Why Do Roofs Need Ventilation?

Ventilation is an important part of a well-designed roof, regardless of shape, size and style. If you are in the process of designing a new roof, ventilation must not be overlooked nor skimped. Read on as the local roofers at US Roofing explain how roof ventilation works and why it’s so important.

How Roof Ventilation Works

Warm and humid air naturally rises and can accumulate at the highest point of the house, which is usually the attic. If not vented, trapped heat and moisture can cause damage to the framing and other parts of the roof. A typical roof ventilation system consists of vents at the roof ridges, which utilizes the rising movement of warm air and releases it outdoors. This creates a pressure difference that pulls cool air from intake vents at the lowest point of the roof — the soffit vents.

There are other types of roof ventilation systems that may be needed to support the ridge vents. Some of the most common types include:

• Louvered vents, which are raised vents with steel or aluminum enclosures.
• Turbine vents, which feature bulb-shaped structures that spin as air is vented through them.
• Exhaust fans, which are powered fans that forcibly pull warm air from the attic. Solar-powered options are available.

The choice of ventilation system depends on factors like the roof’s shape and size of the attic, as well as aesthetic considerations like curb-facing roof slopes.

The Benefits of Proper Roof Ventilation

A roof ventilation system needs to be balanced, with proportional sizing between the exhaust and intake vents. This ensures continuous airflow. With proper ventilation, you can expect the following benefits:

• Lower risk of roof damage. Roof framing is mostly made of wood or composite, which makes it vulnerable to rot, warping and other problems caused by heat and moisture.
• Ice dam prevention. During the winter season, trapped heat in the attic can raise the roof’s temperature, especially if the roof deck is poorly-insulated, and melt the snow on top. As the runoff refreezes at the roof’s edge, it slowly forms a dam that can, over the course of the season, severely damage the roof’s edge.
• Mold growth prevention. Mold thrives where it’s warm and humid. Along with maintaining heat and humidity levels, continuous airflow in the attic helps reduce the concentration of mold spores in the air, reducing the risk of mold growth.

The good news is, poor roof ventilation can be fixed by a capable roofer without tearing the entire roof down. If your roof has ventilation issues, give US Roofing a call at (978) 532-6300. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.