Roof ventilation plays an important role in making sure air and moisture enter and exit your roof properly. There are a number of ways to properly vent your roof which we will discuss, but bottom-line – it’s important you install ventilation to keep your attic’s temperature controlled and to improve your roof’s lifespan.
What Type of Roof Vents Should You Install?
Selecting the right type of roof vents depends on factors like your home’s design, roof architecture (flat roof, steep pitched, etc.) and your climate. An experienced roofing contractor will know which ventilation system is right for your roof.
Regardless of the type, your roof needs an inflow source and an outflow source to maintain proper air flow in your attic. There are a number of methods for creating good air flow such as box vents, ridge vents, soffit ventilation, baffles, and solar fans.
Roof Box Vents / Louver Vents
Box vents, also referred to as static, louver, or pod vents, are square shaped vents that protrude out of your roof and are secured near the highest point with nails, caulk and other materials to prevent water leakage. They have no mechanical or powered parts and multiple box vents are installed on a single roof to achieve proper air ventilation.
Ridge Vents
Ridge vents are installed along the peak or ridge of your roof and are installed on most newer homes. They are both aesthetically pleasing as they blend in with the rest of your roof and are effective for achieving optimal ventilation. Because they are placed at the peak of the roof, ridge vents are in the ideal location for allowing hot air to escape.
Box Vents vs. Ridge Vents
Both types of vents are effective tools for ventilating your home, but ridge vents are more common nowadays. Box vents are more prone to leaking, letting critters into your attic and rust.
The important rule to keep in mind is to install only one type of roof vent. If you install multiple types of vents, the hot air will not flow out of your attic properly and instead, circulate at the top of the attic creating heat and moisture issues. Installing either box vents or ridge vents ensures you have one source of ventilation creating a continuous vacuum of outflow.
Soffit Ventilation
Soffit vents are great for roofing ventilation when used in conjunction with box or ridge vents. Soffit vents are installed along the underside of your home’s soffit or eaves. They are used to pull fresh air from outside your home into your attic and back out the vents installed at the peak of your roof. If you walk around the perimeter of your roof home and don’t see vents installed along the soffit, consider contacting a local roofer to have a few soffit vents installed.
Baffles / Rafter Vents
Baffle vents or rafter vents ensure soffit vents can pull air into your attic properly. They are installed inside your attic wherever soffit vents or an intake source is placed and allow air to flow into your attic without getting clogged by insulation and other barriers.
Solar Fans
Solar fans use a motor to help push hot air out of your attic. In especially warmer climates, installing solar fans on your roof can help keep your attic cool, eliminate moisture issues, and increase your roof’s lifespan.
Ready to Install Roofing Ventilation?
Craig Roofing is Northeast Ohio’s premier roofing company serving Akron, Cleveland, Canton and the surrounding areas. We provide a full-suite of roofing services. From repair and replacements to ensuring you have proper ventilation installed, our certified and highly trained team can help!