Ventilation vents are an essential yet often overlooked part of a roofing system. Today, we share a quick guide to roof ventilation and how to choose the right one for your home.
Heat and humidity naturally rises, moving towards the attic. Poor ventilation would trap heat and humidity in the attic, and cause damage to components within: the framing, the decking and the insulation. It may also cause mold growth within the house as well as contribute to ice damming during the winter season. Roof ventilation allows heat and humidity to escape and circulate cool, fresh air in the attic and maintain the condition of the roof.
Roof vents can be classified as passive or powered.
Ridge vents: Ridge vents are located at the roof’s peak. They utilize the aforementioned natural rising movement of warm and humid air to release it at the highest point of the roof. The ridges are camouflaged by cut-up shingles, though some roofing systems feature purpose-made ridge vent caps that resemble the rest of the roof.
Roof turbine vents: Also known as metal pot vents, this passive ventilation system operates in the same principle as ridge vents, but can release hundreds of cubic feet of air per minute. The onion-shaped turbines at the top require lubrication to function properly and may be detrimental to the roof’s aesthetics.
Louvered vents: Also known as low-profile vents, this type of passive ventilation features a raised enclosure made of aluminum or galvanized steel. These are typically installed towards the back of the house to reduce its aesthetic impact on the roof.
Powered vents: These are mechanical vents that utilize an exhaust fan to forcibly evacuate air from the attic. They can be powered by connecting them to the mains, though some solar-powered options are available.
A good roofing contractor can help you determine which is the best type for your home. On some roofs, ridge vents may suffice while others may require powered vents, especially if the attic is converted to a living space. You’ll also have to weigh their aesthetic impact as described above.
Balken Roofing is your leading provider of residential and commercial roof installation services. Give us a call at (828) 662-3027. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Hendersonville, NC, and the surrounding communities.
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