Warm air rises, which is the fundamental tenet of ventilation systems for roofs. In the summer, the light heats the air in the attic. In the winter, the heat from your house warms the air in your attic. Excellent venting occurs in either season when cold air may flow into the attic at the eaves and out near the peak. Ideally, there should be a low and high half of the vent area. The attic space’s temperature and humidity should eventually match those of the outside.
HOW TO VENT PROPERLY
For intake air, soffit vents are effective. Air can be passively vented through the hood or ridge vents. Utilizing wind-powered turbine vents, the air is sucked from the attic. Electric-powered vents are the best air movers, but they are rarely used. Gable vents can be helpful by letting air in or out, but they normally don’t enhance the attic’s air circulation.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WETNESS
Warm, humid air can flow into the attic since most ceilings aren’t totally airtight. The roof sheathing and framing then start to condense. That moisture promotes rot, which can drastically compromise the structural integrity of your home. The risk of water dripping through the ceiling and onto it would be even more harmful.
BLOCKAGE OF VENTS
Soffit vents are sometimes blocked by debris, cobwebs, or misplaced insulation. A compressor and air nozzle or a leaf blower can be used to get rid of them. Watch out for your eyes!
LOWER COOLING OUTLAYS?
Attics become incredibly hot when exposed to sunlight, and some of that heat is transported to the rooms below. So it stands to reason that better ventilation will lessen the amount of heat radiated and ease the load on your cooling system. The bulk of studies, however, only show slight cost savings from improved ventilation. Adding attic insulation is often far more effective.
HOT RIVERS
The insulation is directly beneath the roof sheathing, therefore a “hot roof” doesn’t require ventilation. A hot roof can be installed and designed safely and without incident.
SHINGLES WITH LONGER COOLING PERIOD
Over time, asphalt shingles disintegrate, especially in Las Vegas’s extreme heat. The airflow keeps them cooler, extending the life of the roof. Although the impact of ventilation on shingle life varies on a number of factors, including temperature, it is important in hot, sunny areas. Most shingle manufacturers void their warranties if roof venting specifications aren’t met.
HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?
Building regulations stipulate that there must be 300 square feet of attic floor space for every square foot of vent space. That assumes that one-half of the vent area is located high on the roof and the other one is located low (in or near the eaves). Otherwise, the vent area needs to be doubled (1 per 150 sq. ft.) There is never too much ventilation; they are merely bare necessities.
GET IN TOUCH
Give Rhino Roofing a call right away to begin putting roof ventilation on your house!
