Roof and attic vents are an extremely important component of your home. Its function is to create balanced airflow and ventilation in the attic. Without the proper balance, problems can occur. The right number of roof and attic vents will extend the life of your roof and help prevent costly repairs.
Problems resulting from inadequate roof and attic ventilation
o Air is knocked into the attic with inadequate ventilation, creating an ideal environment for mold to grow. Mold can cause serious health problems.
o Your air conditioning system will have to work harder. During the summer, the temperature in your attic can reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This forces your air conditioner to work harder to keep your home cool. This wastes energy and results in higher energy bills.
o Hot air can bake the underside of your roof and shingles, causing them to warp or crack, shortening their lifespan.
o During the winter, warm, moist air from your heating system is trapped in the attic. This causes the snow on the roof to melt. When the outside air temperature drops, melted snow turns to ice and forms ice dams. Ice dams often lead to roof leaks and shingle damage.
Types of vents: intake and exhaust vents
There are two types of attic and roof vents: intake and exhaust vents. Entry vents are the ones that are placed along the soffit (the area below the overhang). They allow fresh air to enter the attic. Vents are installed in the upper third of the roof to allow attic air to escape.
intake vents
There are three types of intake vents used for residential roofs: gabled, static, and soffit. Each provides a different form of ventilation and is important to the overall function of your roof.
1. Gable – These vents are installed on the gable wall located just below the peak of the roof. Gable vents help heat escape in the summer and prevent condensation in the winter. There are many decorative gable vents on the market, available in different shapes and colors.
2. Static – Also known as shutters, static roof vents are covered openings in the roof. They allow air to escape from the attic. They are necessary to properly ventilate the attic. They are installed near the top of the roof.
3. Ceiling – Ceiling vents are located under the eaves, near the gutters.
exhaust vents
There are two types of exhaust vents: static vents and power vents.
1. Static Vents: Allow air to escape without power. Ridge vents are a type of static vents. They allow most of the air to escape and are installed near the top of the roof. Ridge vents are the most effective types of vents.
2. Electric fans: These vents remove air from the attic. Also known as turbine fans, they use the force of the wind to move air in and out of the attic. They are installed along the face of the roof. When the wind blows, it spins the turbine, which rises and blows air out of the attic.