When you install roof ventilation, you’re extending the life of your shingles, preventing ice dams from forming, and keeping conditions in your attic nice and arid. This prevents moisture, wood rot, and mold problems in your home.
Keeping your attic and roof well-ventilated doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a convection box vent either. Today there are more options than ever to achieve the highest functionality for your home. What kinds of ventilation are out there and which ones would be right for you?
Know the Difference Between Intake and Exhaust
To have the best roof ventilation system, you’ll need to strike a fine balance between intake and exhaust.
- Intake: These vents “take in” air into the attic or roof.
- Exhaust: Send air back outside from the attic or roof.
With air flowing in and out of the roof through intake and exhaust vents, the air can stay cool and dry, which preserves the structure of your home.
Soffit Vents
These intake vents are installed in the soffit and eaves and help boost the airflow for your vents. These are often used with another of the following vents. This intake is crucial to keep the air flowing well within the attic so that conditions remain stable.
Ridge Vents
When you see a roof that has a raised ridge and a small gap underneath it, you’ve spotted a ridge vent. These discrete structures offer plenty of exhaust air flow without being an eyesore. These are very effective and ideal for larger homes, or any home for that matter.
Gable Vents
These are the panel-like vents that you see attacked vertically to the gable, or the triangular part attached between the two sides of a gable roof. This extra support is a good supplement to your ventilation exhaust system.
Power Fans/Power Attic Vents)
If you have a gable roof or large area that needs hot air expelled with more force, a power vent is the contraption for you. Sophisticated models won’t run all the time either- they will be triggered by a thermostat, which means that in the winter the warm air that rises won’t leave through the roof and make your house colder. This fan is great for attics that can get very hot in the summer as the power boost expels hot air more quickly than convection methods.
Wind Turbines/”Whirlybirds”
These function like a power vent but it runs of free energy from the wind. Exterior blades catch the wind on the outside. Just be sure to keep all its parts lubricated so it doesn’t make any squeaking sounds. Sometimes these units can also be power-driven. If you plan to install one of these, consider your area. Is it windy enough for the classic wind-powered version to work or should you opt for one that is solar or electric-powered?
Off-Ridge Vents
You’ll need several of these for adequate ventilation. Overall, these are a more affordable but less effective substitute for ridge vents. They should be placed near the roof ridge for the highest performance. These aren’t powered by wind or power and will rely solely on the hot air rising and exiting through the holes.
Box Vents
These function much like off-ridge vents that are installed close to the roof ridge so that the hottest air can leave via convection. You’ll need a few to get a good exhaust venting effect. For this reason, it’s better suited for smaller homes that have less exhaust venting needs.
Cupola Vents
These decorative vents add a sophisticated design to any static vent like a box vent. This often masks the utilitarian look of the basic box vent and adds a bit of character and charm to your roof.
Roof Ventilation in Northern Virginia
Whether you’re looking for better form or function, or simply feel that a new roof is in order, trust Noble Roofing, the preferred choice for roof replacement in Centreville VA and surrounding cities. Give us call at (703) 404-0505 to speak with our roofing experts. You can also request a free estimate through our online request form today.
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