Why a Roof Needs Ventilation and How It Works
- Rebecca Garza
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Your house is feeling a bit toasty, and you wonder if you have sufficient roofing ventilation.
Probably not. The lack of temperature control is one of the many warning signs of improper ventilation. You’ll want to contact a roofer for an inspection.
All homeowners need a working ventilation system to protect their homes during the hot and cold seasons.
The Importance of Ventilation in Your Home
When your roof overheats or condensation accumulates, the residents of your home may have health risks. Proper ventilation reduces these occurrences. However, when your home can’t control temperature and moisture, you’ll notice higher energy bills, mold growth, and damage to your siding, gutter, and shingles.
What Does Ventilation Do?
Roof vents allow air to flow through the attic and escape through them, simultaneously clearing wet and hot air. The types of vents include:
Wind turbines rely on a constant source of wind
Box vents that are installed in a hole cut out of the roof
Soffit vents that are installed into the eaves
Ridge vents are installed along the entire ridge. They work well with soffits.
Roof vent caps that draw cool air in without a fan
Power vents, which do require a fan
You need a professional roofer to build a ventilation system customized for your home.
The rule is to install one vent for every 300 square feet. If you don’t have a water barrier, install one per every 150 square feet.
How Roof Ventilation Works
Ventilation works by implementing the stack effect and the wind effect, which rely on exhaust (hot air) and intake (cold air).
The stack effect happens when exhaust rises in the attic, causing high pressure at the high points of the roof. In addition, when the wind hits the roof, the wind effect increases the intake and exhaust. Therefore, hot and cold air is essential for natural circulation.
It takes a professional to create a proper ventilation system that guards your individual home. So don’t wait; call Town Corners Exteriors for a FREE inspection before the cold arrives!
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