As any roof company will agree, attic ventilation is an essential part of roofing care and efficiency. To provide appropriate ventilation under the roof, roof services install different types of exhaust vents. These vents work in different ways depending upon the type of roof, and if there are any specific ventilation concerns. Following are the most common types of roof vents installed by roof companies so that roofs have adequate ventilation, keeping the attic cool and the roof itself in its best condition.
Ridge Vents
Ridge vents are small vents installed just under the top point of the roof, also called the ridge. Ridge vents are barely visible other than a space in the shingling close to the ridge, and work by allowing warm, humid attic air to rise and escape through that space. Roofers should install ridge vents so there is one square foot of venting per each 300 square foot of attic space. This will provide adequate ventilation and keep moisture and heat down. Ridge vents are the most commonly used vents on homes with peaked roofs, and can be easily installed by any experienced roof company.
Box Vents
Another very common type of roof vent that might be installed by a roofing service is a box vent, also known as a turtle vent. These vents are created by inserting holes on the slanted sides of the roof, through the roof surface. These holes are then protected with a cover that keeps water from entering. Box vents are usually installed fairly close to the ridge of the roof so that rising warm, moist air can flow out naturally. Roofers generally install multiple box vents along a roof line to provide adequate ventilation.
Turbine Vents
Turbine vents are small wind turbines that are installed over a hole made through the roof and down into the attic space. These vents spin when the wind blows. This spinning action sucks warm air out of the attic. They can be somewhat more effective than ridge and box vents, which only work through natural convection in drawing air out of the attic; however, turbine vents do require at least a small amount of wind to provide any benefit. Even a slight breeze is enough to activate an efficient turbine vent, but there are times when a power vent is more suitable.
Power Vents
When Mother Nature and natural airflow are not enough to provide necessary attic ventilation, a roof company may also recommend installing a power vent. Power vents are usually installed on the ends of a roof, and are run with electricity to forcibly suck warm and moist air out of poorly ventilated attic spaces. Today’s more advanced types of power vents run automatically, based on temperature and humidity level, turning on when both of these rise and keeping attics cool and dry. There are also models available that run on solar power, making them more efficient.
Every roof needs some type of ventilation in order to keep the attic cool, and the underside of the roof, dry. A good roof company will always check roofing ventilation whenever they install a roof, to ensure that homeowners have the most efficient and long-lasting roof possible. If moisture problems exist, or attics are especially hot and damp, homeowners should discuss this with roofing services professionals, as the problem may be poor ventilation!
Need Roofing Services In College Station TX?
Call Done Right Roofers For All Your Roofing Needs!
Call 979-464-6655!
Additional Articles:
Roofing Contractors Explain Roof Blisters!
Need New Curb Appeal? Look at Your Roof!
The Best Ways to Have a Replacement Roof That Lasts Forever!