Roof Vents: Get The Facts

Every homeowner knows that the roof is a crucial part of their house. If the roof is not properly protecting your home against the elements, the entire structure of your home could be compromised. One key component of any properly functioning roof is the venting system. The following article takes a look at roof vents and provides important information about the topic all homeowners should know. 

Venting Basics

Roofs need adequate ventilation to prevent problems such as mold and mildew and ice dams from causing damage to your roof. The goal of roof venting is to keep the attic at the same temperature as the conditions outside. If venting is not adequate, then, in hot conditions, excessive heat could build up in the attic and create moisture that leads to mold and mildew. In a cold climate, poor ventilation often causes a roof to be too hot compared to the outside temperature, which is the primary cause of ice dams.

Types

A wide range of roof vents is available to help you keep your roof from developing problems due to an overheated attic. A key point to keep in mind is that a roof needs both intake vents, which allow air into the attic, and exhaust vents, which let air escape the attic. Air should be constantly moving into and out of the attic area. If you do not have enough intake and exhaust vents, the airflow will be impeded.

Three specific types of roof vents are on the market: static vents (which have no power source), power vents (which typically use electrical or solar power), and mechanical vents (such as wind turbines).

Inspection

It's not always easy to know if your roof has adequate ventilation. Certain signs, however, can tell you if there are problems. Check your roof ridge to see if any roof vents are there. If not, it could be a good idea to install some. Touch a ceiling under the attic. If it feels hot, the heat might be trapped in your attic. Also, if you notice any ice dams, then you almost certainly need to improve the ventilation.

How many vents you need, as well as the type of venting you require to keep your attic and roof free from any issues can be difficult for the average homeowner to determine. It will generally require the expertise of a roofing professional with experience in this matter. To learn more or to have your home inspected for any roof ventilation problems, contact one of the roofing contractors in your city.

Contact a local roofing contractor to learn more. 

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