Proper Attic Ventilation Will Extend Your Roof Life

Typically, every time we think about our roofs, the first thing that comes to our minds is our shingles. That overlapping pieces protect your home from weather elements and are the starring element of any shingles roof.

However, your roof is a complex system, and as such, it consists of much more than only shingles. Indeed, ventilation and attic insulation are critical factors that affect the lifespan and health of your roof.

Why roof ventilation is so important?

If a house does not have adequate ventilation or insulation, heat will rise to the roof. Since hot air contains a lot of moisture, humidity accumulates in your attic, building up condensation. Thus, if your roof suffers continuous exposition to heat and moisture, it could experience severe damage.

A roof ventilation system lowers the temperature differential between the air within and outside the attic. So, it draws in the fresh air and forces heat and moisture out. People living in humid regions like Pennsylvania knows that moisture levels rise, and temperatures can reach 150 degrees. You must have in mind that daily activities such as having a shower, doing laundry, and cleaning dishes may cause this.

Good ventilation systems minimize buildings cooling loads. Also, they extend the roofing shingles' life by releasing a solar-heated attic via the roof. As a result, your home’s air conditioning system will work less hard, saving you money.

Types of roof ventilation systems

When it comes to roof vents, there are a plethora of options. But the optimum roof vent system considers the required airflow and your roof’s shape. Actually, not all homes require the same level of ventilation.

• Box vents, power vents, soffit vents, and ridge vents are a few examples of typical vents. Following, we will detail them:
• Box vents use natural convection to provide an opening for rising warm air and moisture to exit via a hole made in the roof.
• Power ventilators, or PAVs, are big fans with electric motors. Located on the roof and gable, they pull hot air and moisture from the attic.
• Installed at the lowest point of the roof, soffit vents provide fresh air into the attic. Besides, they work well in conjunction with ridge vents to give the best results. Commonly, soffit vents are made of PVC or aluminum.
• Also, we have ridge vents. They are placed at the top of sloped roofs and are static vent systems with no moving parts. When used along with the soffit vents, it produces an efficient system that generates zones of heat and cold on the roof’s surface.

What have in mind when installing roof ventilation systems

Next, we will provide a couple of technical tips that you should consider when it comes to your roof ventilation:

• Plan and build 1 square foot of vented area for every 300 square feet of attic area. This vented area must have a vapor barrier, which is an impermeable coating that avoids moisture damaging the structure. Besides, create a vented area for every 150 square feet of attic space without a vapor barrier. Most home building codes establish this rule as a common regulation.
• Ventilation systems without a balanced mix of intake vents can be ineffective and cause several problems. Roofers must install intake vents at the roof’s bottom edge or in the soffit/under-eave. Likewise, they should place exhaust vents at or near the roof’s peak. Over time, these problems will lead to costly repairs. Among these issues are mold and mildew growth, saggy and spongy decking, and deterioration of floorboards, shingles, or underlayment.

Rely On Professionals for Installing Your Insulation and Ventilation Systems

Trustworthy and skilled Roofing Companies in Allentown PA know how to coordinate your roofing system installation. They will consider your insulation and ventilation systems. Also, if your current system has any flaws, they can identify them. Even they will determine the number of intake and exhaust vents your property requires.

Do you have any questions about ventilation and your roof condition? Call Master’s Home Solutions immediately at 610-890-6443. One of our roofing or home improvement experts will gladly help you in Allentown, Bethlehem, Flemington, or Nazareth, PA.