A Homeowner’s Guide to Roof Ventilation

Ventilation is a key part of a roofing system that is often overlooked. Proper roof ventilation can reduce the risks of damage caused by heat and humidity. In today’s post, local roofing contractor Pawcatuck Roofing Company Inc. shares a guide to how roof ventilation works, and how to choose the right kind for your home. 

The Risks of Poor Ventilation

Heat and humidity from your indoor spaces naturally rise toward the attic. Without ventilation, the roof’s support components, such as framing and decking, would warp and rot. Mold would grow in the attic and the walls. Lastly, insulation would form clumps that would contribute to ice damming during the winter season.

Types of Roof Vents

Poor ventilation can be prevented with a good roof replacement plan, but it can also be corrected on existing roofs. A roof may have one or a combination of the following types of ventilation.

• Ridge vents. Ridge vents are the most common type of ventilation, located at the highest points of a roof. As a passive type of ventilation, ridge vents utilize the natural rising movement of warm air to release it to the outdoors. To provide a cleaner look, ridge vents are covered by cut-up asphalt shingles. Some roofing manufacturers also offer ridge caps that match the rest of the roof.

• Roof turbine vents. This type of passive ventilation system, also known as metal pot vents, can vent greater amounts of warm air. A typical roof turbine vent can release hundreds of cubic feet of warm air per minute.

• Louvered vents. Louvered or low-profile vents are another type of passive ventilation that has a raised aluminum or galvanized steel enclosure. Unlike ridge vents, louvered vents can be installed on most other parts of the roof.

• Powered vents. Powered vents utilize exhaust fans to forcibly evacuate air from the attic. While typically powered by a mains connection, solar-powered options are available.

Which One Should You Get?

If standard ridge vents are not enough, your roofing contractor can help you determine the best type of ventilation system for your roof. In addition to efficiency, factors such as impact to curb appeal must also be considered. Vents are not just limited to the ridge area, and can be placed where they are most needed, or where they would be less visible from the road.

Pawcatuck Roofing Company Inc. is your leading provider of roofing repair and installation services. Give us a call at (860) 650-1951. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in New London, CT, and the surrounding communities.