How Much Attic Ventilation is Needed for Roof Longevity?
Climate control is key when it comes to having an energy efficient roof ventilation system. When stable, an accurately designed roof ventilation system will provide a sufficient supply of air through your attic space. If your roof is not ventilated properly to regulate the air coursing through your roof, you will have issues. Here are some signs that your roof is not properly ventilated:
- An increase in your energy cost, a properly ventilated roof will accommodate to the outside and inside temperature to create a balance in your attic.
- Rotting and mold in your attic space.
- Ceiling paint falling down, tearing off.
- Ice dams will form during the winter causing stress on your gutters and shingles.
What Will Occur If a Roof is Not Properly Ventilated?
Did you know that improper roof ventilation can cause black mold to grow and completely destroy your home? And possibly make you gravely ill as well. Also, extreme heat and humidity in your attic space will cook your roof from the underside causing the lifespan of your roof to decrease by almost 50%. Sadly, roof ventilation problems are often overlooked but are easy and inexpensive to correct. To avoid any or all problems you will need to contact an experienced roof contractor and not just your general home improvement contractor. Here at Premier Roofing we have the necessary experience and knowledge to ensure that your roof is properly ventilated. We include a ventilation assessment with all our site visits and free estimates.
- Box Vents- Installed over holes that are cut out in your roof, uses the convection and winds to allow moisture and warm air to escape out from the attic space.
- Wind Turbines- Powered by the wind outside and works as a fan to move hot and humid air out of your attic space.
- Power Vents (PAV)- A motorized vent that will adapt to temperatures to divert hot air and moisture out of the attic, very efficient.
- Ridge Vents- Runs horizontally along the ridge, blending into your roof. This type of vent will regulate the temperature in your attic while looking sleek from the street
- Coppola Vents- Very decorative, Usually supports other roofing ventilation systems.
- Soffit Vents- Provides air intake for your roofs ventilation system, pulling fresh air in as the hit air is pushed out.
Depending on the code for your area, you will need 1 square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space. So if your attic is 900 square feet, you will need at least 3 square feet of ventilation. It is a 50/50 balance of air in your attic space. Hiring a contractor who isn’t familiar with ventilation installation will result in headaches and spending thousands of dollars to fix the outcomes.