthermore, any ducts that run through your attic should be sealed, and they should not cause the attic insulation to be compressed. If you are using bath fans, ensure that these are not venting into your attic or within three feet of vented soffits.
• All protrusions into your attic must be sealed so as to stop unwanted airflow, heat and moisture from penetrating your attic space. You might want to consider hiring a professional to evaluate your attic design and identify any protrusions that could potentially affect your roofing ventilation.

LePage and Sons Roofing LLC is a trusted roofing company with over 15 years of experience. We cater to residential and commercial clients, so you can count on us regardless of the size of your project. We are also a reputable solar roofing contractor. So if you are interested in getting this type of roof for your home, rest assured that we have the expertise to help you. Call us at (508) 295-6483 or fill out our contact form to request a consultation.