When we think of our roofs, it’s easy to imagine a roof as an airtight seal over our home. But in fact, while your roof is (or should be) waterproof, it shouldn’t be airtight. Roofing ventilation is an important part of your roofing system and it’s very important to your roof’s maintenance, and to the interior comfort of your home.
Why is roofing ventilation important?
In the summertime, the attic of your house fills up with hot air. If this air isn’t vented off, your roof (and the rest of your home) will keep getting hotter and hotter. In the winter, the warmer, moister air from your home will hit your cold roof and, if not vented off, will start condensing on the beams of your roof. This condensation isn’t good for your roof structure or insulation. It can also be bad news for any plumbing and electrical wires in your attic.
How are roofs vented?
There are multiple ways to vent a roof, including:
- Ridge Vents: Ridge vents are vents along the peak of your roof. Because hot air rises, it’s often best to vent hot air from the highest point of your roof.
- Soffit Vents: Soffits are the undersides of the eaves of your roof. Soffit vents provide a way for air to enter your attic. Soffit vents are often used with ridge vents.
- Box Vents: box vents can be installed anywhere on your roof. They are installed over a hole that allows hot air to escape.
The kind of vents your use can vary based on budget, the airflow of your home, and aesthetic considerations. Roofing vents are not one-size-fits-all. To learn more about the best ventilation for your roof, contact a reliable roofing contractor today.
