For many Texans, roofing ventilation is not just a want, it’s a necessity. Thankfully, your roof may already have one or more kinds of ventilation. Even if your roof is ventilated, it may not be the right amount of ventilation, or it may not be the right type.
A Huf Construction, we understand the importance of ventilation for your roof. That’s why we’ve put together this quick overview that covers the purpose of roofing ventilation, how it works, and the different options available. We want to ensure you’re getting the most benefit from your roofing ventilation.
What Is Roofing Ventilation?
Roofing or attic ventilation refers to the vents on your roof that control air circulation within your home. The ventilation can passively or actively create airflow, depending on the kind of ventilation system you have. Generally, hot air rises toward your attic and is released as exhaust through roofing ventilation.
Conversely, cold air enters the same way, creating a natural form of circulation. This process encourages proper airflow throughout your home. While there are some forms of mechanical or electrically assisted ventilation, you might find that natural ventilation is sufficient depending on your specific airflow needs and the size of your home.
Of course, for roofing ventilation to work effectively, you’ll likely need one square foot of roof vent (both intake and exhaust) for every 300 square feet of attic or ceiling space. This ratio varies depending on several factors, like if your roof has a vapor barrier or not. At HUF Construction, our roofing specialists can help you determine the appropriate ratio of vents to ceiling space.
What Are the Benefits of Roofing Ventilation?
Like insulation, attic ventilation reduces extreme temperature fluctuations. For people in warmer or more turbulent climates like Texas, good roof ventilation is a must. Here are a few of the top benefits of roofing ventilation for your home.
Save Energy and Money
By controlling the temperature in your home, roof ventilation relieves air conditioning units from the burden of working overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature for you in your home. While it may not seem like much, ventilation makes your home much more energy efficient. When properly installed and maintained, ventilation can significantly decrease your energy bills.
Reduce Risk of Damage
When it snows, ice collects and builds up on roofs. If the attic or roof temperature is too warm, the ice will melt, slide down, and refreeze, creating ice dams. Over time, water, ice, and snow can collect behind the dam and slowly seep into the slats, causing ceiling drips. You can prevent ice dams with good roof ventilation, which stops the attic or roof from becoming too warm in the winter.
Encourage Proper Air Flow
When moisture gets trapped in a room, you might notice the growth of mildew and mold, which can represent health hazards to you and your loved ones. Thankfully, proper roofing ventilation allows moisture to escape, preventing the growth of mold and mildew. By encouraging proper airflow, your roofing ventilation allows your home to breathe, which replaces the stale air and contributes to better indoor air quality.
Types of Roofing Ventilation
If you’re searching for roofing ventilation options, our roofing specialists can help you determine which types will work best in your situation. Here are the most common kinds of roofing ventilation at a glance.
- Soffit (a.k.a Eave) vents can be found on the underside of your roof, usually where the overhang of your roof meets the sides of your house. These vents usually take in fresh cool air from the lowest point of your roof and allow air to move to the top roof vents once it’s ready to exit.
- Wind turbines are very common and are often the most recognizable form of roof ventilation. Their bulbous form whirls and spins to propel hot air and moisture out of the attic.
- Cupola vents are more often used for their decorative appeal, but they can be a great aesthetic addition to a roof.
- Power vents are a mechanical ventilation alternative that uses motors to fan air out. For those who want instant and consistent results, power vents can come equipped with thermostats programmed to turn the vents on when it gets too hot inside.
- Box vents are natural forms of ventilation that allow hot air to escape. Since they are much more passive when it comes to circulation, you might need more box vents for sufficient ventilation.
- Ridge vents are the strips of ventilation at the peak of your roof. They mainly act as exhaust ventilation. Your home may already have ridge vents built in.
Roofing with HUF Construction
Proper ventilation is incredibly important for protecting your home and avoiding costly repairs in the future. Get your roof done right the first time, by calling our roofing specialists at HUF Construction. With more than 8,000 finished roofing projects under our belt, we’re experts you need to help you with your roofing ventilation questions. We’ll get the job done right the first time. Call today to learn more.