Attic ventilation by roof venting is a year-round strategy for protecting your Cincinnati home. Roof venting helps to control heat buildup in the summer months and moisture buildup in the winter months. Attic ventilation is also a good defense against winter ice dams which can severely damage your roof by allowing water to build up under the roof surface.
When cold weather arrives, ventilation will help maintain a stable, cold roof temperature, which helps to prevent ice dams caused by melting snow. Additionally, vents help to remove moisture that reaches the attic from the living space, which is just an inevitable consequence of normal day-to-day activities like cooking, showering, and breathing. Scientists have determined that the average family of four creates 2 to 4 gallons of water vapor a day. Attic ventilation helps to remove this water vapor before it builds up in the attic, causing damage to the home. This vapor can rot wood sheathing and cause mold and mildew to grow.
The Science of Roof Ventilation
Installing roofing vents properly is a science, and only an experienced professional roofing contractor is capable of designing a ventilation system that is balanced and appropriate for the space. A balanced system is one that has the right combination of intake vents and exhaust vents. An appropriately balanced system will be effective and efficient. A balanced system helps to remove moisture so that it will not build up, causing costly damage, without letting in too much air from the outside, which can create its own problems. Our experts will install a balanced ventilation system on your roof. Our system will be based on a complete analysis of your attic and roof structure. The International Residential Code provides specifications for installing roofing vents in every climate and for every type of roof. We have the experience and expertise to apply this science to your home. It’s easy for an inexperienced person to make mistakes on roofing ventilation – don’t let this be you.
Roof Vent Options
Several types of roofing vents are available, and each has a unique function. The type of vent that is best for your home would be selected from the following based on your home’s characteristics:
- A Ridge Vent is part of your home’s roofing system. It is installed at the roof’s peak and allows warm, moist air to passively escape from the highest point of the roof.
- Soffit Vents are used in combination with the Ridge Vent, and they are installed along the eaves of the roof, allowing fresh air to enter in, under the roof, to allow the air to flow.
- Static Vents are usually installed near the roof ridge to allow air circulation. These are also known as box vents. They do not have moving parts (which is why they’re known as “static”).
- Wind Turbines have parts that are moved by wind or warm air rising under the roof that is escaping into the open air.
- Power Vents have motors that power large fans.
- Cupola Vents sit on a high spot over a roof opening.
- Louver Vents are small cylindrical vents installed on or near the roof peak.
- Louver 750 Vents are available in copper and aluminum with three sides that are louvered.
It should be noted that a professional roofing company should select and install the vents that are appropriate for the needs of your home. If you’re in the Cincinnati area, Harper Siding & Roofing can select the vents that create a balanced system and one that will protect your home and make it more comfortable and healthier for you and your family. For more information, call us today!