| By: Alyssa Davis |
Why Ventilate?
Many homes have ventilation build right in. Whether it is raised box vents that have been cut out in the roof's surface, an attic fan, or ventilation strips along the edge of the roof, a large percentage of roofs have ventilation already. By allowing regulated air flow, it helps cool the underside of the shingles, which prevents them from baking in the summer heat. In the winter, ventilation helps cut down on the moisture build-up which helps with the life of the shingles, as well as, the interior of the attic. Ventilation helps maintain a proper balance of fresh air.
How to Ventilate?
Ventilating a roof can be done a variety of ways. The easiest way is to install a ventilation box or attic fan. This creates an instant escape for extra moisture and keeps heat from building up in the attic space. Roof ventilation boxes or fans can be purchased at most large home improvement stores and some come with detailed installation instructions. If you feel confident climbing on your roof, and have electrical experience, installing a ventilation fan can be a job for a do-it-yourself homeowner. If you have no electrical experience or do not feel comfortable being on your roof, hire a contractor who can install a fan for you. Ventilation boxes are a bit easier, as they do not require electrical skill, but their installation still requires going up onto the roof. Vent boxes are installed by cutting a hole in the attic ceiling, through the shingles and placing the square drop box down flush against the opening. Heavy-duty caulking is used to seal the seams.
Where to Vent?
When trying to decide where to vent your roof, choose a location that is away from significant water drainage areas. This will help keep water from flowing into the attic space. Even though most vents have barriers to help keep water out, it is best to avoid as much moisture as possible. It is also important to make sure that you have the proper amount of ventilation for the attic space. Most manufacturers, especially those of ceiling fans, will have recommendations for the area that their product can cool or ventilate. Use their guidelines to help determine if you will need to install more than one fan or vent to ensure proper ventilation. It is also important to provide vents in the soffit overhang area just below the roof so that the hot air can circulate up and out through the roofing vents. Soffit material is designed with perforated vent holes for this purpose. Lack of venting in the soffit area can result in mildew damage, leaking and premature aging of your roofing shingles, which is seen in cracking, buckling or warped shingles at the base of the roof.
Did you find what you were looking for? Check out these other articles for more roofing information:
Proper attic ventilation consists of exhaust vents and intake vents. Article: Ventilation Failure... Black Mold.
Say 'Yes' To Ventilation For Cathedral Ceiling! Roof vents or a power fan would not be recommended for a cathedral ceiling home.
Poor roof ventilation leads to easily damaged roofs. Learn about the important aspects of roof ventilation.
Insulating the underside of your roof is just as important as providing a good, solid exterior roofing material. Unlike the days of old, there are now many more insulation options available.
Ridge vents are the metal capping that sits across the roof line that allows hot air from your attic to escape, allowing cooler air from outside to be sucked back into the attic by the intake vents.
Immediate Response!
