Roof ventilation systems provide the first line of protection from the elements. Proper ventilation systems allow hot air and moisture to leave the roof and warm air to enter, reducing the risk of expensive roof replacement. With proper ventilation systems installed on your home you can prevent damage due to winter snow and ice, and the harmful effects of mold and mildew. With so many options available today you need only to determine which venting system is best for your needs.
The most popular form of roofing ventilation is attic ventilation systems. The primary reason homeowners choose this method is because it is easy to install and maintain. Attic ventilation is also cost effective and will not require the expense of a new roof. However, there are several other options when it comes to attic ventilation including bottom, top, or greenhouses. Bottom and top vents are the easiest to install and maintain, however greenhouses are great options if you want a higher level of ventilation and want to avoid trapping moisture in the attic.
Greenhouses are also great options when discussing roof ventilation 101. While they do take up some valuable attic space, they can be used to ventilate an entire attic space quickly and easily, with the benefits of a higher draft rate. If you decide to use a greenhouse, make sure to include a fan with your design to expedite the circulation in the attic space.
If you decide to install radiant barriers or roofs over the attic, you will have additional ventilation options. The most common way to ventilate an attic is with fans and open vented ceilings. Radiant barriers can either be installed with metal flashing or rolled sheet metal. They come in many different colors, materials, and configurations to meet any architectural style. If you are uncertain as to the best way to install your radiant barrier, you should contact a professional roofing contractor. There are some potential hazards associated with improper installation of this roofing ventilation 101 so it is recommended that any contractor you hire for this job is licensed and insured.
If you are not interested in spending money on an attic ventilation system, there are other options available that are less expensive. For example, you may decide to remove the shingles on your roof to provide better air flow. Shingles are susceptible to moisture so removing them will increase air movement and make attic ventilation easier. You may also consider changing the shingles in your roof, which would provide some roofing ventilation benefits. These options are often more affordable than purchasing a roofing ventilation system.
It is important to remember that proper ventilation is important whether you are installing insulation to protect against heat loss or you are replacing your roof with a new one. Without proper ventilation, you may suffer from unhealthy indoor air quality that is unhealthy and costly. In addition, without ventilation, you could suffer from excessive heat loss due to poorly designed roofing materials. This is especially important if you live in a hot, humid area where summer heat can easily cause health problems.
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which offers roofing in St Petersburg Fl. Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.