Roof ventilation is a key component of every sloped roofing system. A well-ventilated attic is less vulnerable to damage caused by trapped heat and moisture. In today’s post, local roof leak repair contractor Innovative Roofing & Siding, Inc. shares an in-depth look at how roof ventilation works and how it helps keep your roof in good shape.
How Roof Ventilation Works
Hot and humid air from indoor spaces naturally rises towards the attic. Lacking proper ventilation, the attic can trap heat and humidity in the attic and cause various kinds of problems. There are two kinds of attic ventilation systems:
Passive attic ventilation has two key parts. The first is the exhaust vents at the ridges. Its position takes advantage of heat’s natural rising movement, passively releasing it to open air. This creates negative pressure in the attic, which pulls fresh air through the second key part — intake vents — located at the roof soffit. During installation, a roof replacement contractor calculates the size of both vents as they need to be proportionally-sized to ensure efficient airflow.
Mechanical or active ventilation utilizes powered fans to forcibly remove warm and humid air from the attic. This type of ventilation is ideal for large attics where passive ventilation is insufficient, or if the building generates too much heat and/or moisture. Exhaust fans can be powered using electrical or solar power.
The Benefits of Proper Roof Ventilation
A properly-ventilated roof provides the following benefits:
Lower cooling bills — Some of the heat from the attic can radiate back into your indoor living space and raise your indoor cooling requirements, resulting in higher energy consumption that will reflect on your utility bills.
Good roofing condition — Trapped heat and moisture can damage your roof’s structural components and result in costly repair work.
Mold prevention — Mold thrives in warm and damp spaces. Proper ventilation can make the attic inhospitable to mold spores and prevent them from spreading to other parts of your home.
Searching online for a “roofing contractor near me”? Call Innovative Roofing & Siding, Inc. at (865) 688-2888. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Knoxville, TN, and the surrounding communities.