Most of us know that hot air rises. In your home, the hot air drifts upward into your attic. If it sits there, it can cause all sorts of trouble. That’s why every attic needs a roof ventilation system to create necessary airflow that can extend the life of your roof and prevent some serious issues.
Why Install a Roof Ventilation System
If you have a roofing company install a ventilation system, you will enjoy a home with better-regulated temperatures, lower energy costs, and a roof that lasts longer. In addition to that, a roof ventilation system protects your home from rot.
Keep reading to learn more about attic ventilation systems, why homeowners in Greenville, SC should have them, and the types of roof vents you can choose.
What Is Roof Ventilation?
A properly installed roof vent will let the air flow out of your attic through roof vents. That flow will prevent condensation from building up and stop the roof from overheating. Both of these things can lead to damage to your home and health issues to your family.
Some common problems that occur in homes with poor attic ventilation are higher energy costs and mold.
Roof Vents for Warm Greenville, SC, Climates
Homes need roof vents no matter where they are. Yes, these vents have use in all types of weather—cold, cool, warm, and hot. No matter which season it is, your roof ventilation system will provide an escape from hot wet air that builds in the attic. That makes it easier to maintain the temperature of your home without dealing with temperature spikes. Thanks to this, homeowners will enjoy lower cooling bills.
Preparing For Roof Vent Installation
To get the best results, we recommend ensuring the attic is as airtight as possible. Consider sealing the floor and ensuring that the attic hatch or doorway closes tightly. If not, cool air can move downward out of the attic. That can cause the attic to warm, and the vents won’t work efficiently.
Roof Ventilation Options
Roof vents work in a few different ways. They use electricity to circulate air, are powered by wind, or rely on passive air circulation. The two main types of roof ventilation systems are:
- Natural: Allowing air to circulate via stack and wind effect
- Mechanical: Using a power source to create air circulation
Any ventilation option you choose will involve one of these two options.
Custom Roof Ventilation Options to Choose
Natural and mechanical are the two types of vent systems. However, you can choose from a variety of roof vent types.
Wind Turbines
These work well in a climate that has an adequate amount of wind. However, if a home doesn’t get much wind, this option is pretty ineffective. For example, a valley home or a house behind a wall of trees may not have the appropriate airflow for this solution to work.
Soffit Vents
These are often called eave vents. They are installed in the eaves to allow for airflow. Cool air enters the eaves and exits at the peak of the roof.
Ridge Vents
A ridge vent may be installed on its own but is frequently used with soffit vents. A soffit vent is an exhaust vent installed along the ridge of the roof. Many people prefer this option because it doesn’t stand out like some other vents. It conforms with the look of the rest of the roof. Ridge vents allow air to flow out naturally and assist with additional air circulation from eave vents. Finally, because the duct extends the length of a roof section, it provides even temperature control.
Box Vents
These are also called louvers. Box vents are installed into holes cut into the roof near the ridge. Hot air rises and escapes through the vent.
Power Vents
These work together with a large attic fan. The exhaust fan pushes hot, wet air through the attic and out through the vents. Many are installed with thermostats, so they only turn on when the temperature requires it.
Roof Vent Cap
This passive ventilation option allows air to flow out through the roof vent but prevents moisture or bugs from entering.
How Many Roof Vents Are Necessary
A trustworthy roofing company will install a ventilation system that works well for your home and the Greenville, SC, climate. As a general rule, your roof needs one vent per 300 square feet. However, that amount increases if you don’t have a vapor barrier installed in your attic. Keep in mind that your roof can have too few vents. It really can’t have too many.
Roof Repair: Fixing Installing and Replacing
If you schedule a roof repair, that’s the perfect time to ask the roofing crew to look at your vents. If you don’t have an adequate ventilation system, they will install one for you. They can also repair or replace one that isn’t adequate.
You may also schedule a repair if you notice signs of inadequate roof ventilation. These can be repaired or replaced without removing or replacing the existing roof. Here are some things to look out for:
AC Unit Wears Down Quickly
If your air conditioner breaks down, the last thing you might consider is your roof. In reality, the two things can be related. For example, if hot air can’t escape through your attic, that causes your entire home to heat up.
When that happens, your AC has to work that much harder to cool the house down. Over time, this can spell wear and tear for your system, leading to an eventual breakdown.
Moisture Problems
Damp air won’t leave your attic if you don’t have a properly working ventilation system. That means your unventilated attic will have mold, mildew, and dampness. If these conditions aren’t dealt with, they can cause significant health issues and unpleasant smells.
Leaks
If you have an issue with a leaking roof, one of the causes could be your roof vents. When vents are damaged or don’t seal correctly, they are no longer water-tight. As a result, rain water can seep through them and into your attic.
Pest Problems
If your vents are cracked or broken or poor ventilation has caused other damage, insects and small animals may enter your attic. Some homeowners even struggle with rodents and squirrels.
Ice Dams
While this is rarely an issue here in Greenville, SC, it’s essential to know that ice dams result from poor attic ventilation. The top of the roof is overheated and melts the ice, which drips down the roof, dams up, and refreezes. When this happens, your gutters may incur damage, and ice can build up underneath shingles and break them.
Hot and Cold Spots
You may notice that there are rooms—even entire floors—in your home that are pretty warm. Other parts of your house may be reasonably cool. These uneven temperatures are caused by poor air circulation and a struggling HVAC system.
How to Check for Problems with Your Roof Vent
Always be on the lookout for any of the issues mentioned above. In addition to this, access your attic a few times each year. Look for evidence of damp smells, mold and mildew, and leaks. If you find something, don’t hesitate to call a pro.
You should also bring out a roofing inspector once a year and after severe storms. They will look at your ventilation system to ensure it is still working. That is the perfect way to find and repair any issues before they cause damage.
How Are Roof Vents Installed and Repaired
If you google for “roofers near me,” you can find a contractor to come out to assess your roof. They’ll examine your shingles, skylights, roof decking, stacks, and other components. The estimator will also take a close look at your roof vents, as well. In fact, they may ask to access your attic as well as your roof.
If they find problems, they will let you know and propose a solution, such as repairing or replacing existing vents, adding additional vents, even scrapping what you have to replace it with a ventilation design that works. Of course, all of this work may be done independently or as part of a more extensive roof repair or replacement job.
Choose the Right Roof Vents
Your roofing contractor should provide excellent advice on the best roof vents for your home. They’ll also be able to tell you which options simply won’t work for you. That said, your input matters, as well. Here are some questions to go over before you approve the final solution:
- Do aesthetics matter? Are you okay with turbines or box vents, or do you prefer a more streamlined look?
- A wired vent will use more electricity but will run consistently. Would you choose that or a more energy-efficient option like a wind-powered vent?
- What about prices? Will some vents cost more to purchase? You will notice that installation costs also vary, as well.
If you take all of these things into consideration along with your roofer’s advice, you should find the perfect ventilation solution.
Getting Help with Your Roof Ventilation System
Should you notice any issues with your roof, Beemer Kangaroof only a call or click away. We’ll schedule someone to look closely at your roof and attic, including its ventilation system. If anything is wrong, we’ll send out a crew to get the issue fixed immediately.