Facts, Opinions, and Everything In Between: Roofing Edition

Posted on: 23 January 2023

Proper ventilation is an essential aspect of any residential roof installation. According to the Department of Energy, proper ventilation has several benefits. Not only does it help to regulate the temperature inside your home, but it can also prevent several issues, such as mold growth and ice dams. This article highlights five key features a roofer can deploy to ensure proper ventilation during a residential roof installation.

1. Intake Vents

These are installed on the lower part of the roof, typically near the eaves or soffits. Their purpose is to allow fresh air to enter the attic space. It's important to have an adequate number of intake vents to balance the number of exhaust vents on the roof.

There are forced induction vents that use a fan to draw air in and natural flow intake vents that rely solely on temperature differences between the attic and the outside.

2. Exhaust Vents

These are installed on the upper part of the roof, typically near the ridges or hips. Their purpose is to allow hot air and moisture to escape from the attic space. It's important to have an adequate number of exhaust vents that correspond with the number of intake vents installed. There are also powered exhaust vents (like power fans or wind turbines) that help regulate temperatures even further.

3. Roofing Underlayment

The use of high-quality roofing underlayment is another important aspect of proper ventilation during residential roof installation. This material serves as an extra layer of protection between the shingles and the deck sheathing and helps prevent moisture from entering the attic space. Make sure to use a breathable, moisture-resistant type of underlayment that's appropriate for your climate and type of roof.

4. Ridge Vents and Soffit Vents

Ridge vents are installed along a sloped roof's peak or ridge line and allow hot air to escape from the attic space through this opening at the highest point on the roof. Soffit vents, on the other hand, are installed in the soffits of a roof, allowing cool air to enter at the lower point of the roof. Both ridge and soffit vents should be properly sized and spaced to ensure proper ventilation throughout the roof.

5. Attic Hatch

An attic hatch, also known as a scuttle hole, is a small opening in the ceiling that allows access to the attic. It should be properly sealed and insulated to prevent heat loss and drafts.

It's also worth noting that proper ventilation can extend the lifespan of your roof, as it helps to prevent issues such as rot and mold growth. If you have any concerns about the ventilation in your new roof, seek professional advice. Consult a professional roofing contractor to recommend adequate ventilation features in your home's roof installation.

For more information, contact a local company, like Allen  Roofing & Construction Inc.