Roofing Vent

Powered And Non-Powered Roof Ventilation

In roofing, ventilation is an important need year-round. A properly fitted Roofing Vent will provide energy savings as well as maintenance savings. Ventilation keeps the attic and roof area dry, which offers many advantages. If an attic is improperly vented, it will become too hot in the summer months, causing an uncomfortable home with higher cooling costs.

In winter, access moisture could build up. Condensation can cause damp insulation, rotting of the home's framing and ceilings, and damage to asphalt shingles on the roof. The paint on both the interior and exterior of the home could begin to peel. A roofing vent will prevent all these issues and is as important as insulation. There are many different types of roofing vents to choose from, both powered and non-powered. Louvered vents used to be the most common non-electric vent, and can be mounted either on the roof or gable.

However, louvered vents that are roof mounted are more effective in attic ventilation. Louvered vents have since been replaced in popularity by ridge vents, which sit flush and low-key on roof peaks. Ridge vents, which work like exhaust fans, work hand-in-hand with soffit vents under the roof overhang, which work as intake fans.

The number of the two fans must be equal to keep the air ventilation in the attic balanced. Air escapes through the peak of the roof through small gaps in the ridge vent. Traditional wind turbines, or whirlybird vents, are also popular roofing vents that use no electricity. These round metal vents are raised about 18 inches off the roof and are moved with wind power to expel air from the attic. Static wind turbine vents are affordable, powerful, and easy to install. Braces are available to stabilize these vents during stronger winds.A power roofing vent works best for attics that cannot achieve proper air flow with the help of gravity and wind.

Power vents utilize a thermostat and humidistat to monitor air quality in the attic and turn on and off. When roof mounted, they can replace turbine vents, but they can also be gable mounted. Some are solar powered. One advantage of power fans is they can be turned off during dust storms to prevent sand buildup in the fan.