All roofs need to breathe. Proper roofing ventilation can help prolong the life of your roof by regulating the temperature and moisture levels of the structure. With our decades of experience working with both residential and commercial roofs, the experts at Taylor-Made Roofing can ensure that a sufficient amount of air is circulating beneath your roof.
Importance of Roofing Ventilation
In cold weather, roofing ventilation helps the roof maintain its temperature and vent moisture. In hot weather, it helps expel hot air from the attic and roof, reducing the home or building’s cooling load and relieving the strain on air-conditioning systems. In Missouri’s varied climate, a roof’s ventilation must serve both of these functions, depending on the season.
Not only can improper roof ventilation threaten the integrity of your roof, but it can also threaten your home and your family’s health by allowing the growth of mold and mildew. Providing adequate ventilation could extend the life of your roof and prevent frustrating, costly problems.
What might happen to your roof if it were improperly ventilated? The build up of heat and moisture could cause a variety of issues:
- Damage to rafters, sheathing, shingles, and insulation
- Increased energy usage and higher electrical bills
- Mold, mildew, and algae
- Rotting wood
- Ice dams
- Increased temperature on the second floor of your home
- Premature roof aging
When you schedule a roof inspection, we will evaluate your roofing ventilation as well. Identifying and repairing issues with ventilation can help prevent stressful issues and greater expenses later in your roof’s life.
Types of Vents
Vents are either intake vents, exhaust vents, or both. Typically vents are installed at the base of the roof (allowing cool air to enter) and near the top (allowing warm air and moisture to exit). Several different types of vents are available, and the following are some of the most common:
- Ridge Vents: Ridge vents are long vents placed along the entire ridge of the roof, allowing hot air to escape when it rises to the top of the attic. When installed correctly, they’re inconspicuous and very efficient.
- Soffit Vents: Soffit vents are installed on the underside of your home’s eaves (i.e., the soffits) and permit fresh air to enter.
- Gable End Vents: Gable end vents are placed at the top of gables (the parts of the exterior wall enclosing the end of a pitched roof).
- Box Vents: Box vents use natural convection to allow moisture and hot air to escape. They’re most effective when installed near the roof ridge.
- Wind Turbine: Wind turbines rely on the wind for power. When the wind blows, they expel hot, moist air from the home. On windless days, they work similarly to box vents.
- Power Vents: Power vents run on electricity to drive out hot, moist air. Some include an adjustable thermostat, allowing the homeowner to decide the temperature or humidity level at which they want the vent to begin working.
- Cupola Vent: Cupola vents are attractive, static vents. They are not as efficient or reliable as other venting systems, so they cannot be used as the primary vents for a roof.
- Skylights: If your roof includes a skylight that can be opened, it will provide ventilation as well. Warm air will drift up and out of the window, and fresh air will be able to slip inside.
Expertly combining different types of vents helps ensure proper ventilation.
Do you have any questions about the ventilation of your roof? Would you like to schedule an inspection to ensure your roof is in good working order? Contact Taylor-Made Roofing today at 417-326-8778 (toll-free) or 417-326-8778 (local). Our experienced, knowledgeable team can determine the amount of ventilation your roof requires, recommend types of vents, and install them properly.