Attic ventilation is critical to getting the most life out of the roof covering. Attic ventilation also play a large role in keeping the home cool in the summer, and the prevention of condensation and Ice Dam problems in the winter. Attic ventilation is an important part of the roof system. The 3 components of the roof system are Roofing Material, Attic Ventilation, and Attic Insulation. Attic Ventilation is a key component in this system.
Attic ventilation is a simple concept. The fresh, outside air should enter the attic preferably on the lower part of the roof, and then exhaust the hot or moist air near the upper part of the roof. It’s best to have 50 to 60% of the vents low and 40 to 50% of the vents as high as possible.
3 Things You Should Know about Attic Ventilation
1. An improperly vented attic can reach a temperature of up to 160 degrees when the outside air temperature is in the 90s. Proper ventilation can reduce the attic temperature by as much as 60 degrees.
2. An under ventilated attic will “cook” asphalt shingles, and cause them to prematurely fail, this will void manufacturers warranties.
3. A properly ventilated attic will make the house cooler, and cost less to Air Condition.
Attic Exhaust Vents
There are many types of vents used to exhaust attic air. The important thing is to not incorrectly mix too many vents of different types. This is often done by overloading the upper roof with vents, and not providing enough air inlets. The term for this is called, “short-circuiting the ventilation”. This can actually cause the attic to become hotter! Click here for more: Fans and Ventilation
Slant Back Roof Vents have closely spaced louver openings allowing for exhaust air.
Solar Powered Attic Fans move a tremendous amount of air and have almost silent operation.
Ridge Vents are a great way to vent all attics and the only way to vent attic cavities on a vaulted ceiling. Ridge vents help prevent snow from blowing into the attic. Ridge Vents are never allowed below a pitch of 4/12!
Wire Powered Attic Fans have a control box that turns the fan on at a set temperature, or if moisture is in the air.
Gable Vents
Gable vents are another way to vent an attic. However, the usually don’t prevent enough ventilation on their own. The best way to get adequate ventilation with gable vents is to install an electric gable vent fan at one end and create an “air tunnel”.
Air Intake Vents
Soffit Vents
Soffit vents are installed into the underside of your home’s eaves (soffit). These vents allow fresh air from outside to be drawn into the attic.
Eave Vents
Eave Vents are the simplest way to vent a home without proper soffit vents. These vents should be installed on both sides of the house and should run the entire length. Eave vents must also be installed above any insulation.
Proper Attic Ventilation
Ensuring your home has proper attic ventilation is an important step in the roof system. At Excel, our roofing professionals are educated on proper ventilation techniques and they care about the comfort of your home just as much as you do. If you plan on getting a new roof, updating or adding to your ventilation is a good plan. If you need a free inspection you should contact an A+ rated BBB company like Excel Roofing.
At Denver’s best roofing company, “You Don’t Pay A Cent Until You’re Content”! If you have any questions, or need an estimate schedule an inspection with the cool roofing experts at Excel Roofing!
